Archive of Our Own ^beta

Chapter Text

Two figures could be seen walking through the countryside of Camelot, headed down the path which would take them straight to the city and the castle of Camelot itself; their destination. The young boy walked almost with a skip in his step, and a smile on his face which seemed to make his blue eyes shine even brighter. Beside him walked a girl. She could be seen from miles away for her bright red hair looked as if it were a burning pyre.

She was quite an unusual sight. She bore the beauty of any noble woman in all of the world, but dressed as a commoner, and with a sword on her hip many eyes turned towards her as they passed by people. But neither of the two payed them any mind. Arwen and Merlin had gotten quite used to the looks that she would get. Merlin always managed to tease his sister of the looks she got for her beauty, but she had never let it get to her head or make her overly confident.

While Arwen knew she was beautiful, she never thought of it as something that put her ahead of anyone, especially other women as many people continuously pointed out. She had always been a kind and generous person, and the people of her village loved her for it. Ever since she came to Ealdor they had always taken care of her, and once she was old enough, she made sure to repay everything they had done for her to the best of her ability.

Especially to Hunith, who had raised as if she were her own child. Arwen was aware of the fact that neither Hunith nor Merlin were her blood, and since she had never known her family, she found it within them. Sometimes she did wonder about who her parents were and what had happened to them, but she knew that if given the chance she wouldn’t change the family she had now. Her blue eyes looked up to Merlin’s face as he admired the castle, the gate of which they had just passed through, a large smile on his face. Just seeing his excitement, made Arwen smile as well.

They were on the brink of a new adventure. Coming to Camelot was the best choice for the both of them. Arwen had always shown interest in the art of healing, and wanted to help others with it, so when the decision was made for Merlin to go live with Camelot’s court physician Gaius, Hunith had managed to organize the same for Arwen. Gaius was of old age, and it had become hard for him to run around the city of Camelot on many of the errands that his job required of him. It took only one conversation with the King for him to be able to hire an apprentice.

The sight of a large crowd managed to get the attention of the two newcomers, and while Arwen had no intention of joining it, seeing Merlin walk towards it made her give out a sigh as she rushed after him. They stood side by side as the sound of drums reached their ears, watching as a man was lead out into the square by a pair of knights. They lead him to a small podium in the center of the crowd as a voice from one of the balconies of the castle made Arwen look up to find the King himself addressing the crowd.

“Let this serve as a lesson to all. This man, Thomas James Collins, is adjudged guilty of conspiring to use enchantments and magic. And, pursuant to the laws of Camelot, I, Uther Pendragon, have decreed that such practices are banned on penalty of death. I pride myself as a fair and just king, but for the crime of sorcery, there is but one sentence I can pass.” The cold voice of Uther Pendragon rang through the square as he spoke, everyone’s focus completely devoted to him during the short speech.

As he raised his hand, and the drums sounded once more, the executioner rose the axe meant to end the man’s life into the air. Arwen found herself forced to look away as the sharp weapon was swung, not wanting to watch the death of a man right in front of her. Every time the consequences of magic and punishments for its practice were mentioned, she couldn’t stop her mind from creating images of Merlin being the one to face those punishments. And she knew if she watched this execution pass, it would just make those images more realistic and easier to create within her mind’s eye. The gasp of the crowd was what let her know that the deed was done. She could feel a hand wrap around her own and didn’t need to look to know whose it was. Merlin knew how much his sister worried for him, and now he was wishing he didn’t give in to his curiosity, for if he had restrained himself, she wouldn’t have had to worry once more.

“When I came to this land, this kingdom was mired in chaos, but with the people's help magic was driven from the realm. So I declare a festival to celebrate twenty years since the Great Dragon was captured and Camelot freed from the evil of sorcery. Let the celebrations begin.” Arwen looked back up to the King, and found herself frowning as she listened to his words. She couldn’t find herself understanding how the genocide caused by the Great Purge should be something that is celebrated. Arwen herself was born two years after the Purge, and while she had not witnessed any of it, the stories were enough to make her aware of all the horrors that Uther had put so many innocents through.

The sound of heartbroken wailing spreading through the crowd made Uther stop in his attempt to walk away from the balcony he stood on. Instead he looked into the crowd, as the people who surrounded the wailing woman parted ways allowing her to be seen by the people in the square as well as the King from his perch.

“There is only one evil in this land, and it is not magic! It is you! With your hatred and your ignorance! You took my son!” The woman cried, and Arwen could only try to imagine the pain she was going through. She had often spoken with Hunith about their shared worry for Merlin and his gifts, but Arwen knew that even the clearly described words of a mother, were unable to fathom what the grey haired mother was going through in that moment. “And I promise you, before these celebrations are over, you will share my tears. An eye for an eye, a tooth for a tooth, a son for a son.” In her anger and pain, the mother of Thomas James Collins glared at Uther a she spoke her threats. Knights tried to reach the woman and seize her as commanded by their King, but before anything could be done, her chants rang through the crowd as she disappeared in a mist of smoke and wind.

“Merlin, please can we go?” Arwen’s eyes looked up to Merlin as she squeezed his hand in hoped of getting his attention away from the spot where the Collins woman previously stood. Seeing the fear in his sister’s eyes, Merlin only gave a small nod before pulling on her hand as they moved through the now dispersing crowd. They made their way towards the palace entrance, but before they did, Arwen pulled on Merlin’s hand forcing both of them to come to a stop and for him to give her a questioning look.

“Merlin, I know both Hunith and I have already made you say it a thousand times over, but promise me you will be careful now that we are here. If anyone sees what you can do, I do not wish to think of what may happen.” Arwen’s small voice made Merlin’s heart clench. He always admired the strength she held. It was like Arwen wasn’t scared of anything; she spoke her mind whenever she found injustice, and even though she was younger than him, she had always been his fiercest protector. But Merlin knew better than that. One of the rare things that scared that scared her were his gifts. Not because as she saw them as something bad, not at all, but because she knew what may happen to him because of them.

“I promise, everything will be alright.” He told her gently, squeezing her hand in reassurance as he placed a light kiss to the top of her head. “Now come on, how about we find someone who can point us in the direction of Gaius’ chambers?” He asked, wanting to get Arwen’s mind off of her worry and back to the task at hand. After a nod of agreement coming from her, the two made their way into the palace and managed to stop one of the passing knights who was able to tell them in which direction they would find the court physician’s chambers.

Soon enough, they found themselves there. But as they entered the room filed with books, herbs, pots and bottled potions, the man was nowhere in sight forcing the two to call out his name in search. But as they saw him, high among one of the shelves, Arwen’s eyes widened as she watched the man fall down to the ground, startled by their entry. Before she could blink, time slowed down and a bed which stood on the other side of the room, quickly moved, just in time to break the court physician’s fall. Arwen’s head snapped towards Merlin, just in time to see the golden glow fade from his eyes. In a flash, she moved towards the door of the chambers which they had left open upon their entry. She quickly closed them after making sure nobody was around to see what had just happened. But she knew Merlin wasn’t in the clear just yet as she quickly turned to look at Gaius as he got up from the bed which he had fallen on.

“What did you just do?” Gaius’ voice rang through the silent room and the siblings found themselves sharing a worried look as Merlin tried to answer while stumbling over his words. “Tell me!” Gaius demanded, his eyes moving between the two strangers in his chambers.

“I- I- I have no idea what happened.” Merlin tried to lie, but he had never been that good at it, so Gaius was able to see right past him.

“If anyone had seen that…” Gaius spoke in worry as he looked between the spot where the bed was previously and where it had ended up. His eyes snapped back to Merlin as the boy spoke defensively.

“Er, no! That- that was, that was nothing to do with me. That- that was...” Merlin tried to find an explanation he could give Gaius, but stopped short as he was unable to come up with any lie that would be believable enough.

“I know what it was! I just want to know where you learned how to do it?” Gaius questioned, his eyes now focused on Merlin as it quickly became obvious he was the one trying to get out of the trouble he may have put himself in. Arwen walked back to her brother’s side, unsure of how the situation will develop. She was ready to run with him at a moment’s notice.

“Nowhere.” Merlin quickly replied, this time with the truth. During their childhood, every bit of magic always came to him naturally, with no study or knowledge of how it works.

“So how is it you know magic?” Gaius questioned irritated by the lack of answers he was getting from the strangers in his chambers.

“I don't.” Merlin said, wanting more than anything to finish this conversation. But to his, as well as Arwen’s dismay, Gaius wasn’t going to let it go that easily.

“Where did you study?” Gaius questioned, hoping to determine who this boy and girl were. If anyone had seen that, or if he was caught even speaking with sorcerers, Uther would have all their heads. “Answer me!” He exclaimed once he received no answer.

“I- I've never studied magic or, or been taught.” Merlin answered, flustered by the fact he wasn’t getting out of this situation. Only moments before he had promised Arwen everything would be fine, and he would hate it to have to break that promise so soon after.

“Are you lying to me, boy?” Gaius gave Merlin a questioning look. Arwen could understand the court physician’s distrust. Magic, as well as the King’s hatred for it, were feared all over the Kingdom of Camelot. He was only being careful.

“He’s not.” Arwen replied this time, because while she could understand Gaius’ skepticism, she was getting agitated by the situation. All she wanted was to know what the man planned to do now, she wanted all the time she could have to get Merlin out of the city if it turned out to be necessary.

“What do you want me to say?” Merlin asked desperately, wanting to reassure this man that he was no threat. He wanted for this to end well. Yes he feared for himself, but he knew that if any of what had just happened managed to reach the King, Arwen would be in the same amount of trouble as him. He couldn’t bear the thought of her paying for something he had done.

“The truth!” Gaius exclaimed with finality, making Merlin realize there was no more room for lying or trying to dismiss the situation.

“I was born like this!” Merlin stated openly, not knowing how unbelievable his words sounded to the physician.

“That’s impossible!” Gaius exclaimed in disbelief, his eyes moving back to the bed before he realized one crucial piece of information was missing. “Who are you?” His eyes turned back towards Merlin and moved between him and Arwen as he waited for an answer.

“Oh, erm...” Merlin fumbled with his backpack as he tried to reach the pocket in which the letter Hunith had written for Gaius was packed. With a small sigh, Arwen stopped his hands as she unbuckled the pocket herself and handed the letter to Gaius while Merlin spoke. “We have this letter.”

“I don’t have my glasses.” Gaius stated as he accepted the letter from Arwen, he tried to look around the room in search of them, but his attempt was proven unsuccessful as his eyes focused back on the two of them.

“I’m Merlin, and this is my sister, Arwen.” Merlin said, hoping that it would be enough for Gaius to be satisfied.

“Hunith’s children?” Gaius’ eyes widened in realization as he asked.

“Yes.” Arwen replied with a smile on her face, happy that for the moment Gaius was forgetting about the incident with magic and focusing on something else.

“But you’re not meant to be here until Wednesday?” Gaius questioned them, making a confused look pass between Arwen and Merlin before they looked back to the elderly man.

“Uh Gaius, it is Wednesday…” Arwen spoke gently, making the court physician realize that she was right. He was so busy these last few days preparing everything for their arrival that he had managed to lose all track of the days as they passed.

“Ah, alright then. You better put your bags in there.” Gaius stated, pointing towards the door behind him. With a small smile of gratitude sent towards the man, Arwen followed after Merlin as they started to make their way in the direction of the door. However, as she passed by Gaius, she stopped for a moment, her eyes turning to him as she spoke.

“You won’t say anything about the… uh… incident?” She asked timidly, her eyes glancing up towards the broken railing of the bookshelf from which he had fallen. Her eyes were pleading as she looked back to Gaius.

“Arwen has nothing to do with any of it, please.” Merlin too pleaded, knowing the severity of the consequences should Gaius speak of it to anyone.

“No.” Gaius replied shortly, seeing the worry in the eyes of the children. His eyes soon turned to Merlin as he spoke up once again. “Although, Merlin, I should say thank you.” Gaius said with a small quirk of his lips that seemed to take all of the weight off of their shoulders as they made their way to the room where they were to leave their things.

With both Merlin and Arwen sound asleep in their room, each in their own bed, resting after their long journey, Gaius finally found the time to read the letter which they had brought with them from their mother. With the candle shining down on the piece of paper, Gaius put his glasses on coming face to face with Hunith’s handwriting.

My dear Gaius,

I turn to you for I feel lost and alone and don't know who to trust. It is every mother's fate to think her child is special, and yet I would give my life that Merlin were not so. Ours is a small village and he is so clearly at odds with people here that, if he were to remain, I fear what would become of him. He needs a hand to hold, a voice to guide, someone that might help him find a purpose for his gifts.

And my lovely Arwen. She may not be mine by blood, but she is the daughter any mother would wish for. And once more, so special, with a future ahead of her that could change the Kingdom. You know that I took her in after the poor child’s guardian was attacked by bandits near our village. With this letter, I give you another, one written for Arwen by her mother when she sent her away from her home. Give it to her on her twentieth birthday. I know it is a big secret to keep, and I am asking much from you. I can only hope that you see it within your heart to protect both of my children for I would be lost should anything happen to one of them.

I beg you, if you understand a mother's love for her children, keep them safe, and may God save you all.

Hunith was true in her words. Gaius did know of how Arwen came to live with the Ambrosius family. However, whenever questions of Arwen’s origins and parentage arose, Hunith always spoke as if she knew nothing of it. With confusion wrapping through his mind, Gaius reached for the second letter, and opened it up seeing a handwriting he thought he recognized but couldn’t place. However as he read the words, he quickly realized who it was from. Surprise consumed him as he realized who Arwen truly was. He couldn’t imagine what Uther would do should he find out who his new apprentice was. He remembered her parents, and their kindness they showed to all, independent of station or belief. They were people he would even dare have called his friends before they passed. And because of that he knew that he would keep Arwen’s secret and disclose it to her once the time came.

The next morning, Arwen awoke to the feeling of sunlight shining down on her face. The sound of shuffling caught her attention as she looked to her brother who was pulling on his brown jacket. Their room was small, with two cots cramped into it with a small wooden crate nestled between them. Arwen didn’t mind, after all, it was the first time since she could remember that she was sleeping on an actual bed. Back home in Ealdor, both she and Merlin insisted that Hunith be the one to occupy the only bed in their home. Compared to sleeping on the floor, the room they were given in Gaius’ chambers was quite a luxury.

“Good morning sleepy head.” Merlin greeted her with a large smile once he noticed her sitting up in her bed. She returned smile happily as she got out of bed and moved around to get ready for the day. She may have entered Camelot with her sword on her hip, Arwen saw no reason to carry it around. It wasn’t in her job description, and with so many knights patrolling the streets she didn’t think it would be necessary even if trouble should arise. The two made their way out of the room, to find Gaius already awake and moving around his chambers hard at work.

“I got you water. You didn't wash last night.” Gaius spoke to Merlin, pointing to the bucket which was placed on the edge of the wooden table.

“Sorry.” Merlin apologized, feeling guilty that Gaius had to go do that himself only because he had forgotten.

“Help yourself to breakfast.” Gaius told them, pointing towards two bowls placed on the table. Both Merlin and Arwen took a seat at the table and Merlin found himself frowning down on the watery porridge. Arwen shook her head at him with an amused smile as she scooped come up and took a bite. It wasn’t the most delicious of meals, but she had never been picky about her food so she didn’t mind it too much. It would keep her going through the day and that was what mattered.

Her amusement however quickly diminished as she watched Gaius push the bucket of water off of the table. Thinking the action was incidental, Merlin quickly stood from his seat, his eyes glowing gold as he stopped the water in the middle of its fall. A surprised look passed between the sorcerer and court physician, and all Arwen could do was watch as Merlin’s concentration broke and the bucket fell to the floor with the water creating a large puddle.

“How did you do that? Did you incant a spell in your mind?” Gaius asked, sounding truly interested. This time Arwen wasn’t as worried, because Gaius had made it clear he wouldn’t say anything and she suspected he only did what he did to stifle his own curiosities. So as Merlin answered, she too stood from her seat and moved around, grabbing hold of the mop which was in the corner of the chambers, ready to clean up the mess.

“I don’t know any spells.” Merlin answered honestly all the while approaching Arwen and taking the mop from her hands. He could’ve focused to make sure that the fallen bucket made no mess at all, so since he didn’t, he felt it only right to clean it up himself. Neither of them were going to make Gaius do it, even if he was the one to spill the water.

“So what did you do? There must be something.” Gaius spoke, intrigued by the boy’s abilities. He hoped there would be some explanation for what he was able to do, but neither of the siblings could give him one.

“It just happens.” Merlin said as he began cleaning the puddle off the floor, allowing Arwen to return to her breakfast.

“Well, we better keep you out of trouble. You can help Arwen and me, until I find some paid work for you.” Gaius said, before moving towards the work he was doing before Merlin and Arwen entered the room. “Here. Hollyhock and Feverfew for Lady Percival, and this is for Sir Olwin. He's as blind as a weevil, so warn him not to take it all at once. You two can take it to them together, get to know the town a bit better.” Gaius spoke as he placed a small sack and a bottle filled with an orange potion in it on the table next to Merlin.

“Okay.” Merlin said in understanding and moved back towards his seat, ready to continue with his breakfast. However, Gaius stopped him with a smile as he moved over and handed both Merlin and Arwen two plates holding sandwiches with meat and cheese in between the bread loaves.

“Here.” He said as he handed Merlin one of the plates and placed the other in front of Arwen as he took away her bowl of porridge. Merlin’s distaste was much more obvious than Arwen’s, but he knew she too certainly wasn’t too happy.

“Thank you Gaius.” Arwen said with a big smile, one that could also be found on Merlin’s face as he sat down at the table and started to dig into his food with pleasure.

Once they were finished with their breakfast, Arwen and Merlin got around to doing the tasks given to them by Gaius. In the end, they divided the duties amongst themselves. Merlin went to the home of Sir Olwin, while Arwen went to the chambers of Lady Percival to deliver the small pouch Gaius had provided them with. Arwen knew her herbs well enough to be able to conclude that the woman was most likely suffering from a cold and hoped that the medicine would be able to help her.

Once she had managed to successfully deliver it, she moved through the palace, ready to head to the drawbridge where she and Merlin had agreed to meet. Knowing that she had plenty of time to get there, Arwen took her time admiring the beauty of the palace as she passed through its many halls. However, in her distraction, she managed to bump into another figure just as she rounded a corner. Recovering from the collision, Arwen’s eyes looked into a pair of bright green ones that expressed the same surprise as she suspected her own did.

“I am so sorry my lady, I was not looking where I was going.” Arwen wasn’t sure who exactly she was speaking with, but from the lovely dress and expensive jewellery worn by the black haired beauty, it didn’t take much for Arwen to realize she must be a lady of the court.

“It’s quite alright, no harm was done.” The lady smiled at Arwen warmly, and the smile made her seem even more beautiful in that moment. “Are you alright?” She asked as her eyes scanned over Arwen with slight concern.

“Yes, my lady.” Ariadne gave her a polite smile as she spoke. Her interactions with nobility have never been too long or frequent, for even the rulers of Essetir never bothered to wander to their village so she was feeling quite self-conscious at the moment.

“I don’t think I’ve seen you before, are you new to Camelot?” The woman asked with genuine interest as she looked at Arwen, trying to remember whether she had ever seen her before.

“I am my lady, I have recently been appointed as the court physician apprentice.” Arwen replied honestly, a smile not leaving her face. She didn’t know who exactly the woman was, but she found herself admiring her kindness. It was rare for those of noble birth to be openly polite and kind towards those of lower station.

“Ah, of course. I remember Gaius making a strong case for you to be hired. He already has great confidence in your skill.” Arwen found herself feeling the heat rush to her cheeks as she was pretty sure most of what Gaius knew of her skill had come from Hunith who must’ve exaggerated her capabilities in a moment of pride.

“Well I can only hope not to disappoint him.” Arwen said humbly making the woman’s smile widen.

“What’s your name?” She asked Arwen with interest.

“Arwen my lady.” She answered quickly and respectfully. She knew the woman she was speaking with must be of high stature if she were allowed to be there as Gaius spoke to the King of her hiring.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you Arwen, I’m Morgana.” Arwen was surprised that of all the ladies and courtiers she could’ve found herself bumping into, she collided with the King’s ward of all people.

“The pleasure is all mine, my lady.” Arwen spoke honestly, and it was true. When she first set of for Camelot, the last thing she expected was to be speaking to such high nobility.

“I won’t keep you from your duties, but I do hope to speak with you more Arwen.” Morgana said with a smile on her face, not wanting Arwen to remain speaking with her out of sense of duty if she had anywhere else to be.

“I’m sure there will be time my lady.” Arwen stated and with a small curtsey bid the beautiful woman farewell before making her way to the drawbridge. Merlin should be there by now, and she didn’t want to keep him waiting for too long.

She moved through the courtyard of the palace, and was just about to pass by the training grounds where many of the knights were laughing, but in her rush, Arwen didn’t bother looking to see what was so funny. However, a familiar voice made her stop short as her eyes flashed to the edge of the training area.

“Hey, come on, that's enough.” Looking over to where she had heard him speak, Arwen found herself shocked to see her brother addressing the knights that seemed to have been messing around with one of the servants helping them in their training.

“What?” One of the knights asked in surprise as he looked at Merlin. Arwen couldn’t deny that he was quite handsome. His blonde hair was messy from the training and slightly fell into his blue eyes. However, she didn’t get too much time to admire his good looks as she watched him approach Merlin. She could only hope he would be wise enough to walk away and not do anything foolish.

“You’ve had your fun, my friend.” Merlin said making Arwen give out a sigh as the knight continued to approach Merlin with a questioning look in his bright blue eyes.

“Do I know you?” The blonde asked as he stopped to stand in front of Merlin and the servant who watched on, leaving the target to remain on the ground by his feet.

“I’m Merlin.” He tried to extend his hand to the knight, but he wouldn’t have it.

“So I don’t know you?” The knight asked once again, starting to look as if he were amused by Merlin’s actions. And as Merlin confirmed his suspicions, the knight continued to speak. “And yet you called me friend.”

“That was my mistake.” Merlin said and Arwen let out a breath as she thought he would take his chance to walk away now.

“Yes, I think so.” The blonde haired knight said with a smug smirk on his lips. Arwen did admit he was handsome, but his personality was beginning to make her distaste for him flourish.

“Yeah, I’d never have a friend who could be such an ass.” Merlin said tauntingly.

“Of course you wouldn’t keep your mouth shut you idiot.” Arwen mumbled to herself with a small groan, quickly starting to make her way towards the pair, knowing that if she didn’t intervene, Merlin would get himself into trouble without even thinking.

“Or I one who could be so stupid.” The knight taunted back, making Merlin stop his movements as he tried to walk away from the scene. This only made Arwen increase her speed. “Tell me, Merlin, do you know how to walk on your knees?”

“No.” Merlin replied, obviously getting agitated by the knight.

“Would you like me to help you?” The knight asked as he and Merlin now once more stood facing each other.

“I wouldn’t if I were you.” Merlin replied with a smirk on his face, just as Arwen finally reached the two of them and grabbed on to Merlin’s arm.

“Merlin, stop this. Let’s go, I’m sure there’s more duties we need to attend to.” Arwen ignored the blonde haired knight, and all of the others whose eyes were now focused on her. She knew she would probably shrink away from all of their stares, but right now that would be of no help to Merlin.

“What are you going to do to me? You should listen to your friend, she at least seems to have some brains.” The knight snickered as he expected Merlin to cower away.

“You have no idea.” Merlin said, and while the knights didn’t know what he meant by that, Arwen surely did and it made her eyes widen in panic.

“Merlin!” She exclaimed scoldingly, pulling on his hand as she tried to pry his attention away from the knight. “Please, let’s just go.”

“Be my guest! Come on! Come on! Come oooooon.” The knight continued to push Merlin’s buttons, and no matter how much Arwen tried to pull him away, at that point it became hopeless as his free hand removed hers from his arm before he tried to swing at the knight who easily stopped him. The action made Arwen gasp in surprise, her hands covering her mouth as her wide eyes could only watch. She knew stepping in between them would only make the situation worse. “I’ll have you thrown in jail for that.” The knight stated, and Arwen’s worry only grew tenfold.

“What? Who do you think you are, the King?” Merlin questioned the man.

“Merlin that is enough!” Arwen tried to warn him, hoping that the knight would be lenient enough to let him go if Merlin gave up the fight. One he obviously had no chance of winning.

“No, I am his son. Arthur.” The knight finally told Merlin, and as she watched two guards approach him, Arwen knew that the knight, no the prince, would make good on his promise of throwing her brother in jail. She watched as he was led away with despair in her eyes, knowing that there was nothing she could do to help him now. With one last idea on her mind, she turned to the prince who was about to return to his training.

“My lord, please, my brother does not think before he speaks. Had he known who you were I am sure he wouldn’t have said any of that. I apologize for what he had said and done.” Arwen tried to plead with the prince whose eyes were now focused on her.

Arthur, was surprised as she called Merlin her brother. Not only did she seem much smarter than him, but they also looked nothing alike. The only shared feature among them were the bright blue eyes, but aside from that there was no way to connect them. Unlike Merlin, the girl standing before him was an undeniable beauty, with her fiery red hair that only brought out her sharp features even more. He looked to her eyes, and saw the worry for her brother very clearly in them.

“Perhaps your brother should learn to think before he speaks, your apologies are not the ones that can help him now.” Arthur stated, while he admired the woman for trying to help her brother, he couldn’t forget the insulting nature of their conversation. A night in the cells would surely do him good.

Arwen watched as the prince walked away, making it very clear to her that there was nothing she could say that would be of help to Merlin. So she went to the only other person she knew that could possibly help him now. She let her quick steps carry her away from the training grounds and back to the physician’s chambers in hope of Gaius being able to do more than she had. In her haste, she didn’t notice a pair of blue eyes watching her walk away with curiosity and wonder.

Now that she knew he would be fine, Arwen took great joy in standing on the side as she watched Merlin being pelted with rotten fruit by the children in the lower town. While Gaius may have been able to secure his release from the cells, it did not come without consequences. And Arwen thought Merlin quite deserved what he got for almost giving her a heart attack the day before. As the children ran out of food and hurried off to get some more, Arwen approached the stocks.

“Having fun?” She asked him with a smirk on her face as she stood beside him, not wanting to get too close to the food covered stocks.

“Obviously not as much as you.” Merlin answered her sarcastically, making her give out a small laugh. He craned his neck enough so that he could send her a small glare, but before either of them had a chance to say anything else, another figure approached them, making both of them look up to the dark skinned girl.

“I'm Guinevere, but most people call me Gwen. I'm the Lady Morgana's maid.” The girl introduced herself with a smile as she looked between Arwen and down to Merlin.

“Right, I’m Merlin.” He introduced himself, twisting his hand that was closest to Gwen at an awkward angle so that Gwen could shake it. “Although most people just call me idiot.”

“Me especially.” Arwen replied to him before turning back to Gwen with a polite smile on her face. “It’s nice to meet you Gwen, I’m Arwen.” She too extended her hand, this time it was much easier for Gwen to shake it.

“I saw what you did, it was so brave.” Gwen told Merlin, sharing her honest opinion of what she had thought of his interaction with Prince Arthur.

“It was stupid.” Merlin said, and Arwen found herself happy that he realized the fault in his actions. Perhaps a bit late, but at least he realized it. It gave her hope that he won’t do it again.

“Well, I'm glad you walked away. You weren't going to beat him.” Gwen said, making Arwen give out a small laugh as she interjected.

“More like he was dragged away.” She recalled the events of the day prior. Merlin sent her a small glare, but said nothing as his eyes turned back to Gwen.

“I-I can beat him.” He tried to convince her. Arwen’s laughter burst through the area as she watched Gwen’s eyes scan over Merlin’s body in a questioning manner as if she wasn’t believing what he was telling her.

“You think?” She asked him with doubt in her voice, and Arwen found the situation possibly even more amusing than Merlin being pelted with fruit. “Because you don't look like one of these big, muscle-y kind of fellows.” Gwen said.

“Thanks.” Merlin said, sarcasm evident in his voice as Gwen’s words weren’t much of a compliment.

“No! No, I'm sure you're stronger than you look. It's just, erm... Arthur's one of these real rough, tough, save the world kind of men, and... Well...” Gwen tried to find a way to rephrase her words to make them seem less insulting, but found herself at a loss.

“What?” Merlin asked with a suspicious look on his face.

“Merlin, she’s trying to say you look like a twig.” Arwen interjected before Gwen could continue. Merlin shook his head, expecting nothing less from Arwen who had always enjoyed teasing him. He motioned for Gwen to come closer, choosing to ignore his sister as he spoke.

“I’m in disguise.” Merlin whispered to her, making both the women give out a laugh of amusement.

“Well it’s great you stood up to him.” Gwen stated once their laughter had died down. Merlin’s actions may not have been well thought out, but she still admired him for doing it.

“What? You think so?” Merlin asked, unable to hide the small smile of pride that spread across his face after hearing Gwen’s opinion.

“Arthur’s a bully, and everyone thought you were a real hero.” Gwen confirmed her words, and Arwen could already see Merlin’s ego inflating at the words.

“Oh yeah?” Merlin asked, and were he not completely covered in rotten fruit, Arwen would’ve hit him across the head. All Gwen did was nod, and luckily enough there was not much more time to speak any further as the children returned to their positions.

“Oh, excuse me ladies, my fans are waiting.” Merlin stated, pointing towards the amassed children that were already to throw the fruit his way. Seeing the same, Gwen quickly picked up her baskets and started to walk off with Arwen following after her.

“I fear what you said may get to his head a bit too much.” Arwen said as she and Gwen found themselves walking through the streets.

“I thought he deserved some thanks for what he did.” Gwen admitted, and Arwen found herself laughing as she did agree. From what she had seen of Prince Arthur during their short interaction, it did look like someone should stand up to him. He seemed like an arrogant pig.

Arwen was moving through the streets of the lower town, she had just ran another errand for Gaius and had taken a potion to one of the inn keepers who had aching joints. She was on her way back to the physician’s chambers, as she had promised Gaius to help him brew some of the sleeping potions that many people within Camelot used to help them sleep.

The sounds of a commotion caught her attention and made her round a corner in curiosity. She was used to the calm and peaceful life of Ealdor, and in Camelot it seemed there was some excitement every day at least once. She watched as a crowd gathered around what seemed to be a fight. She shook her head, scolding the pride of men, and she was about to walk away when she saw a familiar head of black hair.

“Are you kidding me?!” She exclaimed to herself as only moments later, she saw another figure, this time a blonde, pursue after him. She began to push her way through the crowd, managing to come to the front just in time to see Merlin fall to the ground and Arthur start approaching him with a mace. She was about to rush over to help her brother, but with her direct view of Merlin she was stopped short as she saw the golden glow of his eyes. It was only for a second, but that was enough to make rage spark up in Arwen. As if it weren’t enough she watched him do it again, this time forcing Arthur to trip over a rope he had tightened in his way.

As Arthur fell, Merlin took his chance to jump back onto his feet and pick up the fallen mace this time approaching Arthur as he was the one swinging it. It made Arthur start backing away from Merlin. This time he tripped without Merlin’s magical aid, and fell to the crowd. Merlin had a large smile on his face, however, as his eyes scanned over the crowd he saw Gaius in the back of it giving him a look of disapproval. However, the next thing he saw was far scarier. In the front of the crowd stood Arwen, and the murderous glare she was giving him made him consider that being thrown in a cell once more would be better than facing her wrath.

Distracted by the presence of Arwen and Gaius, Merlin didn’t have time to react as Arthur attacked him from behind, managing to once more knock him off his feet and down to the ground. He didn’t stay there long. Quickly after, the guards grabbed hold of his arms and pulled him to his feet. Before they could drag him away to a cell, Arthur stopped them.

“Wait. Let him go. He may be an idiot, but he's a brave one. There's something about you, Merlin. I can't quite put my finger on it.” Arthur spoke, sending Merlin an intrigued look. Before either one of them had a chance to move or say anything, Arthur saw a ball of fire approach them from the corner of his eye and he found himself standing and watching as Arwen unleashed her wrath on Merlin.

“How big of an idiot can you be?!” She asked him loudly, and the crowd found themselves laughing as she smacked him across the head before pulling on his sleeve harshly as she started leading him away from the crowd. But even then, Arthur still had the pleasure of hearing her yell at her brother as her angry voice rang through the street. “We’ve been here for less than a week and you’ve already managed to cause more trouble than you have during your whole damn life, Merlin! How could you be so foolish?!” The Prince of Camelot found himself laughing at the scolding Merlin was getting, even though he had considered throwing him in the cells for what he had done again, he decided leaving him to go through his sister’s scolding would be a much more fitting punishment. For in that moment, Arthur realized that Arwen’s anger was a fiery storm nobody would ever wish to be on the other end of.

Arwen and Merlin followed after Gaius as their party of three entered the banquet hall where Uther’s celebratory feast was being held. With it being the first time ever that Arwen was to be at such an event, she tried her best to look presentable. She knew her dress wouldn’t compare to those worn by the ladies of the court, however, it was a bit more elegant than the other two she had and wore for her everyday duties.

This dress was green, and had black laces across the bodice. It was quite beautiful, and from beside her, Merlin didn’t remain oblivious to multiple knights turning her way as their eyes followed her while she walked beside him. As always, his sister didn’t even notice, and instead focused on her conversation with Gaius who suggested he introduce her to some of his most frequent customers that were present at the feast.

Merlin was left alone as they walked away, his eyes focused on Arthur as he laughed alongside some of the knights. Merlin was about to roll his eyes at the arrogant prince, however, his sights were quickly drawn elsewhere as he, along with every other man in the room, was captivated by the sight of Morgana entering the hall looking like a goddess. Sooner than he wished, his attention was broken as Gwen approached him and spoke up. What he didn’t notice was the eyes of his sister watching him as a knowing smile appeared on her lips.

Not too long after their arrival it was time for the members of the court to take their seats around the room, while the servants moved to the side of the room as the King himself entered, grabbing everyone’s attention as he walked to the front of the room.

“We have enjoyed twenty years of peace and prosperity. It has brought the kingdom and myself many pleasures, but few can compare with the honour of introducing Lady Helen of Mora.” The King spoke, and Arwen frowned for a moment, she knew about the wars Uther had entered after the Great Purge, which made his statement of a twenty year peace false, but she knew she was in no position to correct him. Instead she clapped alongside everyone else as the King took a seat, and the music began to play.

Arwen found herself watching as Lady Helen sang. It was a language she could not understand, but still she found it soothing and peaceful. Because of that Arwen didn’t even notice as she began falling into a deep sleep. Merlin who was just beginning to realize the darkness that had overtook the room as people began falling asleep, managed to catch Arwen in his arms as sleep fell upon her too. Quickly setting her down against the wall, he covered his ears and focused his attention on the singing woman.

He watched as she walked towards the royal table, her eyes completely focused on Arthur rendering her unable to notice that there was one person aside from herself still awake. And as Merlin noticed the dagger which she pulled from her sleeve, it would prove to be her downfall. Thinking quickly, Merlin’s eyes flashed gold as he focused on the chandelier hanging above Lady Helen. And just as she raised her hand, ready to send the dagger towards the Prince of Camelot, the chandelier dropped on top of her. With her singing silenced, the people around the room began waking and removing the cobwebs which had fallen upon them as if they had been sleeping for years.

Arwen looked around herself in confusion, quickly making her way to Gaius’ side as she noticed him sitting on one of the steps. She didn’t remember falling asleep, and she definitely remembered that the banquet hall wasn’t in such disarray. As she helped the elderly man stand back to his feet, her eyes quickly caught on to the sight which would be the explanation of what had happened. In her clothes, instead of Lady Helen, lay Mary Collins, the mother of the man who was executed on the day of Merlin and Arwen’s arrival to Camelot. She had promised Uther to make him pay for killing her son, and had the chandelier not fallen on top of her, Arwen suspected she would have been successful in her attempt to fulfil that promise.

Before anyone could fully comprehend the scene, Mary moved quickly, reaching for her dagger and managing to throw it with astonishing precision right at the heart of Prince Arthur. Unable to stop himself, Merlin’s eyes flashed gold as he slowed the time around them and rushed towards Arthur, managing to pull him out of the way of the dagger just in the nick of time. The two fell down to the floor as the dagger imbedded itself in Arthur’s seat. Merlin’s quick actions were the only thing that saved his life.

The knowledge of that made Arthur give Merlin a surprised look as the two of them got back to their feet as the King approached them. Arwen made her way to Merlin’s side, scanning him over to check whether he had been harmed in any way.

“You saved my boy's life. A debt must be repaid.” Uther spoke, and his voice held a great deal of gratitude, something Arwen didn’t think him capable of.

“Oh, well…” Merlin started to shake his head, shrinking back before the eyes of both the King and the Prince as they looked at him in surprise and gratitude.

“Don’t be so modest. You shall be rewarded.” Uther continued to insist, and Arwen found herself looking at her brother with a proud smile.

“No, honestly, you don't have to, Your Highness.” Merlin said humbly, trying to assure the King that he required nothing in return for his actions.

“No, absolutely. This merits something quite special.” The King refused to give in.

“Well…” Merlin didn’t know what to say, but the thought of a reward didn’t seem all that bad after hearing Uther’s words.

“You shall be rewarded a position in the royal household. You shall be Prince Arthur's manservant.” Uther exclaimed happily, and the people around the room began to clap in congratulations. Unlike the many people surrounding them, Arwen found herself trying, and failing, to stifle her laughter as she observed the faces of both her brother and the prince. They both shared a look of complete displeasure at the news, and it only made her laugh more.

“Oh, this will be so fun.” This time it was her who didn’t think before she spoke, and it resulted with two pairs of blue eyes giving her a glare. However, while in any other occasion she probably would’ve shrunk under the Prince’s stare, right now it only made her laugh even more.

The feast didn't continue after the attempted assassination of the Prince of Camelot, and by now Merlin and Arwen were back in their room. Merlin was staring off into the distance, thinking of all of the events that had taken place that night and how they may be connected to his destiny that the dragon had told him about. Arwen on the other hand, was reading one of the books Gaius had given her about all of the plants which grew in the vicinity of Camelot and for what they may be used. She knew most of the ones mentioned in the book, but even then, it was always good to brush up on her knowledge. Both of them were brought out of their thoughts as Gaius entered the room.

“Seems you're a hero.” The court physician spoke as he looked to where Merlin sat with a small smile on his face.

“Hard to believe, isn't it?” Merlin asked, small traces of sarcasm laced through his voice.

“No. I knew it from the moment I met you. When you saved my life, remember?” Gaius spoke genuinely, for he truly believed Merlin to be a hero, and quite brave for what he had done that night.

“Gaius is right Merlin, you should give yourself some credit.” Arwen sent a smile towards her brother. While she may tease him mercilessly, it was always clear that she would forever be in his corner supporting him.

“But...that was magic.” He said in confusion. The two of them were continuously scolding him for using his magic in the open, so he was surprised by the sudden change. Gaius gave him a small nod before speaking up.

“And now, it seems, we finally found a use for it.” The physician said, and Arwen smiled happily. All their lives, Merlin had been troubled by how he had come to possess the gift he was given. So often he questioned whether there was a reason for it, and now she was happy to finally watch him find it.

“What do you mean?” He asked in confusion, not quite catching on to Gaius’ words and their meaning.

“I saw how you saved Arthur's life.” Gaius told Merlin, unable to hide the pride in his voice as he spoke of it. Arwen had seen it too, and while it surprised her, and also slightly scared her as he had done it in front of so many people, she too was proud of him. He was using his magic for good, and that was all she ever wanted for him. Even though it could be debated how good Arthur Pendragon truly was.

“Oh, no.” Merlin’s denial kicked in once more, he had a hard time believing that he was born with magic so he could use it to help Arthur rule the kingdom in which such practices were punishable by death.

“Perhaps that's its purpose.” Gaius suggested because to him it seemed like the most noble way for Merlin to utilize his gifts; using them to protect the future King of Camelot and ensure a prosperous rule.

“My destiny.” Merlin gave out a small sigh, remembering the words spoken to him by the dragon below the castle.

“And wherever that destiny may take you, we are always going to be there to help.” Arwen said with a smile, knowing that while she may question Arthur’s ego, she would always help her brother.

“This book was given to me when I was your age, but I have a feeling it will be of more use to you than it was to me.” Gaius said, finally bringing the attention of the siblings to the object in his hands as he removed the red cloth covering its surface. As Gaius hands it to him, Merlin unlatched the locks which kept it closed and began to look through the words and passages written out in the book.

“But this is a book of magic.” He stated once he realized what he was holding, surprised that Gaius would be giving him such a thing.

“Which is why you must keep it hidden.” The man warned. While he agreed that it would be best for Merlin to learn how to use his gifts instead of hiding them away, he knew the severity of what may happen should the book be discovered.

“I will study every word.” Merlin said, gratitude seeping through his every word as he gave Gaius a large smile. Before either one of the three of them could say anything else about the book, or any other topic for that matter, the sound of knocking on the door of the physician’s chambers reached them.

“Merlin, Prince Arthur wants you right away.” Whoever was on the other side called out and didn’t bother waiting as the sound of retreating footsteps could be heard.

“Your destiny's calling. You'd better find out what he wants.” Gaius advised Merlin, who with a small sigh, but also a smile still planted on his face began making his way out of the physician’s chambers and into the castle, ready to get to his new job. As he left, Gaius and Arwen looked to each other with smiles on their faces.

“Destiny or not, I’m telling you, this will be hilarious.” She said, and Gaius couldn’t contain the small laugh that escaped him, and soon both of them were laughing as they imagined how in the world Arthur and Merlin would be able to spend so much time together without continuously fighting each other.

Chapter Text

Arwen and Gaius worked in silence, preparing potions and herbs they knew would possibly come in handy with the upcoming tournament. While Arwen had never watched a tournament before, she didn’t have to know how it goes to know that by the end of the day there will most likely be many injured knights requesting their services. Gaius said it is best to be prepared, so now Arwen found herself mixing a draught of feverfew and the bark of a willow tree. However, her concentration was soon broken as the door of the physician’s chambers opened and Merlin walked into the room, pieces of armour dropping from his hands as he walked. Both Gaius and Amber laughed at the sight of him.

“How was your first day as Arthur’s servant?” Gaius asked as his eyes scanned over Merlin and his messy state.

“Do you hear clanging?” Merlin asked as he hit himself on the head a couple of times, his face contracting into a grimace of pain and confusion that made Arwen give out yet another laugh as she set down the potion she was stirring and made her way over to him.

“Come on, let’s get all that off of you.” She said with a smile as she began to unclasp the small belts holding up the chest plate of Merlin’s armour on his shoulders. She was quickly finished with it, and Merlin was left in his tunic as half of the armour had fallen off long before. So as he sat down at the table in exhaustion, she began to massage his shoulders hoping to relieve him of some of the pain in his aching muscles.

“It was horrible! And I've still got to learn all about tournament etiquette by the morning.” Merlin whined and before either Gaius or Arwen replied, he muttered a spell, making the book which stood on the other end of the table fly towards him and open up on the pages about armour and tournaments. He didn’t notice Gaius passing by him in that exact moment, so it was a surprise as he felt a hand hit him on the head.

“Oi! What've I told you about using magic like this?” Gaius scolded the boy as he brought over a plate of food and a glass of water for Merlin.

“If I could actually feel my arms, I'd pick up the book myself.” Merlin complained, this time receiving a hit to the head from Arwen herself.

“You know there is such a thing as asking kingly for someone to hand it to you.” She reminded him, making the boy give her an apologetic smile, she did have a point.

“Never mind your arms. What do we do if you get caught?” Gaius questioned Merlin again, making the boy begin thinking.

“What would you do?” He asked Gaius curiously. He already knew what Arwen would do. She would probably defend him and fight for him to the extent where she too would be thrown in the cells. He hated even the thought of her doing something like it, but he also knew that there is no stopping her when he is in trouble.

“Well you just make sure it doesn’t happen for all our sakes.” Gaius warned him as he returned to one of his potions.

“Ah! I save Arthur from being killed and I end up as a servant. How is that fair?” Merlin questioned nobody in particular as Arwen began to stretch out his arm and hand, causing more pain than he had when entering the chambers to begin with.

“We you may not like him, but to others that would be quite the honour; to serve such a master of high importance.” Arwen commented, remembering the reactions of the people within the banquet hall once Merlin had been appointed Arthur’s man servant.

“You never know, it might be fun.” Gaius tried to add a spin of optimism on top of Arwen’s words, but it seemed futile as Merlin continued to grumble.

“You think mucking out Arthur's horses is going to be fun? You should hear my list of duties.” Merlin scoffed in despair as his eyes roamed over the large picture of armour and all of its pieces and names for them.

“We all have out duties. Even Arthur.” Gaius reminded Merlin, but his distaste for the Prince seemed to have him completely oblivious to the court physician’s words.

“It must be so tough for him with all the girls and the glory.” Merlin retorted, making Arwen give out a small laugh as she moved on to his other arm.

“He is a future king. People expect so much of him. He's under a lot of pressure.” Gaius tried again, hoping to make Merlin see that while he may not be too pleased with his new position in the royal household, it was still a great one to have.

“Ah! That makes two of us.” Merlin whined once again, although he was referring to the pressure that Arwen was now putting on one of the knots which had formed between his shoulders. It made her give out a laugh, but she didn’t say anything as she continued, looking over Merlin’s shoulder into the book which explained all about tournament etiquette and similar things. She may know how to wield a sword and fight, but she knew nothing of what was being said on the pages of that book.

Gaius insisted that for today, Arwen focused less on her duties and more on just enjoying the events of the day. He knew that since it was her first tournament, she would probably be quite excited, and that was very true. Although, she did promise that he could always count on her help. So now, she was standing to the side of the tournament grounds, right on the edge of where the knights would be fighting just so she would be able to rush over should Gaius need her help with anything.

She watched as the knights, all bearing different colours and crests, filed into the area and stood in line waiting for their King as he walked through the entrance and made his way to stand in front of the group of warriors. Arwen’s eyes found Arthur’s form among the knights and as she looked him over she turned her head to Merlin who stood beside her as she spoke.

“His armour doesn’t seem to be falling off so I take it went well?” She asked with a small smirk and a slight teasing tone.

“I forgot his sword.” Merlin mumbled quietly, and the words made Arwen give out a laugh she was unable to contain. It made many eyes turn her way, but in her amusement she didn’t notice. A pair of blue eyes in particular looked over to his servant and his sister as he heard the sound which he was becoming quite familiar with. He could only imagine why she was laughing, but before he could continue to look at her, the sound of the King’s voice broke him out of his thoughts as he turned his head to the front once more.

“Knights of the realm, it's a great honour to welcome you to a tournament at Camelot. Over the next three days, you will come to put your bravery to the test, your skills as warriors, and of course, to challenge the reigning champion, my son, Prince Arthur. Only one can have the honour of being crowned champion, and he will receive a prize of 1,000 gold pieces. It is in combat that we learn a knight's true nature, whether he is indeed a warrior or a coward. The tournament begins!” Uther spoke, and as he announced the beginning loud cheers spread through the crowd.

At his words knights filed out of the area, leaving only Arthur and one more as they prepared to fight each other. Arwen watched as Uther passed by his son, whispering something into his ear before making his way to the dais and to his own seat. Not soon after he was gone, the unnamed knight and Arthur began their fight and Arwen watched as both attacked and defended, their swords clashing loudly. Beside her Merlin cheered loudly as Arthur gained the upper hand against his opponent, and not soon after he managed to land a blow with his elbow to the man’s head, bringing him down and winning this round. Cheers and clapping rang in Arwen’s ears as she too found herself clapping with a small smile.

As the tournament continued, Merlin had left his sister’s side so he could tend to Arthur and whatever he may need in between rounds. However, Arwen continued watching, sending a questioning look to Gaius after each round. All he kept doing was smiling at her and shaking his head in refusal of her help. The injuries of the defeated knights were nothing he couldn’t handle, and he wanted to give Arwen a chance to enjoy herself. There will be plenty of work some other time.

Arwen watched as a knight clad in yellow, she recalled his name to be Valiant, fought against an opponent wielding two swords. Throughout their rounds she hand noticed the skill of both men, and was quite interested to see which one of them would prevail. It didn’t take long for Knight Valiant to gain the upper hand, knocking out his opponent with one swift blow, and Arwen clapped along with the rest of the crowd.

With that being the last round of the day, Arwen made her way towards the tent where she knew Gaius would be. There hadn’t been many injuries throughout the first day of the tournament, and from what she had seen none of them were too serious. But still she wanted to make sure that the court physician was faring well among his duties. If he needed help, he had no more grounds on which to refuse her offers of it now that the tournament had ended.

As she entered the tent, she spotted Gaius tending to a bloodied gash on the head of one of the knights who had recently competed. Upon seeing her Gaius was quick to introduce the two.

“Ah, Arwen, this is Sir Leon, one of Camelot’s finest.” Gaius introduced the man. His blonde hair was long and curly, and his face was framed with a beard in the same shade.

“It is a pleasure to meet you Sir Leon.” Arwen said with a small smile, which the knight happily returned before thanking Gaius for his help and retreating out of the physician’s tent. “Gaius I wanted to see whether you need any help?” Arwen spoke to him now that the two were alone, and he gave her a small smile.

“Most of my work is already done. How did you enjoy the tournament?” He asked her as he packed up some of his bottles and ointments into the bag he always carried on his person.

“I really did, but I do feel guilty for letting you do all the work.” Arwen commented, she had tried once during the day to just enter the physician’s tent and help Gaius without asking, but he had made quite a scene as he kicked her out.

“Well then next time, you can be the one doing the work while I watch the spectacle from the comfort of a chair. How does that sound?” Gaius compromised, making a relieved smile appear on Arwen’s face. That sounded more than fair to her. “Now how about you go see where Merlin is? I need to know when he will be freed of his duties tonight.” Gaius suggested as he and Arwen made their way out of the tent. With a small nod, she bid Gaius farewell and began her search for Merlin. It didn’t take long for her to spot him in the distance alongside Arthur as they spoke to Knight Valiant.

“Uh, for tomorrow you need to repair my shield, wash my tunic, clean my boots, sharpen my sword, and polish my chainmail.” Arwen could hear the Prince’s voice as she approached the two with a smile. Her presence was made known to them as she let out a small giggle upon seeing Merlin’s expression, and both of them turned their heads to look at her as she took the last steps in their direction.

“Gaius sent me to ask you when you will be home tonight, but by the sound of that should I just assume you won’t be?” Arwen’s eyes focused on Merlin as she spoke.

“You take too much pleasure in this.” Merlin grumbled as he sent her a small glare.

“Indeed I do brother.” She confirmed shamelessly before her eyes turned towards Arthur. “Congratulations on all of your victories my lord.” She said politely and respectfully. Unlike Merlin, she would never dream of addressing the prince in any other way.

“Thank you Arwen.” Arthur said not bothering to hide the pride he felt from receiving the compliment. “Are you enjoying the tournament so far?” He asked. Arthur knew that most often women weren’t as pleased by the tournaments, and similar events.

“Very much, my lord.” She said with a smile on her face, making Arthur believe that she was telling the truth which he found quite surprising.

“What do you think of Valiant?” Merlin couldn’t help but ask his sister, wanting to see what she thought of the knight he found so off-putting.

“He is a skilled warrior, but a bit predictable if you ask me.” Arwen couldn’t help but say the truth. She had observed the knight all day, and had noticed quite a few patterns in his fighting technique.

“Predictable?” Both Arthur and Merlin asked in unison. Merlin because he had not seen anything that may be predictable about Valiant, while Arthur was interested to hear what possible commentary Arwen could have about the Knight’s fighting. It was unusual for women to comment on such things, or even know much about them.

“Well whenever he is going in for an offensive attack, he lunges with his right foot, while if he is deceiving his opponent he lunges with his left.” Arwen explained freely and Arthur’s eyes widened in surprise. Not even he had noticed that about Valiant. “Honestly, I could beat him just by looking at his feet and not his sword.” She stated, momentarily forgetting that she was in the presence of Camelot’s Prince.

“You could?” Arthur couldn’t hold back his question or the look of astonishment as it passed over his face.

“You’re not the first person to smash me around with a sword.” Merlin explained with a smile of amusement, remembering all the times during their childhood when Arwen would use him as her training dummy. He expected his mother to be displeased by it, but whenever she had watched them she would laugh as if it were the funniest thing in the world. Arthur found himself at a loss for words upon hearing what Merlin had said.

“How about I help you with all of those?” Arwen asked Merlin as she pointed towards the large bag filled with Arthur’s armour and he happily nodded, pleased by the idea that with her help he may even get some sleep that night. He began moving towards the bag, ready to get to his duties, but before she followed Arwen turned to Arthur to find him already looking at her with an unreadable expression.

“It was a pleasure speaking with you, my lord. I wish you luck for tomorrow.” Arwen said before walking away, and joining Merlin as they moved back towards the castle. Arthur was left behind looking after the two. He was realizing that Arwen was quite the mystery, and nothing alike her brother in any way.

It was the second day of the tournament, and Arwen found herself waiting for both Merlin and Gaius at the knight’s entrance of the tournament grounds. She didn’t have to wait too long, soon enough she caught sight of Prince Arthur approaching the grounds with Merlin trailing beside him. She gave them both a smile as they walked towards her, and as Arthur saw her he returned it with a small nod of greeting. Despite wanting to take a stop and properly greet her, he knew he had to get to the tournament. So Arwen was left looking at Merlin with a questioning gaze, and he knew very well what she was asking by it.

“It went well, I think he even tried to give me a compliment… In his own way.” Merlin told her, referring to the process of helping Arthur get into his armour that he had to go through only moments earlier.

“Is it my imagination, or are you beginning to enjoy yourself?” The voice of Gaius broke their gazes away from Arthur as he acknowledged the crowd and made them both turn towards him.

“It isn’t totally horrible all the time.” Merlin said with a defeated sigh, making a small smile of pride appear on Arwen’s face as she looked at her brother. She was happy that he was starting to enjoy his job.

With Merlin’s confession, their eyes went back to the tournament and watched as Arthur faced against one of the warriors. Merlin’s cheers mixed with the crowd all the while Arwen watched both men analytically. She couldn’t deny that Arthur was skilled with a sword, but as the competitors thinned out, she could see that there were worthy adversaries he may have to face.

And as she watched Knight Valiant battle against Sir Ewan, her suspicions were only confirmed. Arwen knew that all forms of fighting had to be aggressive to a certain extent, but the more she watched Valiant swing his sword at the opponent, the more she disliked his technique. There was something about it that made her think he fought only with hatred in his heart. There was a clear difference between the ways he battled his opponents and, for example, Arthur did. Valiant seemed to forget that he wasn’t actually on a battlefield, and looked as if he would even kill the other man should he stand in the way of his victory.

Arwen didn’t notice as Merlin walked off, making his way towards Arthur while Gaius remained by her side. Instead, her eyes focused on Sir Ewan as he fell to the ground. Knight Valiant used it as his opportunity and while his shield hid her view, she saw Ewan struggle, but it was in vain as soon enough Valiant had managed to knock him out, rendering him the victor of that round. Arwen waited for a moment, but as Ewan did not move an inch or give any signs of life, she followed after Gaius into the arena.

Her hair fell into her face as she kneeled beside the fallen knight, grabbing his forearm as she checked for a pulse. She saw no injuries on him or wounds, but were it not for the small exhale of breath that he made, she would’ve believed him to be dead. With a small nod to Gaius, he motioned towards two guards to help them carry the fallen soldier away from the field. Unsure of what exactly had happened, Gaius instructed them to bring the man to his chambers, where he would be able to come to a better diagnosis of Ewan’s injuries. This time, as Arwen followed after him, he didn’t complain, but instead knew that perhaps some help would be useful.

As the guards brought Sir Ewan into the physician’s chambers, and placed him on the cot in the corner of the room, Arwen moved closer, ready to check him over better in case he truly had sustained a wound that she had not seen before. However, as she kneeled down beside the man, she noticed the thick coat of sweat that had begun forming on his forehead. With furrowed eyebrows she put her hand to his face, almost pulling it back as she took note of the heat radiating from him. She was about to walk away to prepare something that would bring his temperature down, however, she stopped her movements as she took note of something on his neck.

Pulling back the chainmail, Arwen observed the two puncture wounds lying upon his dark skin. She knew what a snake bite was and what it looked like, but found herself unable to understand how he had come in touch with a snake.

“Gaius, can you come here for a moment.” She called out to the physician, hoping that perhaps she may be wrong, and it was only some kind of skin rash that she had not encountered before. Because the idea of Sir Ewan being bitten by a snake while fighting a man whose sigil bore three of them seemed to be just too much of a coincidence. So she hoped that the court physician would have a better explanation for her.

Night had fallen, and the second day of the tournament had ended long ago, but Arwen hadn’t seen the rest of it. Instead, her day had been confined to the physician’s chambers as she did her best to keep the fever which had taken over Sir Ewan’s body at bay. She was dabbing his brow with a cold cloth in the moment that Merlin entered the chambers and set aside all of the armour he was carrying in his hands.

“How is he?” The sorcerer asked as he approached the cot and stood beside his sister. In his opinion, Sir Ewan looked even worse than he had when he was taken away from the tournament.

“It's most odd. See these two small wounds on his neck? Looks like a snake bite.” Gaius said from his spot by the shelves as he was looking for something other than a snake being the possible cause of this. In his place, Arwen pointed out the small circular wounds on Sir Ewan’s neck to Merlin, soon after continuing with what she was doing before.

“How could he have been bitten by a snake? He was injured in the sword fight.” Merlin questioned in confusion, and the same question had been going through Arwen’s mind throughout the day. She wanted to believe she was overthinking things, after all, it could only be a coincidence, and there was no other possible explanation. Unless Valiant was carrying a snake in his pockets, which she suspected would’ve been noticed by someone by now.

“But the symptoms are consistent with poisoning: slow pulse, fever, paralysis.” Gaius listed off, explaining why it couldn’t be just a mere injury sustained in a fight. It wouldn’t be causing these symptoms.

“Can you heal him?” Merlin asked worriedly. Nobody was really supposed to die in these tournaments.

“A snake bite can only be cured by using the venom of the snake itself. So if that is what this is, we would need to know where the snake had come from.” Arwen replied as she dipped the cloth into the bucket of cold water which lay beside her feet.

“What happens if he doesn't get the antidote?” Merlin asked again. Unlike his sister, he understood nothing about medicine or healing, so his hope was misplaced.

“Then I'm afraid there's nothing more I can do for him. He's going to die.” Gaius was the one to reply this time.

“He was fighting Knight Valiant.” Merlin muttered, and while Gaius didn’t quite distinguish the words, Arwen had been around Merlin’s muttering enough times to be able to understand it. Merlin didn’t bother answering Gaius’ questions of what he had said as he ran out of the chambers, and worrying that he might do something terribly stupid, Arwen rushed after him, leaving Gaius to watch after them in wonder.

“Merlin!” She called out to him as quietly as possible, since night had long ago fallen over Camelot. He stopped once he realized she was following after him. “You don’t think Valiant could have done this, do you? I mean, how could he?” She questioned her brother, but the look on his face led her to believe that he may know more than she did.

“This morning, when I was fetching Arthur’s armour before the tournament, I thought I saw one of the snakes on Valiant’s shield move, but I was convinced it was just a flash of light.” Merlin whispered to her, his eyes scanning through the halls around them in case someone walked by or could hear them.

“And what is it that you plan on doing now?” Arwen raised her eyebrow at him, because from the way he had ran out of the physician’s chambers, she could only guess he had some grand idea in his mind.

“I’m not really sure, but the first step would be to check his chambers.” Merlin said, although it sounded more like a question as he himself was unsure of how to actually prove his suspicions.

“Then to his chambers we go.” Arwen stated and began moving once again when Merlin’s hand reached out to her to stop her from walking any further as he tried to protest her coming with him. However, he barely got a word out before she interrupted him. “Merlin, I’m coming with you and that is not up to discussion.” With that she began to move and he begrudgingly followed.

They had almost reached Valiant’s chambers when they spotted the man himself walking through the halls and towards them. In a flash of panic, Arwen pulled Merlin behind one of the pillars where they hid from the oncoming figure. He looked on, waiting for him to pass before motioning for her to follow him as he silently crept behind Valiant.

As they reached the door of his chambers, Merlin noticed it to be already open. He slightly pushed it further, allowing both him and Arwen to look into his room and watch as the man pulled a mouse out of a cage. With furrowed eyebrows, Arwen followed as Valiant approached his shield, and finally her eyes caught sight of three snakes reaching out from the shield and trying to grab onto the mouse as he dangled the creature above the shield. Stunned by the sight Merlin moved quickly accidentally making a loud noise as he pulled on Arwen’s hand that had managed to catch Valiant’s attention.

They ran through the hall, Arwen suddenly stopping as she pushed Merlin further, giving him a reassuring look. The fact that she looked like she knew what she was doing, as well as the knowledge there was no time to argue with her, made Merlin quickly hide behind the same pillar as before. He knew that should something go wrong, he would jump to Arwen’s defence instantly. Seeing that he was safe, Arwen turned around and pretended as if she were walking towards Valiant’s chambers just as he rushed out of them.

“Knight Valiant, I was just coming to see you.” She spoke as she saw him, forcing the man to come to a stop, but his eyes still searched through their surroundings suspiciously, but as he saw nobody there they focused on her.

“Who are you?” He asked, and were she not in a dangerous position, she would’ve scowled at his rude tone.

“My name is Arwen, I work with the court physician. I just wanted to check whether you need anything. I can only imagine a tool it must be when you spend a whole day fighting as well as you do.” She felt like she would hurl if she could due to the words she was saying. The last thing she wanted was to compliment the man, but alas she was left with no other option. And as she saw his face take on a smug expression, she knew she had done well in distracting him.

“You need not worry Arwen, I am completely alright. Will you be there to cheer me on tomorrow?” Valiant asked as he looked down at her. She noticed his eyes not so subtly raking over her figure, and restrained herself from gagging at the sight.

“I wouldn’t dream of doing anything else.” She said with a smile on her face, one of the most fake ones she had ever summoned, but she kept up the pretence, knowing that boasting his ego was the best solution right now.

“Then I shall see you tomorrow.” He said with a smirk, completely believing that Arwen was besotted by him.

“Good night Sir Valiant.” She said, and even added in a small curtsey to polish up her act. Valiant smirked once more, before turning around and walking back to his chambers, this time making sure to shut the door completely. As she heard its closing, Arwen finally let out a breath and watched as Merlin came out of his hiding place with a disgusted look.

“I never want to bear witness to you acting like that with a man ever again.” He whispered, and all Arwen could do was roll her eyes at him as she began running back to the physician’s chambers. She knew they had to tell Gaius about this.

There was nothing they could do. Not while they had no proof. The word of a servant and a lowborn woman would mean nothing to the King against a knight. All Arwen could do as she watched the tournament grounds was hope that somehow, another knight managed to outwit Valiant before he had a chance to use his shield again. If he got disqualified it would solve all of their problems. She was startled out of her thoughts as a voice spoke from beside her.

“Arwen, it is a pleasure to see you once more.” Her blue eyes turned to look at Valiant, clad in his yellow tunic and armour as he waited for the tournament to begin. She plastered on yet another fake smile as she greeted him.

From the other side of the grounds, Arthur watched the interaction while Merlin put on his armour. He was surprised to see Knight Valiant and Arwen interacting so pleasantly with each other, he wasn’t even aware that they had spoken before.

“Your sister seems quite taken with Knight Valiant.” He spoke subtly, watching as Merlin’s eyes flashed towards the scene in question and narrow as he saw Valiant flashing Arwen a smug smirk while he walked away from her.

“She’s not, she’s just being polite.” Merlin grumbled in displeasure, after all, he couldn’t tell Arthur the truth of why she would be acting in such a manner.

“You know Merlin, you won’t be able to hold her suitors away for long. She is quite a beautiful woman… for a lowborn.” Arthur commented as his eyes turned back to the redhead in the distance. “It is quite hard to believe that the two of you are related.” He added on after noticing the surprised look Merlin gave him as he spoke about his sister.

“We’re not.” Merlin said easily as he moved away from Arthur to grab hold of another piece of his armour.

“You constantly call her your sister, and she you her brother. If you’re not related how do you explain that?” Arthur questioned Merlin, beginning to question how far his servant’s stupidity reached.

“We’re not related by blood. My mother took Arwen in when I was six, she was four at the time. She may not be my blood, but she is as much my family as my mother.” Merlin explained easily. It wasn’t something they kept secret, after all, the whole of Ealdor knew how Arwen came to live with him and his mother, and she had never treated it as something to be ashamed of. Whenever asked about it, she would say that the way things turned out for her gave her the best family she could have ever wished for.

Upon hearing Merlin’s words, Arthur had plenty more questions, but knew he couldn’t ask them. It wasn’t his place to know. Instead, he just watched as Arwen approached Gaius with a smile on her face and started up a conversation with the physician.

Another day of the tournament had passed, and by its end, everyone knew who would be fighting in the final. The thought of what may happen tomorrow made Arwen churn with worry. She worried of what Valiant would do to Arthur. This was their Prince, the future of Camelot, should something happen to him, the whole kingdom will fall to ruin.

And to make matters even worse, Merlin had run off once again after speaking to Gaius about how Uther would believe Sir Ewan if he were the one to tell him about Valiant using magic. She could only imagine what he was doing, after all, without the poison of the snake from Valiant’s shield, Ewan wouldn’t be in the state to be able to tell the King anything.

She jumped in her spot beside the fallen knight as the doors to the physician’s chambers suddenly opened and Merlin rushed in. He rushed to Gaius side and pulled something out of one of his pockets.

“Will this be enough to make the antidote?” Merlin questioned as he handed Gaius the head of one of the snakes from Valiant’s shield. He could only hope that a dead snake could still be of help to them, because if not there was nothing they could do to help Arthur.

“Yes, yes, give it here.” Gaius said quickly as he reached for one of the empty glass bottles in which he could drain some of the snake’s venom. Time was of the essence, and he quickly began the process. “I’ll get started preparing the antidote. Arwen, try to get his temperature down once again, he has to last just a little bit longer.” He said once he had extracted enough of the venom.

“I’m going to tell Arthur.” Merlin announced already rushing towards the door, but was stopped by Gaius calling out to him.

“You’ll need this.” The physician said as he handed Merlin the head of the snake. It wasn’t the strongest of proof, but alongside Sir Ewan’s testimony it would be enough for Uther to see the true nature of Knight Valiant. “And Merlin, what you did was very brave.” Gaius added before the boy rushed out of the room and made his way towards the Prince’s chambers.

Arwen stood beside Merlin with Arthur on his other side as Valiant, accompanied with an escort of Camelot guards made his way into the council room where Uther waited for him.

“Why have you summoned the court?” Uther questioned his son, unaware of the events that have led to this point in time. Once he was addressed, Arthur stepped forward.

“I believe Knight Valiant is using a magic shield to cheat in the tournament.” Arthur stated confidently, strongly believing in what he had been told by Merlin.

“Valiant, what do you have to say to this?” Uther’s wide eyes quickly turned towards the accused knight.

“My Lord, this is ridiculous. I've never used magic. Does your son have any evidence to support this outrageous accusation?” Valiant spoke, sending a glare towards Arthur as he pretended to have no idea of what he spoke of. Arwen noticed his eyes flashing to where she and Merlin stood behind the Prince for a moment, and she knew that her lies were uncovered. But it didn’t matter anymore, soon enough Valiant would be thrown in a cell and there would be nothing he can do to any of them.

“Do you have evidence?” Uther questioned his son, unsure of which story to believe yet.

“I do.” Arthur stated firmly as he motioned for Merlin to walk forward and hand the King the head of the dead snake. Uther took a moment to observe the head before speaking up again.

“Let me see this shield.” Uther commanded, and Valiant willingly placed the shield into the hands of the King.

“Be careful, My Lord.” Arthur warned his father and drew his sword as a matter of precaution while Uther examined the shield.

“Merlin. Arwen.” The sound of their names being whispered from behind them managed to get the attention of the two as they quickly walked towards Gaius.

“We need Ewan, find out what’s happening.” Arthur whispered to Merlin with urgency in his voice. With no signs of magic being evident on Valiant’s shield it was becoming clear that this was not going in their favour.

“Gaius where is Ewan, he should be here?” Merlin whispered to the man as he and his sister came over to his position. They made a small circle of their own as whispered words were exchanged.

“I’m afraid Sir Ewan is dead.” Gaius spoke gravely, making Arwen’s eyes widen.

“How? The antidote should’ve worked?” She questioned. She watched Gaius prepare the antidote step by step, and she knew he had done it right.

“And it did, but when I left the chambers I came back to find him dead. The only thing different was a new set of puncture wounds on his neck.” Gaius spoke, making Merlin pinch the bridge of his nose. Arwen’s eyes flashed towards Valiant’s shield in surprise, just as Arthur turned towards their group. Noticing the distress of their group he walked over questioning the whereabouts of Sir Ewan.

“I’m waiting!” Uther exclaimed, his anger starting to seep through just as Merlin informed Arthur that Sir Ewan was dead. Arthur found himself looking at the faces of the court and his father, unsure of how to proceed.

“I’m afraid the witness is dead.” Arthur stated, sounding defeated as he made his way back to stand before the King. If Arwen didn’t believe that their attempt had been lost, it was quite clear as she listened to the rest of the meeting unfold.

“So you have no proof to support these allegations. Have you seen Valiant using magic?” Uther questioned his son, starting to believe his words to be a complete lie.

“No. But my servant fought one of the snakes from-“Arthur began to speak to defend his accusations, but upon hearing the words servant, Uther’s anger only seemed to increase.

“Your servant? You made these outrageous accusations against a knight on the word of your servant?” If it were anyone else saying those words aside from the King, Arwen would’ve been quick to jump to Merlin’s defence. How does the fact that he is a servant make his words any less true?

“I believe he's telling the truth!” Arthur exclaimed, trying to make his father listen to them, but it was impossible, especially once Valiant spoke once more.

“My Lord, am I really to be judged on some hearsay from a boy?” The snake asked in disbelief, making Arwen’s glare burn holes in his back.

“I've seen those snakes come alive!” Merlin snapped in his own irritation, speaking out of turn and making Uther’s head snap towards him.

“How dare you interrupt?!” The King yelled at Merlin before signalling for the guards to take him away. Arwen was about to step forward, but Gaius quickly took hold of her arm, stopping her from doing anything as Valiant spoke, forcing Uther to call out to them to wait.

“I'm sure he was merely mistaken. I wouldn't want him punished on my account.” Valiant spoke, as if he were truly concerned for Merlin’s wellbeing, but all those who knew the truth saw right past his charade.

“You see? This is how a true knight behaves - with gallantry and honour.” Uther spoke, reprimanding his son through his words.

“My Lord, if your son made these accusations because he's afraid to fight me, then I will graciously accept his withdrawal.” Valiant said, enjoying that he was able to spin the whole situation to his advantage and demean the Prince’s honour.

“Is this true? Do you wish to withdraw from the tournament?” Uther asked as he looked to Arthur who seemed to be outraged by the claim.

“No!” He quickly defended.

“Then what am I to make of these allegations?” Uther asked, finding himself unable to understand why Arthur would do such a thing.

“Obviously there has been a misunderstanding. I withdraw the allegation against Knight Valiant. Please accept my apology.” Arthur said in defeat after a couple of moments passed, knowing that there was nothing more he could do.

“Accepted.” Valiant said shortly, containing the smirk Arwen could see trying to break through as he became aware of his successful deceit. She gave out a sigh of despair as the court disbanded and Arthur walked out of the chambers, followed by Merlin. Arwen was about to walk away too, however, her eyes met Valiant’s from across the room. He was fixing her with a glare that, if looks could kill, had the power to ruin her right then and there.

Arwen walked through the halls of the palace in search of her brother. After the meeting he had disappeared completely, and she hoped to find him and see how he was handling the situation. She walked through one of the more deserted halls when a hand pulled her back making her let out a small yelp of surprise. She turned her head quickly, to find herself face to face with the snake himself, his glare on her making a shudder pass down her spine. But she refused to show the fear she felt as she realized she was now completely alone with this man.

“It was a grave mistake to speak against me, especially since I can tell the King I caught you spying on my chambers in the dead of night. That is what you were doing that night was it not?” Valiant questioned, his voice holding a threatening tone that did not go unnoticed by Arwen as she tried to rip her arm from his grasp, but found him only tightening his hold.

“I am not sure what you’re speaking of Sir.” She lied, because while she may have been caught, she knew admitting to it would only cause more trouble.

“You have seen what happens if servants speak out against a knight, what makes you think Uther will be any more inclined to listen to you than he was to your brother?” Valiant asked, a smirk reaching across his face as he saw Arwen’s emotions in her eyes. She knew there was no way for her to beat him.

“Is everything alright here?” Another voice reached their ears making both Valiant and Arwen turn their heads to see the figure of Prince Arthur approach their position. Knowing that he had won already, Valiant did not wish to test his luck, so he quickly let go of Arwen’s arm as he gave the Prince a smile.

“Of course my lord, I was just accepting Arwen’s apology for the part she played in the accusations against me.” Arthur didn’t miss the smirk that the knight sent Arwen as he turned and walked away from the scene, knowing there wasn’t much else he could do to scare the girl with the prince being there.

“Why would he think you had anything to do with that?” Arthur asked as his eyes finally left the retreating form of Valiant and turned to look down at Arwen with a questioning look.

“Two nights ago, Merlin and I caught Valiant feeding the snakes in his shield, and he noticed someone was in the hall. I told Merlin to hide while I handled the situation. With the use of just the right amount of compliments and pleasantries, he quickly forgot what had happened. At least until he saw me earlier today in the council chambers.” Arwen explained, not going into too much detail as she stared at the now empty hallway which Valiant had passed through.

“You saw the snakes too?” Arthur asked in surprise. After all that had happened during the meeting with his father, Arthur had started to suspect whether Merlin was telling the truth or just believed he had seen something that hadn’t happened.

“Yes, I did.” Arwen said, confused by the surprise she saw on his face, but it soon became clear to her. “Don’t tell me you actually thought Merlin was lying?” She questioned him with a raised eyebrow, watching him as he gave out a sigh while running his hand through his hair.

“I wasn’t sure what to believe anymore. After all, I myself had seen nothing.” Arthur told her honestly, confused by the whole set of events that the last twenty four hours had brought him.

“Arthur, the snakes are real. I watched as one of them swallowed a mouse whole. If you fight Valiant tomorrow and gain the upper hand he will use the shield.” Arwen tried to reason with him.

“I can’t just withdraw from the tournament now, everyone already thinks I’m a coward.” Arthur defended growing irritated with the situation of everyone telling him the same thing.

“Really? You can’t? Because I don’t think that’s it.” Arwen spoke, her tone taking on a hard edge as she gave Arthur a disappointed look. “You can withdraw and you know it. The truth is you don’t want to because your pride is more important to you than your safety or your life. If you took one moment to think you’d see that this isn’t just about you. Arthur you are the only heir to the throne of Camelot, should something happen to you, the whole Kingdom will be affected. But none of that matters right? Your people don’t matter… As long as your pride is intact.” Arwen snapped at him, stunning the Prince into silence, and she didn’t wait for him to regain his capability of speech before turning on her heel and walking away from him; infuriated by the arrogance presented himself with.

Once she had reached the physician’s chambers, she opened the door to find Gaius already asleep after the long day they had all had. Not wanting to wake him, she silently snuck to the door of her and Merlin’s room, and made her way inside. As she closed the door and turned to look at him, she was startled by the sight of one of the stone statues of a dog she knew came from the courtyard being on full display in the corner of the room while Merlin sat on the bed shifting through his book of magic.

“Do I even want to know why that thing is in here?” She asked as she pointed to the statue with a questioning look. The sound of her voice made Merlin’s eyes snap away from the book, but only for a moment as he quickly returned to it while he answered.

“Valiant is using magic to summon the snakes at will, so maybe I can do the same. Make them appear out in the open for everyone to see.” Merlin explained to her, and Arwen’s eyes lit up with hope as she rushed to sit beside him on the bed.

“Are you having any luck?” She asked as she looked into the book over his shoulder. She didn’t understand almost any of it, but she hoped to be of some help at least.

“I found one spell, but I can’t seem to do it. I’m trying to see if there is something else that could work.” Merlin said, his voice sounding desperate making Arwen’s arms wrap around his shoulders and distract him from his reading for a moment.

“If anyone can do it, I know it’s you.” She gave him a small kiss on the cheek, and Merlin couldn’t help but smile, some of his hope reigniting after hearing his sister’s words.

While she may not know anything about magic or how to use it, Arwen still stayed up with Merlin throughout the night as moral support. Bolstering his confidence in the times when he started to lose hope that he could save Arthur at tomorrow’s final. By the time morning came, Merlin still had no success and Arwen had to get to her duties. She had promised Gaius that she would check on their supplies in the physician’s tent, and with her worry of what may happen that day running wild, she too wanted to make sure everything was ready so they could help in any way possible.

As she made her way through the tournament grounds, she spotted the Prince himself, standing in the middle of the arena looking over the area where the crowd will gather soon enough. Remembering the conversation they had yesterday, and the way she had snapped at him, Arwen felt obligated to walk over to him. She didn’t approve of his conviction to fight Valiant, and even more of the fact that he had sacked Merlin after what had happened. However, she knew that as a lowborn she had no right to speak to him in the way that she did, and thought it best to apologize before any consequences came upon her.

“Arwen.” Arthur greeted her hesitantly, already preparing himself for another burst of anger from the girl.

“My lord, I wish to apologize for the way I spoke last night. It was disrespectful and improper, and I promise it will never happen again.” Arwen said, looking down at her feet as she stood in front of him, hoping that her apology would be enough.

“You have nothing to apologize for, you were right.” Arthur said, and the words made her head snap up to look into his bright blue eyes in confusion.

“You say I was right, but you still choose to fight Valiant?” She questioned him, unable to understand his motives. If he was willing to agree with what she had said, admit that he understands the consequence for himself and his people, then why would he take such a risk?

“You spoke of the good and safety of my people, and it made me think. Withdrawing from the tournament would mean Valiant wins and is allowed to walk away from Camelot with his shield in hand and do God knows with it throughout the Kingdom. If by fighting him today I am given a chance to expose him, I need to do that.” Arthur explained with a heavy tone.

“Do you have any idea how dangerous that is?” Arwen asked in surprise, quickly remembering herself as she added, “My lord.”

“I do, but I cannot with a clear conscience allow him to walk away without at least trying. It would mean risking the lives of innocent people, my people.” He said as he looked down into her eyes, hoping that she would understand his reasons and not just see him as refusing to let go of his pride as she had last night.

“I hope it goes well, my lord.” Arwen finally said with a small nod. She too had thought of what may happen should Valiant be allowed to take his shield and leave Camelot. What sorts of trouble would he cause beyond its walls? A part of her wished there were another way, but she knew that the only way Uther would believe their words now was if he saw the magic of the shield with his own eyes.

“Thank you. I should go prepare for the fight.” Arthur said and with a small nod turned to leave the tournament grounds. Arwen watched after him, sending a small prayer to anyone who would listen before moving towards her initial destination; the physician’s tent. She prayed that Merlin and Arthur’s plans go successfully, and that no one has to get hurt in the process.

She didn’t stay in the tent for long, and not even an hour after her conversation with Arthur, the sounds of the gathering crowd reached her ears. Knowing that the fight was about to begin, Arwen settled down one of the bottles that she had been checking the contents of and made her way out of the tent. With one look at the crowd she realized that the King was already there and it was only a matter of seconds before Arthur and Valiant appeared. Using the time she had left, she made her way to the edge of the grass field beside the arena, and took a spot among many of the knights that had participated but were now watching from the side lines as the final round of the tournament took place.

It wasn’t long before both knights appeared in the centre of arena. Valiant came first and gave a small nod to the King as Arthur followed after him. With one last look at his father, Arthur pulled his helmet on his head and both he and Valiant took to their fighting stances. Their swords began to clash, but with every offensive attack either of them made, their swords only met the shields they used to protect themselves from the blow.

However, with one swing, Arthur managed to take Valiant’s helmet off, stunning the knight for a moment. Knowing that they were unmatched, Arthur’s honour compelled him to take off his own helmet. With their helmets and mail coifs of their heads, Arthur and Valiant both took their stances once more, and the fight between them continued.

Arwen noticed Arthur’s eyes frequently flashing to the floor beneath them, and it took her a moment to realize what he was doing. He was watching Valiant’s feet. He would never admit it if asked, but the Prince found himself listening to what Arwen had said about Valiant’s fighting style and used it to his advantage. However, it didn’t prove to be enough as Valiant moved quickly, catching him off guard and managing to knock the Prince to the ground.

With Valiant’s foot on his shield, Arthur was unable to rise back to his feet or defend himself, and soon was disarmed by his opponent. However he was lucky enough to find his bearings and roll out of the way of Valiant’s incoming sword which surely would’ve went through his heart had he not moved. Arwen’s hands went to her mouth in shock as she watched the scene, letting out a small breath of relief as she watched Arthur get back onto his feet.

With no shield to defend himself with, the Prince quickly found himself without a sword once more. He didn’t let it deter him, and Arwen watched as he continued to fight Valiant, who used his lack of defences to slam him into the wall of the arena. In a show of strength, Arthur pushed Valiant off him and the knight stumbled backwards to the centre of the arena.

Arwen’s wide eyes watched in worry as Arthur remained standing on the other side of Valiant, with no sword or shield to protect himself. To her surprise, as well as everyone else’s, within just a second the snakes within Valiant’s shield started to move away from the picture and raise into the air as their hissing spread through the area. Her eyes flashed to the entrance of the tournament grounds, and Arwen smiled as she spotted Merlin, hidden behind the stones as he looked at the scene. He had done it.

Gasps and screams spread through the crowd as the people noticed the magical display. Valiant’s shield was now fully exposed, and even Uther could no longer deny the accusations against the knight. Knowing that he had been caught, Valiant had nothing left to lose, so as the snakes exited the shield his command was simple; kill Arthur. Arwen watched on in worry as Arthur scurried back and away from the snakes. Valiant may have been exposed but the fight was far from over.

Luckily, Lady Morgana’s quick thinking was able to provide Arthur with a sword she had taken from one of the knights standing by her side, and the Prince was quick to decapitate the snakes, leaving him to face only Valiant now; without any magical aid or cheating to help him. And the knowledge of that seemed to deter Valiant, allowing Arthur to swiftly disarm him before his sword ran through Valiant’s body, killing the snake in an instant. And as his body fell to the floor, the crowd of viewers erupted in cheers, and Arwen found herself clapping with a wide smile on her face as she watched Arthur take deep breaths as his eyes scanned over the people.

As he walked away from the tournament grounds, Arwen used her chance to run to Merlin’s side happily. As she reached him he barely had a moment to prepare himself for her attack in the form of a hug.

“I knew you could do it!” She exclaimed into his ear, the commotion of the crowd drowning out her words so only he would be able to hear them. And all he could do was laugh in relief as he returned the hug.

That evening, at the feast thrown in celebration of the tournament’s ending, Arwen was standing beside Merlin by one of the tables as they watched Arthur enter the banquet hall with Morgana on his arm while the people clapped for their champion.

“See, I told you he gets all the girls and the glory.” Merlin grumbled to her, and a small laugh escaped her lips.

“And he owes it all to you.” Gaius said with a smile from his position by Merlin’s other side. With those words, Gaius walked off, just as Arthur and Morgana reached the table by which Merlin and Arwen remained standing. The two squabbled over trivial things, and irritated by his words Morgana quickly walked off, re-joining Gwen as she left the Prince behind.

“Can you believe Morgana? She says she saved me. Like I needed any help.” Arthur grumbled as he turned towards Merlin and Arwen, the latter raising her eyebrow at him.

“Right.” She said, but as he took note of the look she was giving him, Arthur was very aware she wasn’t being serious, and as she walked away from him and Merlin towards Gwen and Morgana he restrained the smile that threatened to form itself. He knew he owed a lot of Arwen as well, as it was her observations of Valiant’s fighting technique that had helped him gain the upper hand on many occasions during the fight. But that was something he would never say out loud. However, unlike his father, who also would never admit he was wrong or apologize for it, Arthur strived to do the opposite, and so he turned to Merlin, pushing all thoughts of Arwen to the back of his mind as he spoke to his servant.

Chapter Text

“Aren’t you scared?” Merlin asked from where he stood a little ways away from Gaius and Arwen who were kneeling beside a body that had been found in the middle of the street in the lower town. Merlin was standing nowhere near the body, and even he was worried about catching whatever illness had taken this man’s life. And seeing Arwen so close to it didn’t sit well with him either.

“Of what?” Gaius questioned as he looked away from the body and to the boy who remained on his feet, not understanding what Merlin could be insinuating.

“That you might catch whatever it is.” Merlin stated as he looked down at the body once again. The man lay on his stomach and there was no rise and fall of his chest that would make them believe he could still be saved.

“I'm the court physician, Merlin. This is part of my job. Most of the time there's nothing really to be scared of.” Gaius explained before motioning for Arwen to help him turn over the body so they could examine it better. However as they did, they were stunned by the sight of what had happened to the man. His skin and eyes were as white as snow, while the veins spreading through his face had turned a sickly blue colour.

“You were saying?” Merlin questioned. He may not be a court physician, but even he knew that the state this man was in meant nothing good.

“People mustn't see this. They will panic.” Gaius mumbled, and Merlin was quick to grab a piece of cloth from nearby, helping the physicians cover up the man they decided would be best to take to their chambers for further examination.

On their way through the castle, the group of three was intercepted by Gwen, and Merlin ended up being the one to distract her from the load Gaius and Arwen continued to push in the direction of the physician’s chambers. Looking back to the scene, Arwen watched with a smile as Gwen tucked a flower into Merlin’s scarf. It was rather obvious how fond Merlin and Guinevere were growing of each other, and Arwen found herself fully supporting the developments.

Their village had always been a small one, and while Arwen managed to find some romance before she had left it, she knew Merlin had never had his eye on such things. He rather focused on his gifts and family.

As they managed to bring the body to the chambers, Arwen and Merlin stepped back, allowing Gaius to have a full view of it and complete focus. While her knowledge had been growing under Gaius’ mentorship, Arwen knew she was much underqualified to be able to determine what may have been the cause of this man’s illness.

“I’ve never seen anything like this.” Gaius muttered as he examined the eye catching symptoms through a magnifying glass. The statement made Arwen rather anxious about what it may be. She had hoped Gaius would be able to identify the illness and find a way to treat it or stop its spread. But as he spoke now, it seemed like that would take longer than they initially thought.

“Do you think it could be some kind of plague?” Merlin asked in wonder as he looked down to the man’s face.

“If a plague was spreading, death wouldn’t be so sudden. We would’ve seen the symptoms long before people started dying; fever, headache, weakness and exhaustion.” Arwen stated, knowing that this couldn’t be it. The people who had found the man said that he was still alright the day before. This sickness acted much too quickly to be a plague. However, she wasn’t sure whether to find relief in that or let it worry her even more.

“No. I fear that something like this could never come from nature. But who has this kind of power?” Gaius shared his suspicion with the two, making Arwen’s eyes widen. How has this kingdom stood for so long if it is threatened by magic so often? Since she and Merlin had arrived to the city, there have already been two instances in which things could have gone very wrong; all caused by magic.

“You think it's caused by magic?” Merlin asked in surprise, his eyes moving to Gaius quickly. He could never understand why someone would use something as magnificent as magic for these purposes.

“Merlin!” Arthur’s voice had broken them out of their conversation as he loudly banged on the door, making both Merlin and Arwen move quickly. As he opened the door just barely, preventing Arthur from seeing what was happening inside the chambers, Arwen stood in front of the body, shielding it from the eyes of the Prince. The Prince’s eyes did shift between Merlin and Arwen as he had noticed their odd behaviour, but before he could ask, Merlin spoke up.

“Erm... I'm on my way. Sorry I'm late.” Merlin said with a sheepish smile on his face, trying to act as if nothing had been happening before Arthur’s arrival.

“Don't worry. I'm getting used to it.” Arthur said drily, truly not surprised by his servant’s tardiness. His eyes flashed downward and he gave Merlin a questioning look upon seeing the flower he carried in his scarf. Confused by Arthur’s expression, Merlin looked down, finally realizing that it was still there as he quickly pulled it out.

“Oh, err... Gwen, she gave it to me.” Merlin started to explain, even though nobody had actually asked him anything.

“Tell Gaius and Arwen my father wants to see them now.” Arthur said, ignoring Merlin’s bumbling as his mind flashed to more urgent matters. And with that being said, he started to walk off allowing Merlin to close the door as he walked back to Arwen’s side. He started to say what Arthur had informed him off, but Gaius was quick to cut him off as both he and Arwen had perfectly heard his conversation with the Prince.

“Wait, why couldn't he just tell you himself?” Merlin asked, knowing that it was probably the primary reason that Arthur had come there in the first place.

“Because that's the way it is. You're a servant.” Gaius said as if it were common knowledge.

“Still, we were right here.” Arwen mumbled, knowing that while Gaius was right, there was really no need for it in that moment. Had Merlin gotten to his job in time, then she would’ve understood sending him to get the two of them.

“Wha... if he knew who I was, what I've done...” Merlin started to ramble, but was quickly cut off by Gaius as he pointed out one fatal flaw in his words.

“You'd be a dead servant. Right, get this covered up.” Gaius said, wanting to heed the call of the King as quickly as possible.

“Hey! I’m not your servant.” Merlin reminded the man.

“No, but you’re kind enough to help your sister cover up the body of a dead man.” Arwen interjected with a smile on her face as she pushed one end of the cloth into his hands while she grabbed on to the other. Quickly they covered the body, before making their way out of the door and following after Gaius towards the council chambers.

As the three of them entered the chambers, where Uther stood by his throne and with his son by his side, Arwen couldn’t hold back the sigh that escaped her as her eyes quickly caught sight of yet another body with the same appearance as the one that was now in their chambers. It may have been a foolish and naïve notion, but she had hoped that the man they had found earlier would be the only case of the disease. She kneeled down next to the body, ignoring all of the eyes focusing on her and Gaius as they examined the symptoms they were already acquainted with.

“What's happened to him?” Uther questioned quickly, as if he expected Gaius to have an answer for him right then and there.

“I don’t know sire, it’s the second case we’ve seen today.” Gaius replied as he rose from his position the ground all the while Arwen took hold of the head of the faller servant checking to see how far the blue veins spread.

“Why didn’t you report it to me?” Uther questioned in wonder.

“We were attempting to find the cause.” Gaius spoke wisely, hoping that Uther would understand that it would have been wiser to have answers before letting panic spread.

“What did you conclude?” Uther asked, eager to hear that the court physician may have answers for this. Upon seeing the body of the dead servant it was clear that whatever it was needed to be solved quickly.

“I don't think it's time to hurry to conclusions. The scientific process is a long one.” Gaius tried to answer calmly.

“What about you child, do you have any possible answers?” Uther’s eyes focused on Arwen and she found herself surprised that he was asking her. She knew she was below Gaius when it came to their job positions, but to see the King ask her, made the situation seem even graver than before.

“I’m afraid not sire, we have thought of the possibility of plague, but it seems to spread too quickly for such a thing to be possible.” Arwen answered, not wanting to disappoint the King while also taking note of Gaius’ hesitance to reveal their suspicions of magic so soon.

“What are you concealing from me?” Uther was able to see through their thinly veiled answers, and it made him worry more than before.

“Sire, I have seen nothing like it. The victims are dying in 24 hours, and it's spreading fast.” Gaius answered, confirming what Arwen had already stated.

“What is the cause?” Uther seemed adamant in getting the answers he wanted, and with the superficial ones he was getting from both the physicians, he knew there was more to the case.

“I think you should say that the cause, the most likely cause, is sorcery.” Gaius finally revealed. Arwen watched as panic became evident in both the eyes of the King and his son and Uther pulled the blonde to the side, starting up a hushed conversation between just the two of them.

As they were dismissed from the council chambers, and Merlin was allowed to aid Gaius and Arwen in whatever they needed, they decided to walk through the lower town in search of anything that may allude to the cause of this disease or the way it spread. But as they walked, they found more questions than answers as they came upon another man that had been infected by the illness; unlike the other two victims he remained alive.

“I’m afraid there’s nothing we can do for him.” Gaius stated sadly as he watched Merlin and Arwen lean down by the ill man’s side.

“But we haven't tried.” Merlin retaliated in desperation. It was one thing to see the men who were already dead from the disease, and a completely other to see someone who still had the chance of being saved.

“If we don't know what a disease is, then how can we cure him?” Gaius questioned Merlin.

“With magic.” Merlin tried to suggest, but Gaius was quick to pull him to his feet and point towards Arthur and his knights who were searching every home in Camelot in pursuit of the sorcerer who may have caused this.

“Have a look. They're suspicious of everyone. This is not the time to be using magic. Science will lead us to the source of the disease.” Gaius spoke with conviction before pulling Merlin away from the man and continuing down the street. Arwen was about to stand too, but the man grabbed hold of her hand stopping her from doing so.

“Please.” He begged, too weak to say much more. However the desperation in his voice made the sting of tears reach her eyes as she took hold of his hand in both of her own.

“I am so sorry.” She said, and quickly stood, turning away as she was about to follow after Merlin and Gaius. She couldn’t stand by the man any longer with the knowledge that there was nothing she could do to ease his suffering. However, as she got a couple of steps away, a voice calling out to her made her stop and turn around coming face to face with the Prince.

“Have you and Gaius had any success in finding answers to this illness?” Arthur asked, desperation evident in his voice. He had noticed the girl’s interaction with the dying man and could understand why she was upset by it. He too felt pain at the fact that there was nothing he could do to help his people as they were forced to deal with this.

“No, but we’re here trying to find what may be the cause. If we find that at least we can stop it from spreading.” Arwen explained and all Arthur could do was nod as he took in the information. “If you’ll excuse me my lord, I best get back to them.” Arwen said as silence settled upon them and he quickly nodded once more, allowing Arwen to turn around and run after Merlin and Gaius who had gotten to the end of the long street by now.

As they were unable to find any answers in their search through the lower town, Gaius, Merlin and Arwen had returned to the physician’s chambers to run some more tests on the body they already had in there. Tests which Merlin found quite disgusting.

“Will that tell you who did it?” Merlin asked as he watched Gaius mix a red liquid with the contents of the dead man’s stomach.

“No, but certain substances and potions when mixed could give us an idea of what he had consumed during the last 24 hours before his death. Knowing that may be of help in narrowing down the list of potential causes.” Arwen explained to him as her eyes focused on the contents within the bottle in Gaius’ hands.

“One thing I do know, this is magic of the darkest kind.” Gaius stated. By now he was sure of the claim that there could be no other cause aside from magic. Nothing in his books spoke of such an illness.

“Why would someone use magic like that?” Merlin questioned in confusion. He couldn’t imagine hurting someone with his own gifts.

“Magic corrupts. People use it for their own ends.” Gaius said, remembering the times of the Great Purge as well as Uther’s war with the neighbouring Kingdom of Prairene which had allowed magic within their borders.

“But not all magic is bad, I know it isn’t.” Arwen stated as her eyes flashed to her brother. She knew his magic was of the purest kind, he used it only for good; maybe sometime for their own entertainment perhaps, but that happened when they were kids mostly.

“It's neither good nor bad. It's how you use it.” Gaius explained, understanding the cause of Arwen’s words. Before anything else about either magic or the illness could be said, the door of the chambers burst open and the three watched as Arthur entered the room followed by a number of knights.

“Sorry Gaius, we’re searching every room in town.” Arthur stated as he pointed his guards in multiple directions and he himself started to shift through many of the objects cluttering the tables within the physician’s chambers.

“What for?” Gaius asked defensively.

“The sorcerer.” Arthur said, and Arwen found a small spark of worry spread through her. While she knew Merlin had nothing to do with this sickness, she knew if any suspicion fell on him, Uther would instantly put all of the blame on him without any questions asked.

“But why would he be here?” Gaius questioned, not too pleased with the knights now rummaging through his things.

“I’m just doing my job.” Arthur said with understanding, he too would be unnerved by someone digging through his rooms.

“We have nothing to hide. Go on then, search.” Gaius said. He knew that if they really did a thorough search of everything, Arthur and his guards would be here for hours if not a full day.

“What's all these books and papers?” Arthur questioned as he opened one of the books situated on the table closest to him.

“My life's work, dedicated to the understanding of science. You are quite welcome to read through them if you wish.” Gaius said calmly, having expected the question to be posed sooner or later. Arwen held back the laugh upon seeing Arthur’s face after the suggestion. It was obvious he intended to do no such thing.

“What’s this room up here?” Arthur asked as he looked at the door of Merlin and Arwen’s sleeping chambers, his investigation through Gaius’ book quickly dismissed.

“It’s ours.” Arwen replied calmly, her mind flashing to the state in which Merlin’s side was, more primarily the fact that in it, his book filled with spells and incantations may be out in the open, just waiting for Arthur to find it.

“And what do you expect to find in there?” Gaius called after Arthur as he made his way through the door of their room ready to search through it as well.

“I'm looking for material or evidence suggesting the use of enchantments.” Arthur stated as if it were the most obvious thing, and in a way it was since he had already explained his job. The Prince was certain he would find nothing in there, but it was still required of him to check.

“What have you done with the magic book I gave you?” Gaius whispered to Merlin, loud enough for only him and Arwen to hear. Panic flashed through Merlin’s eyes as they turned towards the door of their room where Arthur had just entered.

“Merlin, Arwen, come here!” Arthur called out, making a look of worry pass between the siblings as they rushed up the steps towards their room. Arwen was the first to enter and she looked to Arthur as he stood in front of Merlin’s cupboard. “Look what I found; I found a place where you can put things. It's called a cupboard.” The Prince stated scoldingly. It was very obvious which side of the room was Merlin’s and which one was Arwen’s. All of her things were neatly stacked on top of a chest in the corner of the room, books and papers. But what had caught Arthur’s eye as he approached was a sheathed sword.

“Is that yours?” His eyes looked to Arwen as he pointed to the sword. She gave him a small nod, glad he was now focusing on her side of the room, giving Merlin the perfect chance to hide the book. “May I?” He asked as he approached the weapon.

“Of course my lord.” She said and watched as he unsheathed it, observing the blade with wonder.

“And you’re telling me you know how to use this?” He asked as he flipped the sword in his hand, testing its balance. It was a fine blade, and he found himself admiring the good craftsmanship.

“Yes my lord.” Arwen said, unable to hide the small smirk of pride from her face. Men always doubted her skills with a sword, but if put to the test she could hold her own against any of them.

“You are full of surprises Arwen.” Arthur said as he put the sword back in its sheath and placed it back onto the chest. His eyes turned to Merlin as he moved through the room. “You should really take some pointers from your sister Merlin.” He said to his servant making Arwen give out a laugh as Merlin’s expression turned sour at the words. But whether he was happy or not, didn’t really matter as relief passed through both siblings as they watched the Prince exit their room and followed after him.

“How long do you think it may be before you find a cure?” Arthur asked, looking to Gaius and Arwen in hope of good news.

“It depends on how many interruptions we get.” Gaius answered boldly, making his displeasure with the events evident.

“Of course, I'm sorry.” Arthur said with a nod of his head, understanding that the two needed their focus to be able to do their job properly. Because of that he dismissed the guards and in a matter of moments it was just the three of them once again.

Arwen, Gaius and Merlin found themselves looking at yet another body of a woman affected by the disease that had been brought to their chambers. It replaced the man who had previously been there, while he was placed in the courtyard along with the many bodies of the deceased, all killed by the sickness they still had no answers for.

“What’s different about this victim?” Gaius asked, hoping to give Merlin another lesson in his area of expertise. He knew Arwen would be quick to conclude what the death of the woman could tell them, and unlike Merlin she didn’t instantly answer, instead she silently observed, her expression making it clear that the wheels of her mind were turning.

“Er... she's a woman.” Merlin pointed out the most obvious thing, and was Arwen listening to him she would have most likely rolled her eyes at him.

“Sometimes I do wonder whether you're a magical talents were given to the right person. Anything else?” Gaius asked, understanding that he would most likely have to draw a map for Merlin for him to be able to reach the right answer.

“Erm... she's a courtier.” Merlin said after taking a better look and noticing the woman’s attire. Gaius gave out a noise, giving Merlin a sign that he was on the right track. “But how does that help us?” He asked, and as he did, Arwen quickly realized the differences of lifestyle that separated the people from the lower town and those within the court. Only one thing connected them.

“Courtiers seldom go down to the lower town. So what does that mean?” Gaius edged him on with a pointed expression, hoping Merlin would soon get the point of what he was trying to see. He could notice it on Arwen’s face that she had already figured it out, but was finding amusement as Merlin stumbled around the facts that were right in front of him.

“Erm... that, that she hasn't spoken to any townspeople.” Gaius looked as if he were in pain because of Merlin’s daft reply, but Arwen gave a small nod of her head. In a way he was pointing out a good thing. With the lack of interaction she must’ve had with others who had been infected it solidified the claim that the disease didn’t spread through contact. Although, with how much they had been around the ill, it was already safe to assume that was the case, or all three of them would have caught it by now.

“Oh, and they probably ate different food.” Merlin quickly added on. Even the three of them were exposed to more dietary options than the people occupying the streets of Camelot. A woman of nobility would most likely not be exposed to any of the same food as the others.

“Good. Anything else?” Gaius asked, seeing that Merlin was starting to go in the right direction towards the answers.

“I doubt they breathe the same air.” Merlin said after a moment passed of him thinking through the other possibilities and differences.

“So what's the only thing they do share?” Arwen asked him with a raised eyebrow, truly hoping he would get to the right answer by now.

“Water.” He said, for a moment not even realizing it before it dawned on him what he had said. “Water? You think the disease is spread through water?” He asked Gaius in surprise. But it did make sense, after all it was the easiest medium which would allow the most people to be affected.

“Merlin you’re a prodigy.” Gaius said with sarcasm laced through his voice and Arwen laughed. Ignoring the insincere compliment, Merlin quickly moved around the table, grabbing a bucket.

“I’ll go get some right now!” He exclaimed before rushing out the door without another word being said. Arwen looked to Gaius to find him shaking his head at the boy.

“What is it Gaius?” She asked with a smile.

“I was hoping you could do that while Merlin went to tell Arthur of our findings, after all it would be wise to protect our King and Prince from the possibility of getting infected themselves.” Gaius said with a sigh making Arwen give out a laugh.

“Come on, just be happy he is taking an interest in science.” Arwen teased as she too began moving through the room. “While we wait for him, I’ll go tell Arthur myself.” With that she walked out of the room as well, quickly making her way towards the Prince’s chambers. She couldn’t be sure whether she would find him there, but it was the best place to start. And with it being pretty early into the day, the possibility wasn’t that low.

So as she found herself knocking on the door of his chambers, she was relieved once she heard his voice telling her to enter from the inside. However, as she opened the door she was horrified to find Arthur sitting at the large table in the middle of his room and bringing a goblet filled to the brim with water up to his lips. Without a second thought she jumped over and pushed it out of his hands. The surprise made the Prince drop the goblet down to the floor, creating a large puddle. For a moment all he could do was shift his eyes between the red head and the goblet which remained lying where it fell.

“Arwen, what exactly is the meaning of this?” He asked her, quite confused by the outburst. She had snapped at him before, he was well aware of that, but she always tried to behave properly and with respect, so he was quite surprised by this.

“We managed to discover how the disease spreads.” She said quickly, making Arthur raise his eyebrow at her.

“Right. And tell me, what does that have to do with you assaulting my goblet?” Arthur asked, still not catching on.

“We suspect that the disease may be spread through water. While we don’t want to inform everyone until we are certain as to avoid panic, Gaius thought it best to at least tell you and your father so nothing happens to either one of you.” Arwen informed him, and this time as Arthur looked down to the goblet his eyes held a more wary look.

“I’ll go inform my father at once, thank you for coming to me with this Arwen.” Arthur quickly stood from his seat. While he believed that Gaius and Arwen would be able to find a cure for this disease, he didn’t want to risk anything until it was certain they had one.

“I should get back to Gaius. The sooner we find a solution to this the better, after all, people can’t avoid drinking water for long.” Arwen said and began making her way out of his chambers, and he quickly followed after her planning to go see his father. As they exited into the hall, the two parted ways with one final nod, and Arwen’s quick steps took her back to the physician’s chambers.

As she made her way up the steps, she noticed that the door of the chambers was wide open, making her conclude that Merlin had come back with the water. She was startled by the appearance of Guinevere who quickly rushed past her, visibly upset. She tried calling out to her, but the girl either didn’t hear her or didn’t want to stop. It made Arwen rush up the rest of the steps.

“What happened to Gwen? Is she sick?” Arwen asked in worry as she closed the door behind her. For a moment both Gaius and Merlin were silent as Gaius placed a flower into a small bottle of water.

“No, but her father is. And apparently, there is nothing we can do about it.” Merlin informed her, obviously displeased with Gaius as he rushed to their room, not wanting to speak about it any longer.

“Gaius are you sure? Perhaps now that we know what is causing this we can find a cure in time?” Arwen questioned as she approached the physician.

“We are far from finding a cure, and considering the cause of this is magic, I am not sure there even could be one.” Gaius said honestly. They were out of their element with magic, because with the cause not being scientific, it was that much harder to find a resolution. Arwen knew this, but she refused to lose hope, not yet.

The next morning Arwen and Gaius found themselves in the council chambers alongside Uther and Arthur as they presented their King with the findings. After holding the flower in the water for only a couple of hours it had withered away and lost all colour. Seeing the bottle placed in front of them Arthur was about to reach for it to examine it better, but was quickly stopped.

“Don't touch it. I had this in the water for no more than a few hours.” Gaius warned the both of them. Now that they knew water was the source of the illness they wanted to take no risks with how they handle it.

“Where's the water from?” The King asked, he was relieved that they had some answers now, but the danger was still high.

“The pump from where the people take their daily supply.” Gaius answered the question quickly, the severity increasing as the answer reached the ears of the King.

“We may have to stop the people from using it.” Arthur said, knowing that it was the only way to prevent more people getting sick and dying.

“The city cannot survive without water.” Gaius warned the Prince, however, he didn’t have any better ideas at the moment.

“The human body can survive without water for three, maybe four day, but not longer.” Arwen said, she knew it would be hard for the people, but perhaps a cure or solution could be found in that time.

“Then we have to find this sorcerer!” Uther exclaimed angrily as he turned away from the rest of them.

“I don't believe that they're inside Camelot.” Arthur said, after all the searches providing them with nothing, he didn’t know where else in the city he could look.

“Then extend the search to the villages!” Uther snapped at his son. Arwen could see his anger starting to get the best of him, as it always did when the subject was magic.

“We've started, but I can't search the entire kingdom.” Arthur said. Even if he tried to do such a thing, the sorcerer would get wind of it and manage to evade their grasp. He wasn’t sure if he could catch this person.

“And I can't stand by and watch our people dying.” Uther said, and everyone in the room knew he was right. As long as there was a chance to stop this, they had to give their best towards finding it. With no more words spoken, Arthur was the first to leave the council chambers, Gaius and Arwen soon following after him as they returned to their work trying to find a solution that may not depend on magic.

Arwen was sitting at the table in the physician’s chambers, combing through the many books Gaius had in search of some answers. Her focus was interrupted as the door burst open and both Gaius and Merlin rushed into the room. She was quick to notice their upset state, and was about to ask what had happened when Gaius spoke.

“What have you done?” Gaius sounded livid as his eyes turned to Merlin making Arwen’s confusion only grow.

“What’s happened?” She tried to interject, but her question went unnoticed as the two focused on the conversation amongst themselves. Arwen realized it would be best to just listen and try to get the answers she needed that way.

“What?” Merlin asked, pretending that he didn’t know what Gaius was speaking of.

“I warned you! Oh, I understand. You thought you were doing good.” Gaius spoke, although the tone in which he spoke made it clear that he wasn’t as understanding as he led on.

“I couldn't let her father die knowing I could cure him.” Merlin defended, and Arwen was now quick to catch on to what had happened. Merlin had used magic to cure Gwen’s father. What she couldn’t understand was when it had happened, she hadn’t seen him do any such thing.

“Didn't you think it might look a bit suspicious, the curing of one man?” Gaius asked in disappointment. Arwen didn’t know which position to take. It was easy to say she would’ve been smarted with her actions in Merlin’s place, but then again, she cared for Gwen and if she had the same gifs as Merlin, she couldn’t say with certainty that she would not have used them.

“Well then, all I have to do is... I'll cure everyone! No one will ever have to know it was magic.” Merlin tried to suggest a solution.

“It's too late! They think Gwen's a sorceress! They think she caused the disease!” Gaius yelled out, trying to make the boy see some sense in what his actions had brought forward.

“But she didn't!” Merlin retaliated, wanting more than anything to find a way to help his friend out of the mess he had created. He turned to the door, ready to go out there and do something when Gaius stopped him.

“Oh, and how are you going to prove that?!” Gaius yelled out at him, but Merlin did not reply, and instead he just walked out, closing the door behind him as he left. As he was gone, Gaius’ eyes turned to Arwen with the same anger. “Did you know about this?” He asked her.

“What? No, I didn’t. But Gaius can you blame him? You know what he’s like when he wants to help those he cares for.” Arwen tried to calm the man, knowing that a rift between him and Merlin would be good for no one.

“I understand why he did it, but he must understand how foolish it was. This time Gwen is the one who was blamed, and other people will always get blamed for such things until one day the suspicion will turn to him.” Gaius said with a sigh as he sat down. Arwen felt sympathy for the both of them, she knew Gaius’ anger came from a place of worry and care.

“If anyone can find a way to solve all of this, it will be Merlin. You just have to believe in him.” Arwen said calmly, and she did believe it. So far, Merlin had managed to solve the problems thrown their way, this wasn’t any different. She knew he will stop at nothing to help Gwen and save her.

“I hope you are right my dear.” Gaius said, deciding to let Arwen’s optimism grow within him too.

“Would you mind if I go see her?” She asked him after a couple of moments of silence had passed between them. She was aware that he might need her help, but Gaius nodded his head in understanding and Arwen quickly moved to leave the chambers. Her quick steps took her to the dungeons, even though she wasn’t sure whether the guards would even let her see the girl. She had to try.

As she reached the door which would lead her down there, she ran into Morgana, and both of them stopped for a moment as they noticed each other’s presence.

“Are you going to see her?” Morgana asked, although she already knew the answer. Arwen had no other reason to be headed to the cells.

“Yes, my lady, however I’m not sure whether the guards will let me.” Arwen said honestly.

“They will if you’re with me. Come.” Morgana extended her hand towards Arwen with a small smile that didn’t quite reach her eyes. Arwen quickly accepted it, and the two descended the steps towards the cells. The guards did not even question their presence, but just let them pass and the two found themselves standing on the other side of the bars which separated them from Gwen.

“My lady, Arwen, what are you doing here?” Gwen asked in surprise as she saw them appear before her. She tried to walk closer, but the chains which bound her wrists, prevented her from reaching them.

“We had to see you.” Arwen said, the sadness not hidden from her face as she looked at the position her friend was in.

“I am so sorry Gwen, I tried to speak to Uther, even Arthur tried to convince him, but he sees no sense. He hears magic and no longer cares for what is right or wrong.” Morgana began to apologize, feeling guilty for not being able to help more.

“My lady you shouldn’t have done that.” Gwen tried to reason with her. She didn’t want Morgana to put herself in a bad position on her account.

“Of course I did, Gwen we all know you didn’t cause this plague, you don’t deserve to be punished for it.” Desperation was evident in Morgana’s voice and Arwen felt the lady squeeze her hand tighter in search of support.

“Thank you my lady, but I’m afraid there is nothing more that can be done.” Gwen was ready to admit her defeat after her earlier interaction with the King who had already condemned her to her death.

“Don’t speak like that, there is still hope, we’ll do whatever it takes to clear your name, I promise.” Arwen spoke with conviction. The real sorcerer was still out there, and despite what Uther thought, the plague would not stop with Gwen’s death.

“I don’t want any of you to put yourselves at risk for me, please.” Gwen begged them. Seeing her friend give up so quickly brought tears to Morgana’s eyes. But she herself questioned what more was there to do. “My lady, I want to thank you for all the kindness you’ve shown me during my time with you.” Gwen’s eyes turned to Morgana, tears slipping out of them as she spoke.

“No, don’t say it like you’re saying goodbye.” Morgana quickly spoke, not wanting to hear it.

“Morgana, if I am to die, then I want to say it. You weren’t only my mistress, but my friend, and for that I have always been grateful.” Gwen said, trying to remain calm and keep her tears at bay.

“And you mine Gwen, but I will not give up on you. Not yet.” Morgana said through her tears, and with that she quickly turned around, letting go of Arwen’s hand as she ran out of the area, unable to stay any longer. Both girls could hear the lady’s sobs as she departed.

“Arwen.” Gwen called her name, making the red head’s eyes turn back to her, but she didn’t let her speak.

“You listen to me Guinevere, and you listen carefully. We are not saying goodbye, not now, and not for a long time to come. You need to hold on to hope, because I am not letting you die here, not like this. And you can’t ask me to give up, because if you know me, you know I won’t listen.” Arwen spoke with a strong voice and a new sense of conviction. She wasn’t letting this happen, even if it were the last thing she did. “I’ll see you soon, and there will be no bars between us when that happens.” Arwen said sharply before turning around and taking her leave. As she walked out towards the steps, her eyes quickly noticed Merlin walking past the guards and towards her.

“How is she?” He asked silently as he and his sister stopped by each other’s side.

“She is already giving up. Go talk to her, I’ll wait for you in the courtyard, and when you’re done, we’re finding a way to stop all of this.” Arwen instructed, and Merlin nodded, knowing that he had the same plan. With that he made his way towards Gwen’s cell while Arwen climbed up the stairway and leaving the dungeons.

She had quickly reached the steps of the courtyard and leaned against the wall as she waited for her brother. However, as more and more time passed, something didn’t feel right with her. He should’ve been here by now. Not sure of what was happening, she began to make her way back into the castle and towards the physician’s chambers. Perhaps he had misheard her and went there. And her suspicions were confirmed as she found both Gaius and Merlin there, managing to catch some of the last words of what Gaius was saying to the boy.

“…he saved you from your own stupidity” The physician said, making Arwen raise her eyebrow at her brother as she closed the door behind her. It was obvious that, once again, she had missed something.

“What else could I do? It's my fault Gwen's going to die.” Merlin tried to explain in desperation, angry that his plan had failed, all because of Arthur.

“Yes, but you don't prove her innocence by offering to jump into the flames.” Gaius started to tell him, the words making Arwen’s eyes go wide.

“You did what?” She exclaimed questioningly as her hand met the back of his head harshly. “Goodness sake Merlin, when I said we will find a way to save Gwen, you giving yourself up in her place is not what I meant!” She yelled at her brother.

“Arwen is right, you do it by finding out what's causing the disease!” Gaius said wisely.

“Well, whatever it is, one thing's for sure: Arthur isn't going to find it. He thinks he is so sharp!” Merlin said. Arwen wasn’t sure whether this was the best time to vent out his frustrations about Arthur, but then again, she didn’t know the full story of what had happened. “But even when I told him I was a wizard, he still couldn't see it.” Merlin added on, as if it would help them see how foolish Arthur was. All Arwen could see in that statement was how foolish Merlin himself was, and she didn’t hold back when voicing it.

“Do you really have a death wish?! Do you ever think Merlin?! What happens when you do the next extraordinary thing that saves his life, and he thinks of that? Then you’ll see just how sharp he can be when you’re sitting in the cells accused of magic.” Arwen scolded him in disappointment, making Merlin give out a sigh. He had thought about many of the things that would happen to him after admitting he was the sorcerer, but his sister’s anger was one of the things that hadn’t passed through his mind.

“Sometimes they're pretty hard to spot.” Gaius pointed out, after all, if it were easy to find a sorcerer they wouldn’t be in this position to begin with.

“Well, maybe I should go around wearing a pointy hat.” Merlin’s sarcastic retort earned him another slap over the head from Arwen, although this one was much lighter.

“I don't think you'll find one big enough.” Gaius said and Arwen laughed lightly at the comment, but the amusement quickly died down. “Anyway, forget that. If we're going to save Gwen, we have to find out what's contaminating the water.” Gaius said as he grabbed a set of keys and threw a bag into Merlin’s hands. All three headed out of the chambers and made their way towards the underground entrance of the water supply.

As they walked into the dark area, Merlin was quick to light a torch that would help them see as they descended down a large and narrow staircase. Once they got down the steps, and made their way through the cave like halls, there was a bit more light from the fires set up around them, but Merlin still carried their torch as they approached the water supply.

“The water from here supplies the whole town. Take a sample.” Gaius instructed as they came upon the water. With Merlin still holding the torch, Arwen pulled out a glass bottle from the bag that hung on his shoulder and made her way closer to the water. She leaned down, submerging her hand along with the bottle into the water and letting it fill up. As she pulled it out and closed the bottle, turning back to Gaius as he spoke, a sudden movement from behind her made Arwen quickly move closer to Gaius and Merlin and her brother pulled her behind him. Her eyes caught sight of the ugly creature as it screeched at them before returning back to the water.

“What the hell was that?” Merlin asked in surprise as the three of them began rushing out of the underground supply area. Gaius didn’t reply, and instead grabbed hold of his arm as they made their way back to the surface and to the light of day. Without any words spoken, they rushed back to the physician’s chambers where Gaius quickly grabbed hold of his books, already having a suspicion of what it was they had seen down at the water supply.

“Here. It was an Afanc.” Gaius exclaimed after flipping through the pages in search of the creature. Both Arwen and Merlin stood beside him, looking over his shoulder at the picture of the creature depicted in the book.

“An...A what?” Merlin asked, unable to understand what an Afanc was. Arwen found herself wondering the same as her eyes moved from the book and to Gaius’ face as she waited for him to answer.

“A beast born of clay, and conjured up only by the most powerful sorcerer. Now we have to find a way to defeat it. But where?” Gaius explained, starting to shift his eyes through the many shelves of books that surrounded them.

“That could take days. Gwen will be dead by then.” Merlin exclaimed in desperation. And each one of them knew it. There wasn’t enough time to look through all of the books at their disposal, and even then, they couldn’t be sure they would find the answer in any of them.

“Have you got a better idea?” Gaius asked him, seeing no other options. Merlin stayed silent for a moment, a thoughtful expression passing over his face. All of a sudden, without even a word, he ran out of the room, leaving Gaius and Arwen in his dust.

“I hate it when he does that.” Arwen mumbled as she took a seat at the table, leaning her head against her hand as she rested her elbow on the wooden surface. There was nothing to be done until Merlin returned, because if he had an idea, all she wished for was for it not to be another foolish one.

Some time into their wait, Gaius had to leave, having been called down to the lower town for another possible case of the sickness. Arwen wasn’t alone in the chambers, because soon after, Merlin ran into the room, quickly moving over to one of the many stacks of books Gaius had stored.

“It’s the elements!” He called out to Arwen as if she would understands what exactly he had meant by that. Before she could ask him anything, Gaius entered as well and looked at him with a curious expression.

“Merlin, what are you doing?” The physician asked as he closed the door and moved over to the table where he set his bag down, his eyes not moving away from Merlin.

“Looking for a book.” Merlin said shortly making Arwen roll her eyes at him.

“Really? I didn’t get that.” This time it was her being sarcastic.

“You going to tell me which one?” Gaius questioned as he walked closer, knowing it would be much quicker if he knew what exactly they needed.

“A book on elements.” Merlin stated, not even bothering to look away from the many covers he was shifting through.

“Elements?” Gaius posed the question, unsure of how he would know the answers lay in that.

“Yes. Which one would I find them in?” Merlin asked as he looked over many of the papers stacked upon Gaius’ desk.

“Well, most of them. The study of base elements is at the very heart of the scientific process.” Gaius explained to him, wishing that there were a narrower field of science Merlin would focus his search of answers on.

“Certain people believe that the elements compose everything around us, even humans themselves.” Arwen spoke as she remembered reading about it in one of Gaius’ books when she first arrived to Camelot.

“But how would they help me kill the Afanc?” Merlin finally stopped his frantic search through the books and papers as he focused his eyes on Gaius and Arwen. Perhaps their knowledge would give him enough answers so he wouldn’t have to waste time on books.

“Well, the Afanc is a creature made from earth and water. That's two of the four base elements.” Gaius explained, Merlin’s theory beginning to make some sense in his opinion.

“What about the other two?” Merlin asked curiously, his mind spinning with possible ideas of how the other two may be helpful to him.

“Well, perhaps they will destroy it.” Uther mussed, deep in thought as he evaluated what he was proposing.

“You think the elements can cancel each other out?” Arwen asked in surprise, but as she thought about it, the idea didn’t seem that impossible. Water and fire had always been regarded as opposing elements, and air and earth were sparsely connected in the books she had read.

“You want fire. Wind and fire.” Gaius instructed the warlock, before stopping for a moment as he wondered how Merlin could have come upon this information. “How did you find this out?”

“Erm... I just knew, you know? One of my powers.” Merlin lied as he stood, and Arwen could see right through it, but she knew now wasn’t the time to ask about it. She would focus on dragging the true answer out of him once this all got solved.

“What else do your powers tell you?” Gaius asked. Such intuition abilities were a sign of great power, something he had always been interested in when it came to Merlin; how powerful he really is.

“That I am only one side of a coin. The brighter side, obviously.” Merlin said ominously, and Arwen couldn’t help but wonder what in the world that could mean.

“And who's the other side?” Gaius asked, also not really seeing what Merlin was saying.

“I think that might be Arthur.” Merlin said honestly and continued to add. “And for both sides to be seen they need the light to shine upon them.” Arwen couldn’t understand any of what Merlin was saying, and rose her eyebrow at him in question as she found him looking at her while he spoke.

“They're bringing forward the execution. We have to prove Gwen's innocence.” The sound of Morgana’s voice as she rushed into the physician’s chambers made them all snap out of their conversation as they looked in her direction.

“We’re trying.” Gaius tried to reassure the lady. And as he said that he felt confident in his belief that they would actually manage to do it.

“Please, just tell me what I can do to help.” Morgana said, ready to do anything necessary to help her friend. With her position she could surely be of some help.

“We need Arthur.” Merlin informed her, making the raven haired woman’s eyebrows furrow in confusion.

“Arthur?” She asked, unable to understand what part Arthur would have to play in helping them save Gwen.

“There's a monster, an Afanc, in the water supply. That's what's causing the plague.” Merlin explained to her, and Morgana assumed the reason behind needing Arthur would be for his fighting skills.

“Well, we must tell Uther.” She tried to say, believing it would help them prove Gwen had no part in this.

“The Afanc's a creature forged by magic. Telling Uther wouldn't save Gwen. He'd just blame her for conjuring it.” Gaius explained to her, showing that there was no point in bringing Uther in on their knowledge just yet.

“So what are we to do?” Morgana asked, not seeing the direction in which their newly formed plan was going.

“We need to destroy it. Then the plague will stop and Uther may see sense.” Merlin stated, hoping that he was right. If the magic stopped maybe fear would stop ruling over the King’s mind.

“And that's why you need Arthur.” Morgana concluded.

“He's our best chance. But he won't want to disobey the King.” Merlin stated, knowing that it would be hard to get Arthur on their side.

“And I’m not sure either one of us could convince him to.” Arwen said, after all they were nothing to Arthur, their word wouldn’t mean much against the word of his father.

“Leave that to me.” Morgana said, knowing that if anyone could convince Arthur to go against the wishes of his father, it would be her. With that she turned around, leaving the room and heading to Arthur’s chambers where she knew he would be at this time.

Knowing that soon enough they would be facing the beast, Arwen moved towards the door of her and Merlin’s sleeping chambers. She surely wasn’t going back down to the underground water supply without anything to defend herself with. She was quick to grab her sword from its position in the corner of the room and made her way back to Merlin and Gaius as the older man was giving Merlin the key they had just used to get down there.

Having what they needed, Merlin and Arwen made their way towards the courtyard where they would meet Morgana once she was able to enlist Arthur’s help. And the wait didn’t take too long as only minutes after their arrival Arwen could see both nobles making their way out of the castle and towards them as Arthur drew his sword; preparing for whatever lay ahead.

As they made their way to the entrance to the underground area, Merlin quickly unlocked the door once they reached it, and Arwen found herself drawing her own sword as they lit multiple torches on top of the staircase. Arthur’s eyes flashed towards her as he heard the sound. He wasn’t sure whether to be surprised or not, after all, he knew Arwen wouldn’t have let Merlin do this alone, and she was smart enough to take anything that would be able to help her protect her brother. Seeing his eyes on her, Arwen rose her eyebrow at Arthur questioningly, and the look managed to bring his mind back to the task at hand.

They began to descend down the steps, with Arthur leading their small party in the front, a torch in his hand. Merlin walked behind him, while Arwen and Morgana took the rear together.

“You'd better be right about this, Merlin.” Arthur spoke, his voice echoing through the area around them that had so far been silent only occupied by the sound of their footsteps as they moved. However, that didn’t last long, because as if his words called out for it, a low growl emitted from somewhere within the caves. Upon hearing it Morgana let out a low gasp, while all four of them froze in their spots.

“You should stay here.” Arthur said as he turned to look at the two women. Arwen could only roll her eyes at him.

“I’m coming with you.” Morgana said with determination. It was clear that she was scared of the noise that they heard, but she wasn’t about to walk away, not if being here could help Gwen.

“No.” Arthur was quick to dismiss her.

“What scared we’ll show you up?” Morgana asked teasingly making Arwen smile in her direction.

“Father will slam us both in chains if he knew I'd endangered you.” Arthur tried to reason with her, but Morgana wouldn’t budge.

“Well good thing he doesn't know about it then.” Morgana spoke her mind, confident that all four of them would walk out of here safely. With both Arthur and Arwen’s sword shining in the light of the flames, and their numbers, it made her believe they could defeat this creature that plagued Camelot.

“I'm telling you, Morgana, turn back. You could get hurt.” Arthur tried again, the worry he felt about leading Morgana into this evident in his eyes. From the look she was giving him, Arthur knew that trying to persuade Arwen to leave too would be pointless. He was trying to persuade Morgana to walk away because he didn’t want for her to get hurt, Arwen was here for the same reason; to protect Merlin. Who was he to tell her it was something she couldn’t do? He didn’t like the thought of her getting hurt, but she was never going to listen to him when it came to this, no matter what authority he may have over her as the Prince.

“You could too... if you don't get out of my way.” Morgana said as she began moving once more, walking past him without another thought. Arwen was quite amused by the lady and followed after her. She understood Arthur’s worry, Morgana was the only one walking into this without any form of protection. She and Arthur had their weapons, and while the Prince may not know it, Merlin had his magic, Morgana was vulnerable, and Arwen wanted to follow after her to make sure nothing actually happened.

“How are we going to find it?” Morgana asked silently as their group of four moved through the caves.

“I just hope we do before it finds us.” Merlin commented solemnly making Arwen give him a pointed glare. This was no time for pessimism.

They continued to walk, however, Arthur suddenly turned to the opposite direction, calling out for the rest of them to stop. However, whatever may have made him turn, he quickly dismissed as a shadow and they continued to move onwards. They soon made it to the water source, and so far had seen no sign of the creature. What they weren’t aware of, was the Afanc silently trailing behind them.

“Spread out.” Arthur instructed. He turned to Merlin, pointing him in one direction before his eyes turned to Morgana and Arwen. He pointed them in the opposite direction, but not before giving Arwen a pleading look. One she fully understood and only nodded in confirmation. He was asking her to look after Morgana, and she was planning on it even without his unspoken plea.

She and Morgana moved side by side, with the torch the latter was carrying lighting the path in front of them. They didn’t get far before hearing the sounds of loud growly coming from where they had all just been. A look of worry passed between them before they rushed back. Arthur stood where they had left him, crouched in a defensive stance.

“What is it? Are you alright?” Morgana asked him in worry as the two of them rushed to his side, making sure that nothing had happened to him in their absence.

“Yeah.” Arthur quickly reassured him, just as Merlin ran towards them, coming from his own direction after he had heard the growls.

“Did you see it?” He asked, hoping that they had managed to locate the Afanc. It was their first step in defeating the creature.

“What did it look like?” The warlock questioned as the three of them stood together while Morgana moved her torch around trying to see where the creature may have gone.

“It... it's quick.” Arthur said, unsure of how to describe the Afanc since it had disappeared as quickly as it came at him.

Morgana’s scream brought them out of the conversation, making both Arthur and Arwen run in front of her as they tried to slash at the beast before it disappeared once more. In anger, the Afanc swung its claws at them making Arthur grab onto Arwen’s arm as he jumped back, pulling her along with him and out of its reach. As they moved, it disappeared once more making all of their eyes flash around the stone walls in search of it.

“Where is it?” Arthur questioned desperately as he moved his torch around, shining a light in all the corners that were consumed by darkness and providing a hideout for the Afanc that could attack again at any moment. Its growls could be heard from close by but none of their eyes could locate the beast.

“I think it’s gone this way!” Merlin called out to him as he turned towards one of the passes where he suspected that the growling had come from. The four of them moved, with Arthur quickly taking the lead and walking a couple of steps ahead, his sword tightly grasped in his hand and ready to be used at any moment.

As they moved, they saw a shadow appear behind one of the corners, making the Prince rise his sword as he motioned back to them to be quiet. The Afanc revealed itself as it moved from beyond the corner and slowly made its way to stand in front of them. Arthur was the first to make a move at it as he tried to swing the beast, but it was too fast and in his attempt to get away, Arthur’s sword dropped out of his hand.

The creature began to move towards Morgana, managing to swipe away her torch, but before it could do anything else, Arwen pulled her back making her own attempt at wounding the Afanc. Just like Arthur’s, it was no use and his hand swung at her. She jumped back, almost losing her balance, but Merlin’s hands steadied her while they watched Arthur use his torch to push away the creature.

“Arthur, use the torch!” Merlin yelled out to him, seeing this as the perfect opportunity, maybe the only opportunity, to use his magic to defeat the Afanc. The Prince listened, and as he swung the torch towards the face of the monster, Arwen could hear her brother silently chanting from beside her when a gust of wind passed through the caves around them. It seemed to fuel the fire of the torch as it made it grow and spread towards the Afanc, consuming it in a hot blaze that Arwen could feel on her skin. They could hear the screeches of the Afanc as it burned, but as the flames died down they saw nothing left of him.

Not wanting to spend any more time in the caves than they needed, the group of four quickly made their way back to the surface. Arwen couldn’t help but let out a laugh of relief as she watched Merlin lock the door once they were all outside and looking at the walls of Camelot. It made all eyes turn to her, but soon enough each one of them had a smile on their face, happy that they managed to rid Camelot of its most recent problem, and save the life of an innocent woman in the process.

“I should go inform my father about what has happened.” Arthur said after a couple moments had passed.

“And we should tell Gaius.” Merlin added, and the four of them began making their way to the palace. Morgana was the fastest out of them, knowing that now that the Afanc had been defeated Gwen had a chance, and Merlin wasn’t far behind her as he thought of the same thing.

They made a quick job of informing Gaius about their success after they had parted ways with Arthur and Morgana and reached the physician’s chambers. But both Merlin and Arwen wanted to get to the dungeons as quickly as possible, wanting to be there for when Gwen was released.

And they reached them just in time as they came up behind Morgana and watched as one of the guards unlocked the cell in which she was being held, allowing Gwen’s father to rush in and embrace his daughter. Morgana, Merlin and Arwen came in too, watching with happy smiles as the father and daughter reunited.

“Thank you.” Gwen exclaimed gratefully as she pulled away from her father and reached for Morgana’s hands.

“Don’t thank me, it was more Merlin.” Morgana said, happily giving the credit to the true mastermind behind all that had happened to ensure Gwen’s release.

“Really?” Gwen asked in surprise as she looked at him with immense gratitude. All she had asked of Merlin was not to forget her, and he went as far as making sure she was released, Gwen wasn’t sure whether she could ever repay that.

“He’s the real hero here.” Morgana said with a large smile as her eyes turned towards the boy standing at her side. Merlin gave her a surprised look, unsure of how to react to such words.

“I don’t know what to say.” Gwen said, a smile never leaving her face, or the face of her father as he happily stood beside her.

“I didn’t do anything.” Merlin said humbly with a small laugh, after all it wasn’t just him that had participated in this.

“I am grateful to you all.” Tom said as he looked at each one of the people that had managed to give him his daughter back. And now that he had her, the first thing he wanted to do was get her out of those cells, and it was exactly what he did. It left Merlin, Morgana and Arwen standing together with smiles and happiness consuming them.

“Merlin,” Morgana calling out to him made his eyes leave Gwen’s retreating figure and focus on the lady as she spoke. “Your secret is safe with me.” The words made Arwen try her best to restrain the worry that threatened to flash in her eyes.

“My secret?” Merlin pretended to be oblivious as he tried to understand what Morgana was saying.

“Merlin, don't pretend. I know what you did.” Morgana said seriously, and Arwen didn’t know how to react. She may have said that she wouldn’t expose him, but she was still the King’s ward and who knows what may happen in the future.

“You do?” Merlin asked. He didn’t want to jump to conclusions, because if Morgana was speaking of anything else, it would end really badly for him if he just blabbed his mouth thinking she spoke of his magic.

“I saw it with my own eyes.” Morgana explained, and Arwen twisted her fingers in worry.

“You did?” Merlin asked, this time surprised. He had used his chance down at the water supply, but not before making sure that neither Morgana nor Arthur would see what he had done.

“I understand why you don't anyone to know.” Morgana said with a small nod of her head, and to Arwen she truly seemed genuine in her words.

“Well obviously.” Merlin spoke up, relieved that Morgana was being understanding and not giving him up to Uther at that exact moment.

“But I won't tell anyone. You don't mind me talking to you about it?” Morgana reassured him with a smile, speaking as if it was the most interesting thing. Arwen was surprised to see the King’s ward so interested in magic.

“Er...no. I, I, it's, er...you have no idea how hard it is to keep this hidden.” Merlin stumbled over his words due to the happiness and relief he felt upon hearing Morgana’s words.

“Well, you can continue to deny it, but I think Gwen's a very lucky woman.” Morgana said with a smirk, making Arwen’s eyes widen as she realized this had nothing whatsoever to do with Merlin’s gifts.

“Gwen?” Merlin asked, suddenly turning confused. Arwen did her best to contain her laughter as she watched Morgana put a finger to her lips before taking her leave from the cells and leaving the siblings standing together. As the King’s ward disappeared she let out a small laugh of amusement, making Merlin give her a glare.

“I really thought she was talking about my…” Merlin said, leaving his sentence open ended as he didn’t want to risk anyone hearing it.

“Trust me, so did I for a moment.” Arwen said as she wrapped her arm around his and the two began making their way out of the dungeons. “But Merlin, I hope you do know you can always talk to me about it?” Arwen said, turning serious as she looked up into his bright blue eyes while they walked.

“I know, it’s just…” Merlin began to say, but came to a stop unsure of whether he should continue.

“Just what?” Arwen asked in confusion, wanting to know what it was that seemed to bother him when it came to talking to her about these things.

“I know how much you worry about it, and I feel like talking about it will just make it worse for you.” He admitted with a heavy heart, and it made Arwen pull him to a stop.

“Merlin you’re my brother, of course I will worry. But I am also so proud of you. You are special, and your gifts are something amazing, but they carry a heavy burden, one you should not carry alone. I will always be by your side to help you with it, you should keep that in mind.” Arwen told him with a gentle smile. He was right about her worrying, but she also supported him wholeheartedly.

“Thank you.” Merlin said as he wrapped his arms around his sister’s shoulder, pulling her into a tight hug and causing her to let out a small laugh as she hugged him back.

When he had gone to visit the Great Dragon, the creature had in no way said what his metaphor about the light having to shine on both sides of the coin to reveal their full potential meant, but with everything that the Dragon had previously said, Merlin was beginning to think that the light was his sister. Because that was her role in his life. Whenever he was in doubt or having a hard time, she was always the one supporting him and building him up; she was his light.

Chapter Text

Whenever Uther housed guests within Camelot, Gaius was always kind enough to extend his services to all those who have arrived to the palace and were staying there. However, on this day, Arwen found herself running from chamber to chamber, speaking with knights, courtiers and servants alike and asking whether any of them would need any of the court physician’s services. She got a couple of requests for sleeping draughts and some pain tonics, but the requirements weren’t too extensive by the time she finished. With both her and Gaius working together she was sure they would have everything ready by the next morning.

As she had finished visiting the last of King Bayard’s men, Arwen began to make her way back to the physician’s chambers. Gaius too had gone to speak with a couple of their guests so she wasn’t sure whether he would be there, but she knew she could get started on some of the requests she had gotten. As she made her way through the halls she greeted and smiled at everyone she passed. Camelot has slowly become her home, and by now she was well acquainted with the familiar faces that she passed on a daily basis. Everyone was extremely polite and friendly towards her, with the exception of a rare few knights that Arwen didn’t pay much mind to anyways.

However, this time, the halls were bustling with many more people than before, but Arwen didn’t discriminate. She politely greeted anyone she didn’t recognize, and with the adorned blue colours that many of them worse it was easy to understand that the new faces belonged to King Bayard’s party. With peace looming over them, Arwen had made a point of greeting those who greeted her, and welcoming them to Camelot.

She had just rounded a corner after speaking to one of the servants who had asked her for directions towards the palace kitchens. Her eyes quickly caught sight of Merlin speaking to a beautiful girl that Arwen suspected was one of their guests. She also caught sight of Gaius standing not too far from the pair and giving Merlin a look of amusement. Arwen caught the way that the woman smiled at Merlin before walking past him and moving towards her. Their eyes met as they walked by one another, and Arwen gave her a smile before refocusing her eyes on Merlin and Gaius as she walked over to them.

“Shouldn’t you be busy running the place?” Gaius asked Merlin with a small laugh, making Arwen raise her eyebrow as she stopped by them and looked between her brother and mentor.

“What exactly are you running?” Arwen asked as Merlin sent a small glare towards Gaius, but it was obvious he was amused by the question as well.

“Camelot, my dear, he runs Camelot.” Gaius told her, continuing his teasing. Arwen couldn’t help but laugh at that, quickly gathering that it must’ve been about something that Merlin had said in his conversation with the beautiful servant only moments before. “Come now, there is much to do.” Gaius said after her laughter had died down and the two said their goodbyes to Merlin before walking off and starting to discuss all the requests Arwen had gathered.

Arwen’s laughter rang through the physician’s chambers as she entered her and Merlin’s room to get ready for the banquet which was held that evening as a celebration of the peace treaty between the two kingdoms. It was a loud laugh that, to Merlin, seemed like it would never end. He found himself glaring at his sister, very displeased with the reaction he was getting.

“Oh, but that hat.” Arwen wheezed out as she clutched her stomach, her face starting to hurt from the smiling and laughter.

“Would you stop that?!” Merlin exclaimed as he pulled the hat off his head in embarrassment. All Arwen could do was shake her head as she tried to breathe. “Where did you even get that?” She asked, although it took some time for her to get the words out.

“It’s the official ceremonial robes of the servants of Camelot. Arthur said I had to wear them.” Merlin grumbled, and Arwen only laughed more as she tried to imagine Merlin’s protests.

“Remind me to thank him for it.” Arwen said as her laughter turned to giggles as she approached her own cupboard in search of her green dress that she always wore to events like this. It was the nicest one she owned, and wore it only when the occasion called for it.

“Both of you take too much pleasure in this.” Merlin exclaimed as he made his way out of the room to let her get changed. Arwen tried to subdue her giggled, and while she managed to do it for a moment, they resurfaced as soon as she made her way back to the physician’s chambers where Gaius too was smiling in amusement. All Merlin could do was give out a huff as he headed towards the door, and the two followed after him. They made their way to the banquet hall and parted ways as each of them took a position within the hall. Merlin remained standing by the entrance as it was the closest place to where Arthur would be sitting during the feast, while Arwen and Gaius moved to the other corner, standing behind many of the knights and court members present for the event.

The whole banquet hall was silent as they watched Uther and Bayard sign the peace treaty. The atmosphere was tense, but not because the two countries have been at war for so long, but instead, the room filled with anticipation as the people looked forward to a new era of peace. And as the signing was complete, the two Kings grasped each other’s arms making applause spread through the crowd. As they did, Arwen spotted Gwen approaching her and Gaius from where she had previously been conversing with Merlin, whose eyes now seemed to be focused on the same serving girl he had met earlier in the day.

“Ignore whatever he said, it is easy for men to be taken by pretty things, but what matters is what they truly feel.” Arwen whispered to Gwen with a knowing smirk. The girl from Bayard’s party may be beautiful, but it was very obvious to Arwen from the time they spent together that Merlin most definitely felt something for Gwen, even if he didn’t know it himself just yet.

Before Guinevere could reply, or ask Arwen what she could mean by that, King Bayard began a speech, addressing everyone that had gathered and therefore stopping their conversation. Arwen tried to focus on the speech, she really did, but the King of Mercia seemed to drown on for eternity, and she found her mind wondering to other things. For someone who hadn’t grown up in Camelot, Arwen knew much about its history. The war between Camelot and Mercia had been going on for over a decade, and only recently have things calmed between the two countries. She often wondered how many wars Uther can get into. Years before the war with Mercia begun, Uther had also waged war on the Kingdom of Prairene. Arwen knew of this only for stories, for she had been born only weeks before that. It still made Arwen question when this man would tire of the conflict he continuously caused.

Arwen was brought out of her own mind as many of the people within the hall stood to their feet with their cups and goblets in their hands ready to toast to the peace that had officially started. She watched in amusement as Arthur kept bringing his goblet to his lips, ready to drink its contents, but he was continuously stopped as his father and Bayard continued to add things they were toasting to.

“And to fallen warriors on both sides.” Uther said, and it seemed as if everyone was finally free to drink. However, that thought was quickly dismissed as the sound of someone yelling for them to stop reached their ears and made everyone’s eyes turn to Merlin as he ran to Arthur’s side.

“It's poisoned! Don't drink it!” Merlin exclaimed as he reached Arthur and pulled the goblet out of the Prince’s hands. Arwen found herself walking closer to the table occupied by Camelot’s royals, her eyes not leaving Merlin as she wondered what happened. She didn’t even notice he had left the room.

“What?” Uther’s eyes focused on Merlin as he asked in confusion. The servant was making accusations that should not be taken lightly.

“Merlin, what are you doing?” Arthur asked him in confusion and irritation. It was highly improper for him to just barge in like this.

“Bayard laced Arthur's goblet with poison.” Merlin spoke with conviction as his eyes turned to look at the foreign king.

“This is an outrage!” Bayard exclaimed in ager, and each knight within the room began drawing their swords, pointing them at one another. Nobody was sure what to do now.

“Order your men to put down their swords. You are outnumbered.” Uther spoke as more guards of Camelot rushed into the room, their own swords drawn as they were ready to defend their King and Prince.

“I will not allow this insult to go unchallenged!” Bayard exclaimed, acting as if he knew nothing of the accusations Merlin was making. Arwen’s eyes remained firmly on her brother, wanting to distinguish any answers in his eyes, but she was unable to.

“On what grounds do you base this accusation?” Uther asked, making Merlin’s eyes turn back to the King of Camelot.

“I'll handle this.” Arthur said sharply, moving around the table as he approached Merlin and grabbed on to his shoulder, pulling him away. “Merlin, you idiot. Have we been at the slow gin again?” He questioned as he took the goblet from Merlin’s hands.

“Unless you want to be strung up, you will tell me why you think why you think it's poisoned now.” Uther threatened, preventing his son from leading the servant away before they could get to the bottom of this.

“He was seen lacing it.” Merlin said in conviction. But Arwen couldn’t help but wonder who could have seen the King of Mercia do such a thing, and why would they go to Merlin, of all people, with this information.

“By whom?” Uther asked, if there was such a person, he wanted to hear this accusation come from their own mouth, not delivered by a messenger.

“I can’t say.” Merlin replied making Arwen give out a sigh. Why in the world would he be protecting this person? Bayard’s men were outnumbered, there was no way something would happen to them. If anything, Uther would most likely reward them if the accusation was proven to be true.

“I won't listen to this anymore.” Bayard warned, outraged by the events as they developed.

“Pass me the goblet.” Uther commanded as he moved from his position and took the goblet as Arthur handed it to him. “If you’re telling the truth-“Uther began to speak as he approached Bayard who was quick to confirm that he was. “Then you have nothing to fear, do you?” Uther’s eyes focused on the other King as he slightly extended his hand and offered him the goblet. Arwen wasn’t sure how smart this was. If it was poison, having King Bayard drink it still couldn’t end well. But she knew there was nothing she could say as she watched the man clad in blue sheathe his sword motioned for Uther to hand him the goblet from in his hand.

“No. If this does prove to be poisoned, I want the pleasure of killing you myself.” Uther spoke as he changed his mind. At this Bayard gave out a snort, but Arwen almost didn’t hear it as she watched Uther turn back to Merlin. Her mind instantly jumped to the worst thoughts and she prayed she was only being paranoid. “He'll drink it.” Uther said and Arwen felt as if her heart had stopped.

“But if it is poisoned, he'll die!” Arthur exclaimed in surprise and protest as he looked to his father. As soon as his father had spoken his words, he could hear a sharp intake of breath, and didn’t need to look behind him to know who it had come from; Arwen, terrified for what may happen to her brother.

“Then we’ll know he’s telling the truth.” Uther spoke carelessly, unbothered by the thought of Merlin dying. Arwen couldn’t hold back the harsh glare she sent towards the King, not caring if anybody saw. Morgana did, and quickly took hold of Arwen’s hand in support. She couldn’t imagine what her friend was feeling in that moment, but she didn’t want her to snap at the King at a time like this. If the goblet was laced with poison, she needed to be free to find a cure for her brother.

“And what if he lives?” Bayard questioned, as he had no idea about there truly being poison in the goblet. He expected this display to go in his favour.

“Then you have my apologies, and you can do with him as you will.” Uther said coldly. Whichever way this turns he didn’t care for the consequences that the servant may face.

“Uther, please! He's just a boy! He doesn't know what he's saying!” Gaius tried to persuade the King in Merlin’s defence, but he wouldn’t hear it.

“Then you should've schooled him better.” Uther turned to Gaius with a sharp glare, warning him to say no more, but Arwen didn’t want to give up there.

“My lord please, if what he says is true he does not deserve to die for it. He would be saving Prince Arthur’s life, I can take his place.” Arwen spoke with a trembling voice trying to offer herself up in her brother’s place. Morgana squeezed her hand tighter, unsure of how she could possibly be of any help at this moment.

“No.” Arthur exclaimed upon hearing Arwen’s proposition. Neither one of them should give their life for him. “Merlin, apologise. This is a mistake. I'll drink it.” He spoke trying to reach for the goblet in the hands of his servant.

“No, no, no, no, no. It's, it's alright. I’ll be the one to drink it.” Merlin pulled the goblet away from Arthur, fixing both him and his sister with a look telling them to let it be. Arwen’s sight was blurred by tears as she watched her brother rise the goblet in Bayard’s direction before turning towards them and bring it to his lips, quickly downing its contents.

Morgana could feel Arwen’s hand squeezing hers tightly, unaware of what she was doing as she watched Merlin. The lady didn’t pull away despite the tight grip, Arwen needed it, and she wouldn’t abandon her friend now. They all watched in deadly silence as Merlin finished the drink, looking at them all as nothing happened.

“It’s fine.” He said after giving Bayard a surprised look. Exhales could be heard from all around the room. Arwen didn’t know what to think, for a moment she rejoiced that Merlin was still alive, but as soon as that relief appeared, it was gone as Uther allowed Bayard to take Merlin. A tear slid down her cheek as she watched Bayard reach for his sword unsure of what to do. If they decided to let him wait in the cells, then she could help, but not if the King of Mercia decided to kill him right now.

Arthur turned around, ready to plead with his father for Merlin to be spared the consequences. He was given false information, he shouldn’t pay for trying to protect him when he thought there was a threat. His eyes caught sight of Arwen as she clutched Morgana’s hand with sad eyes and tears in them threatening to spill. Seeing it pained him more than he thought it would, and he was about to do and say whatever he could to stop this, but the sound of starting to cough and choke behind him made him turn around with wide eyes.

Within seconds Merlin’s face scrunched up in a pained expression as his hand reached for his throat. Arwen pulled her hand from Morgana, beginning to move towards him, her steps turning into a sprint as he fell to the floor unconscious. The goblet rolled out of his hands as Arwen fell to her knees beside him, putting his head in her lap as her tears finally spilled over. She didn’t hear as Uther called out for the guards to seize Bayard and his men, instead she begged Merlin in a quiet voice to wake up, even though deep down she knew it wouldn’t happen. The sight of the sister begging her brother to wake up broke the hearts of many who watched.

She barely noticed as Arthur appeared beside her, kneeling beside Merlin in worry. It wasn’t long before Gaius was there too, with Gwen not too far behind him. He began checking Merlin over.

“We have to get him back to my chambers. Bring the goblet. I need to identify the poison.” Gaius quickly instructed them. Without any more words being spoken Arthur picked Merlin up from the floor while Gwen grabbed the goblet. Their group rushed out of the banquet hall, not caring for what happens next with Bayard and his men. All each of them wanted was to find a way to help Merlin as soon as possible.

Arthur rushed into the physician’s chambers carrying Merlin over his shoulder as Gaius instructed him to place him on the bed. Arwen was right on his heels, kneeling beside the bed as soon as the Prince laid Merlin down on it. Her heart was beating out of her chest as she looked at his face. In the short time that it took to get him to Gaius’ chambers, he was already looking much worse. Sweat coated his forehead and his breathing was shallow.

The Prince’s eyes passed between his servant and Arwen as Gaius placed a damp towel on Merlin’s forehead in an attempt to keep the growing fever at bay. She took hold of Merlin’s hand, grasping it tightly. It was obvious she was almost completely unaware of her surroundings, only barely listening to them as they spoke. There was a slight shake in her hands as worry overcame her every thought.

“You can cure him, can't you Gaius?” Gwen asked as she stood on the opposing side of Arwen, beside Gaius as he tended to Merlin before standing up.

“I won't know until I can identify the poison. Pass me the goblet.” The physician examined the inside of the silver cup while Gwen leaned down to be beside Merlin. “Ah. There's something stuck on the inside.”

“What is it?” Arthur questioned as he stood from his position beside Arwen and approached the man.

“It looks like a flower petal of some kind.” Gaius said as he moved towards the table and grabbed a pair of tweezers using them to pull out what he had seen.

“His brow's on fire.” Gwen informed Gaius in worry as she tended to Merlin, her eyes frequently jumping to Arwen. They were all worried, but the usually calm and composed red head was completely distraught.

“We need to keep him cool, it’ll control the fever.” Arwen said with a shaky voice. She may have been a worried mess, but her knowledge did not escape her, and she knew she had to keep her wits about her to be able to help her brother. As she spoke, Gaius had started to look through one of his books in search of what the plant he had found inside the goblet could be.

“Ah. The petal comes from the Mortaeus flower. It says here that someone poisoned by the Mortaeus can only be saved by a potion made from the leaf of the very same flower. It can only be found in the caves deep beneath the Forest of Balor. The flower grows on the roots of the Mortaeus tree.” Gaius explained as he read through the page of the book that he had stopped on.

“That doesn’t look too friendly.” Arthur said from his spot beside him as he pointed towards something in the book that neither Arwen nor Gwen could see from their position.

“A Cockatrice. It guards the forest. Its venom is potent. A single drop would mean certain death. Few who have crossed the Mountains of Isgaard in search of the Mortaeus flower have made it back alive.” Gaius read from the book. Of course the way to get the cure would not be easy.

“Sounds like fun.” Arthur said with determination after a couple of moments had passed. One look at Merlin’s quickly deteriorating state made him ready to walk out of the chambers before Gaius called out and forced him to come to a stop.

“Arthur, it's too dangerous.” The physician warned, unsure of whether the Prince understood what he would be walking into should he go.

“If I don't get the antidote, what happens to Merlin?” The blonde asked, making all eyes turn to Gaius as they waited for his reply.

“The Mortaeus induces a slow and painful death. He may hold out for four, maybe five days, but not for much longer. Eventually he will die.” Gaius said solemnly. It was all Arthur needed to hear to continue on his way.

“I’ll come with you.” Arwen said, beginning to rise to her feet, but Arthur stopped her.

“No, you need to stay here. I’ll take a couple of men, it’ll be alright. I promise, I will be back in time.” Arthur said firmly. He didn’t want to say it out loud; he didn’t even want to think about it, but Arthur knew, should something happen to prevent him from coming back in time, Arwen needed to be by Merlin’s side. Arwen didn’t put up a fight, she only nodded and took hold of Merlin’s hand once more as Arthur left the chambers.

Gwen had gone home for the night, and Arwen told Gaius he was free to sleep in her and Merlin’s room for the night as her brother was now occupying his bed. Arwen herself was unable to go to sleep. Instead she remained by Merlin’s side. As she sat there in silence, Arwen’s mind wandered back to her childhood and all the memories she and Merlin had made through the years. She could distinctively remember the first time she had seen Merlin use magic.

It was rather early into her stay with their family. That cold night, both Merlin and Hunith had believed Arwen to be asleep. Hunith was struggling to light a fire that would keep them warm for the night, when six year old Merlin did it within a second, the only indication that he had done anything being a golden flash in his eyes. Arwen was awake, despite their belief, and had witnessed every moment. However, she never said anything. She may have been young, but Arwen was very aware of what the world around her was like. Elaine, the woman she had been traveling with her whole life before coming to Ealdor after Elaine’s death, had just started to teach her about magic. How it was a force of good, but many people didn’t see it as such.

She was scared of what would happen to her were she to admit to them that she knew Merlin had magic. So Arwen kept quiet about what she had seen. And their lives continued on. There were some other times when she had seen similar things. Merlin levitating and moving things he couldn’t reach without having to move when he thought she wasn’t looking or helping his mother around the house through small acts of magic. She never said anything. Until one day. A year had passed, and during that time Arwen had become a part of their small family. Hunith knew that the secret couldn’t be kept from her forever. So one day, she sat her down at their small table in their house.

At first, Merlin and Hunith looked at her, stumbling over their words and unsure of how to begin the conversation. Hunith had no idea of how the girl would react, and it would not be good for them to have her run out into the town in fear of Merlin. The boy himself had never gone through this before, never had to tell anyone about his gifts. His young mind was mostly thinking the same as Hunith, however, not for the dangers that Arwen’s possible fear may pose to him. After the year spent with her, Merlin had grown extremely fond of Arwen, and the thought of her being scared of him saddened him.

Worried looks passed between mother and son, but to their surprise Arwen, wise beyond her years, was the one to speak first. When they first sat her down, so serious and calm, she had feared the worst. Her mind jumped to the thoughts of them sending her away, and not wanting to have her live with them any longer. But as she watched their silent interactions, seeing Merlin sitting on his hands as if stopping himself from using them, and the worry in Hunith’s eyes, Arwen quickly gathered that this wasn’t about her.

“You want to tell me Merlin has magic don’t you?” Arwen’s young voice stunned both Merlin and Hunith and made them look at her with wide eyes full of surprise.

“How did you… When did you… How do you know?” Hunith was the first to speak in complete shock, stumbling over her words as she started at Arwen.

“I saw him use it.” Arwen said honestly, but when she saw Hunith send Merlin a reprimanding look, she quickly added. “You both thought I was asleep, and he lit a fire, it wasn’t his fault.” She defended Merlin, not wanting for him to get scolded by his mother for not being careful, something she had heard the woman do before.

“Why didn’t you tell us?” Merlin asked unable to hide his big smile. If she had known, that meant she wasn’t scared of him.

“I didn’t want you to send me away.” Arwen said shyly, looking down at her hands. Now that they knew she had kept this from them, she wasn’t sure how they would react. Hunith quickly got to her feet as she moved around the table towards Arwen. The young girl was surprised as Hunith’s arms wrapped around her small shoulders and brought her into a tight embrace.

“Arwen, sweetheart, I don’t ever want you to think that will happen. You are a part of this family, and you’re not losing us any time soon.” Hunith spoke softly, making a big smile spread over Arwen’s face. Wanting to be a part of the hug too, Merlin quickly stood up, letting his small legs run over to Arwen’s other side as he hugged her.

“You can’t leave, you are my little sister.” Merlin exclaimed excitedly evoking a laugh from Hunith as she watched the two hold on to each other with fond eyes. It may not have been the first time any one of them thought of Arwen as part of the family, but that day it was solidified.

As Arwen thought of the memory, she watched Merlin with sad eyes, brushing some of his hair from his forehead. His fever had gone down a bit, and while he didn’t look much better it gave Arwen hope that he was fighting against the poison coursing through his veins. And she needed him to do just that; to hold out until Arthur came back with the antidote.

“You can’t leave, you are my big brother.” Arwen whispered to him, not sure of whether he could hear her, but that didn’t matter; she chose to believe he could.

It was morning when Gwen came back to the physician’s chambers. She walked inside to find Gaius quickly motioning for her to stay quiet, making the girl look around the room in worry of what his silent signs may mean. However, she relaxed, as much as she could in this situation, as she realized he was only telling her to keep quiet because of Arwen. The red head was leaning her head on the bed beside Merlin, her shoulders moving with the deep breaths she was taking as she slept. But even sleep didn’t make her let go of Merlin’s hand, which was still tightly grasped within her own.

“How is he?” Gwen whispered to Gaius as she moved to his side with soft steps, not wanting to disturb Arwen as she was sure the girl hadn’t slept much during the night.

“His fever had decreased during the night, but it’s spiking again.” Gaius said as he moved through the room gathering a piece of cloth and a bucket filled with water before starting to make his way towards Merlin’s bedside.

“Let me.” Gwen said softly, taking the cloth from Gaius’ hands and sinking it into the water as she set it down beside Merlin’s bed. The sounds of sloshing water and silent conversation, brought Arwen out of her light sleep and soon her eyes opened to find Gwen and Gaius already awake and moving around.

“Good morning.” Arwen greeted them, managing to grab their attention as their eyes turned to her.

“I’m sorry if we woke you my dear.” Gaius apologized quickly. He had heard Arwen talking to Merlin long into the night, and wished for her to get some much needed rest.

“It’s alright Gaius.” She said dismissively, not faulting the two for her awakening. As she felt an ache in her back, she realized she should probably be thankful. Sleeping in that position for much longer would’ve made her day quite uncomfortable.

“I’ve prepared you breakfast, it’s on the table.” The physician said, and Arwen gave a small nod. She paused for a moment, before hesitantly letting go of Merlin’s hand, as if just that would be the thing that makes her lose him. She moved to the table, beginning to eat the breakfast as she took a seat. She didn’t have much appetite, but with her lack of sleep she knew she needed sustenance to keep herself going.

“He’s getting hotter.” Gwen informed Gaius as she began dabbing the wet cloth on Merlin’s forehead, wiping away the sweat that had started to coat it. Before, Gaius could reply as he approached, Merlin began mumbling. Arwen had heard him use the language enough times to know it was the ancient language in which he spoke the enchantments and spells he used. Both Gaius and Arwen looked at Gwen in worry, but the girl had no knowledge of what Merlin’s words actually meant.

“What language is that?” She asked in confusion, looking to Gaius as she couldn’t understand a word of what Merlin was saying.

“None. The fever's taken hold. None of those words are his own.” Gaius said dismissively, hoping that Gwen wouldn’t think of it too much. Wanting to move on from the question, Gaius took hold of Merlin’s wrist and began to check his vitals. “His pulse is weaker.” He said with worry. But that wasn’t the only thing that caught his attention. As he let go of Merlin’s wrist, something on the inside of his arm grabbed his sight.

“What is it?” Gwen asked, noticing Gaius’ quick reaction to what he had seen. The distress in her voice, made Arwen rush to her feet and move over to them, looking over Gaius’ shoulder to see what had rattled the two.

“That can't be right. The rash is not supposed to appear until the final stage.” Gaius mumbled, more to himself that to the other two. He quickly got to his feet, moving over to check some of his books while Arwen took his place.

“What does that mean?” Gwen asked, and Arwen wondered the same. She had made sure to read over everything Gaius had found about the Mortaeus flower last night, and couldn’t understand how the rash could appear now.

“The book says that the rash appears two days before death, you said he had four or five?” Arwen asked in worry as her eyes focused on the physician while he looked over his books with a magnifying glass.

“Something's increased the flower's potency. It warns that ‘the effect of the Mortaeus will be more rapid if an enchantment is used during the flower's preparation.’” Gaius read from the book making Arwen’s brow furrow in confusion. Mercia was one of the kingdoms which prohibited magic, so why would Bayard be using it?

"An enchantment? But Bayard's no sorcerer.” Gwen voiced her confusion from her position beside Gaius, her eyes glancing over the book.

“No, he isn’t.” Gaius mumbled, deep in thought trying to imagine who else it might’ve been.

“Then who would do this?” Gwen asked her voice taking on a tone of confusion as the situation seemed to rise more questions than it did answers.

“It wouldn’t be the first time someone is using the help of a sorcerer. Valiant wasn’t one either and yet he had a magical shield.” Arwen commented trying to think of answers herself.

“It can’t have been. She wouldn’t dare come here.” Gaius spoke, talking more to himself than the two women who still latched on to his every word, curiosity and worry passing through them as they listened to him. “Unless…”

“Unless what?” Gwen asked quickly, wanting to know the explanation of Gaius suspicions just as much as Arwen did.

“Gaius, who are you talking about?” The red head asked. While Merlin was the only sorcerer she knew, she couldn’t help but hope that hearing a name would yield some answers. Answers that could perhaps aid them in saving her brother somehow.

“What happened to that girl?” Gaius asked, his eyes shifting between Gwen and Arwen in a questioning manner, hoping one of them would know.

“What girl?” Gwen asked, but unlike her Arwen was beginning to suspect who Gaius spoke of. The question of who it had been to have told Merlin about the poison was a continuous thought within her mind, and she could think of no one else who would turn to Merlin of all people instead of the King or Prince of Camelot themselves. She could think of no one else in Bayard’s party but the woman who had already spoken to Merlin before.

“The one from Bayard’s party, his serving girl.” Arwen mumbled in understanding, trying to think back to where or when she had last seen her. It was at the beginning of the banquet, but after Merlin’s accusations against Bayard she didn’t even think about the woman, much less about trying to locate her in the crowd of curious court members.

“Just before Merlin burst into the hall, that serving girl took him outside.” Gaius spoke, sharing what he had seen that the other two hadn’t. At that point, Arwen wished she had watcher her brother more closely during the party. Had she seen him leave with her perhaps something could have been done to spare Merlin from this all.

“She had dark hair; very beautiful.” Gwen mumbled, remembering the girl Merlin had shown interest in during their own conversation. It wouldn’t be too unbelievable to imagine he had left the banquet at her request.

“Find her. Quickly.” Gaius instructed Gwen, knowing she too was aware of the girl’s influence over Merlin, Gaius was starting to believe in his suspicions more and more with each passing moment. Gwen nodded her head in understanding, pushing past Gaius and running out of the door of the physician’s chambers while Gaius himself moved to sit by Merlin’s side. Arwen stood to her feet, allowing him to take her position in the chair so he wouldn’t have to kneel beside the bed.

“Gaius, who do you think that girl really is?” Arwen asked him, both curiosity and worry urging her on and increasing her need for answers. It was all starting to seem oddly suspicious, more so than it had looked before.

“The sorceress Nimueh, a priestess of the old religion.” Gaius shared his suspicions, freely voicing them now that Gwen was gone and he could be open and honest with Arwen.

“Another one of Uther’s enemies I presume?” Arwen asked, although it sounded more like a statement, her voice laced with just a hint of anger. The thought of Uther’s cruelty and vile rule putting her brother in this position made the girl despise the King more than she had ever before.

“Yes, but I am starting to question how much of this is truly about Uther.” Gaius said, making Arwen’s eyes snap up from watching her brother to send the physician a confused look.

“You think this was about Merlin all along?” She asked, easily catching on to the hidden meaning behind his words and what he had not said directly. “Why would she have any interest in Merlin?”

“I believe it is her that sent the Afanc. If she knows Merlin intervened in her plans…” Gaius explained, leaving his sentence open ended, not wanting to say it out loud and so openly, not wanting to think about the measures Nimueh would take if she truly was behind this.

“She would want to make sure he can’t do it again.” Instead Arwen finished for him with a knowing tone as her worried eyes turned back to her brother who continued to mumble incantations and chants unable to control the words spilling past his lips.

The sorceress was nowhere to be found, as Gaius had expected. Arwen could only guess that she ran as soon as she informed Merlin, not willing to risk staying in the palace should he mention her as a source of his information or at the very least being imprisoned along with the rest of Bayard’s party.

Arwen questioned whether things could get worse when Gwen came to them with the news, and Gaius was quick to confirm that they could. Arwen hated it, Arthur was heading straight into a trap and there was nothing she could do to help him or warn him. Had they made this discovery earlier, she would have had time to follow after him, but by now he was too far to be reached in time.

And while she wanted to remain optimistic and believe they were just worried about something that wouldn’t happen, Merlin’s mumbled and distorted warnings to the Prince were only more reason to believe Nimueh had decided to use this situation to her full benefit.

Gaius and Arwen weren’t sure how much longer they could keep up the act of not understanding Merlin’s mutterings and keep sending her to fetch more supplies when he would start speaking in the ancient language. They could not risk Gwen recognizing it even for a moment.

“Arthur. It's too dark. Too dark.” Merlin called out in his sleep, beginning to chant quickly after. Arwen pulled back in surprise as the hand which she continued to clutch on to, began to glow in the dim lighting of the chambers casting a blue hue over all three of them.

“Merlin… What are you doing?” Gaius questioned in curiosity, looking at the blue orb which had formed in the palm of Merlin’s hand. But through Merlin’s words, telling Arthur to save himself and follow the light it was not hard to conclude what was happening.

“Even when he is dying he’s still saving him.” Arwen muttered with a shake of her head. But the fact that he was doing it, sparked hope with in the red haired woman. Not only did it mean that Arthur had a good chance of getting out of Nimueh’s trap and coming back with the flower, but it also gave her and Gaius a glimpse of how much energy Merlin had left. He was not only fighting for his own survival, but also Arthurs, and it seemed to be keeping him alive. This was one of the times Arwen was not scared of Merlin’s magic and the consequences, but instead thankful for them.

After a couple of more instructions he had called out in his sleep, Merlin calmed down, the light disappearing into thin air as his shoulders relaxed back on the bed and he let out a heavy breath. Gaius and Arwen could only share a wary look while the court physician brought a cloth to Merlin’s forehead, beginning to cool down his fever once more. They didn’t know what the action meant. Had Arthur been saved? Or had Merlin lost the energy to continue his magic?

“He hasn't got much longer. Has Arthur got the flower?” Gaius questioned Gwen as soon as she had walked through the door of the physician’s chambers. She was the one to go outside to see whether the mutterings of Arthur’s return were true, but she felt horrible for having to bring bad news amongst the good.

“I don't know. Uther won't allow anyone to see him.” She explained, looking down to Merlin who seemed to be in pain as he squirmed among the sheets on the bed, letting out groans while he breathed heavily. “Is there nothing we can do to help?” Gwen asked in worry, looking between the two healers, hoping they would have some kind of answer.

“Only the leaf of the Mortaeus flower can save him.” Gaius said with a sigh, looking down at Merlin worriedly from where he sat beside the bed.

“And we have to find out if Arthur has it. But how do we do that?” Gwen wondered out loud, whishing there was something they could do. Perhaps she could ask Morgana for help, she had enough authority to sneak into the dungeons and see Arthur.

“Leave that to me.” Arwen muttered, quickly standing from where she had been kneeling on the floor beside Merlin and making her way out of the chambers with rushed footsteps, leaving Gaius and Gwen staring after her. Gaius noticed the irony in her actions, after all she hated it when Merlin would rush out like that without sharing what he intended to do.

And while Gaius and Gwen could only wonder as they waited, Arwen rushed through the halls of the palace, making a short stop as she sneaked into the kitchens. She managed to grab a plate with some food while remaining unseen before she left. Had the cook caught her, the woman would have surely bit her head off for even coming close to her meals. Luckily, she dashed out of there as soon as she could and continued her run to the palace dungeons.

She only slowed down once she had reached the Wrought Iron Stairway. With the plate of food clutched tightly in her hands, Arwen moved down the steps and approached the guard on duty.

“Food for the prisoner.” She spoke quietly and respectfully. She couldn’t let him get any wind of how nervous she was or her need to enter the dungeons as quickly as she could. Luckily for her the man didn’t question anything and instead only moved to unlock the door for her and allow her inside.

Arthur’s eyes snapped up at the sound of the door unlocking and he didn’t think he’d ever felt as relieved as he did in that moment, however he masked his relief and happiness to see her behind a cold and stoic expression. Arwen made her way into the dungeon sending him an inquisitive look while she tried to come up with a way to get the information she needed and perhaps the flower itself from Arthur.

“Set it down over there.” Arthur instructed coldly, behaving as he would with any other servant that would have been sent down there to bring him food. Arwen spared him a short glance before silently doing as she was told. She set down the food by the wall, taking a couple of steps back as Arthur stood up and thanked her while approaching the plate.

She let out a small sigh, beginning to believe he didn’t have it, that he hadn’t managed to get the flower. With that thought in mind, she turned around, ready to walk out of the dungeon, but Arthur’s voice calling out for her to wait made Arwen turn back to look at him, a small spark of hope coming alive inside of her

“I couldn’t possibly eat this; it’s disgusting.” Arthur grumbled arrogantly as he put the plate back down and moved back to where he had been sitting when she entered the room. “The state it’s in, I’m not sure it’s fit for anyone.”

Arwen moved back to it, doing her best not to snap at him for his spoiled behaviour, but quickly she realised it wasn’t spoiled behaviour at all. A smile came over her face as she picked up the plate, taking in the sight of a small yellow flower sitting in between the two pieces of bread. Her blue eyes quickly turned to him with a grateful smile before she composed herself and began to make her way out of the cell.

She could hear the lock of the door behind her and just as she had suspected she managed to get away, the voice of the guard calling out to her managed to bring her to a stop. She turned to look at him, hiding her fear behind a calm mask on her face as she watched him approach her and begin shifting through the food on the plate she held in her hands.

“Waste not, want not, eh? We're not all as precious as our Royal Highness.” The guard spoke with a smile on his face as he took a piece of bread and bit into it. And Arwen too smiled, although more in relief than in amusement. She turned around ready to calmly walk away, but her heart threatened to explode as she saw another serving girl making her way down the stairs with a plate of food and a goblet. If she didn’t hurry she’d be caught and thrown in a cell herself.

“Food for Prince Arthur.” The serving girl informed the guard whose eyes quickly widened as he looked at Arwen. His calls for her to stop made the girl drop the plate, holding on only to the flower as she began to run while he struggled to move past the serving girl in his way and catch up to her. She made twists and turns through the hall, running as quickly as her legs could carry her, not only so that she could evade the guard that was after her, but also so she could reach the physician’s chambers as quickly as possible. It didn’t take her long and soon she burst through the doors of Gaius’ chambers.

“I’ve got the flower! How is he?” Arwen questioned as Gwen and Gaius’ wide eyes turned to look at her, surprised by her sudden and loud entrance. Gaius was quick to stand on his feet while Gwen continued to wipe the sweat from Merlin’s brow.

“His breathing's much worse. We have to hurry.” Gaius informed her as he took the flower from her hands, instantly getting to work on making the antidote while she moved to her brother’s side, taking hold of his hand as she smiled down at him.

“You’ll be okay. Just a little bit more, and you’ll be okay.” She whispered to him, her voice full of hope as she brushed her thumb over the palm of his hand soothingly. She hated seeing him like this, but knowing that the cure was only minutes away was a comforting thought.

“Why have you stopped?” Gwen’s voice made Arwen’s head snap up so she could look at Gaius who had stopped stirring the potion. Both women sent him questioning looks.

“The poison was created using magic. We may need magic to make an antidote.” Gaius explained. And just like that Arwen’s hope began to diminish while tears pooled up in her eyes. The only person who could use magic to create the antidote was the one who needed it.

Gwen was the one to speak up as she reminded Gaius that they could not do any such thing, magic was forbidden even for those who wished to use it for good. Gaius knew that, but he also knew there was no other way despite promising to try and make the antidote work without the use of magic. As he sent Gwen away to fetch him some fresh water Arwen gave him an inquisitive look. She had gone to get water only hours ago. The elderly man looked around nervously, before his eyes focused on Arwen and he spoke.

“Nobody can know about this. Not even Merlin.” He warned her, but before Arwen could question what it was that he was even speaking of, her eyes widened as she listened to him speak in the familiar language she could not understand. With his eyes closed, Gaius spoke the words of a spell needed to perfect the potion and soon after he finished a hissing sound emitted from the pot in which he had brewed it.

Before Arwen could ask whether the sound meant the antidote was ready, Gwen rushed back into the room handing Gaius the water she had brought before moving back to Merlin’s side. It wasn’t long before Gaius was beside her instructing Gwen to hold his nose while he poured the liquid from a small vial into Merlin’s mouth. Once he had finished, Gaius took a step back and all the three of them could do was watch and wait to see what would happen.

“He’s stopped breathing.” Gwen mumbled as they watched Merlin go completely still. And finally Arwen’s unshed tears spilled from her eyes as she felt her heart break.

“No, no, no… please, no.” She mumbled with a broken voice as she looked at her brother’s face, completely calm and still unlike what it had been the past couple of days. From the corner of her eye she could see Gaius lean down, but as he pulled away she realized only too late that she didn’t want to hear his next words.

“His heart has stopped.” The physician whispered in disbelief as he and Gwen shared a grave look while all Arwen could do was let the sobs out as her shoulders shook with her cried while she leaned over him tuning out the world around her.

“Please. Please come back.” She whispered desperately while Gaius and Gwen embraced one another in a comforting hug devastated by the loss as well. And Arwen’s reactions brought on even more heartache as her cries echoed through the physician’s chamber.

“That's disgusting. You should be ashamed of yourself. You're old enough to be her grandfather.” Merlin’s voice reached their ears, making all eyes snap to him in surprise. Arwen’s eyes widened as she saw her brother pulling his head up from the pillow as he looked at Gwen and Gaius.

“You’re alive!” Arwen exclaimed happily, as she threw her arms around his shoulders squeezing him so tightly Gaius feared Merlin might still die.

“No. I'm the ghost come back to haunt you.” Merlin commented with a laugh, his words making Arwen pull away so she could glare at him through her tears which still flowed down her face, but not because of sadness.

However, her glare soon disappeared as Gwen swooped in, grabbing Merlin’s face and planting a kiss on his lips happily. It wasn’t long before she pulled away, letting out a string of apologies while Merlin reassured her it was alright, and all Gaius and Arwen could do was watch them in surprise, at least until Merlin’s next question brought them out of their thoughts.

“Erm...what happened? The last thing I remember is drinking the wine.” Merlin questioned with a curious expression making the group of three surrounding him share a look before they dived into the story of all that had transpired in the last couple of days which he had been unaware of.

Merlin sat at the table in the physician’s chambers, trying to eat a bit of food and drink some water which he soon realized he was in great need of after his waking. Although the process was made slightly harder with the arm wrapped around his own, and Arwen clutching on to him as if he would disappear when she let go.

“Don’t you ever dare scare me like that again.” She whispered to him, a new set of tears pooling in her eyes. The sight made Merlin set down the goblet which he held in his hands and throw one of his arms around her shoulders as he pulled her in closer to his side.

“I’m okay, and I’m not leaving any time soon. I’m your big brother.” He said with a smile, remembering the whispered words Arwen spoke to him while he was out due to the effects of the potion. He may not have been able to reply, but he heard her. Realizing this, Arwen let out a small laugh, filled with happiness and relief as he placed a soft kiss on the top of her head.

“Still alive then?” A voice from behind them made both siblings pull away and turn to look at Arthur as he walked towards them with a small smile on his face.

“Oh. Yeah, just about. I understand I have you to thank for that.” Merlin said with gratitude in his eyes as he craned his neck to look up at Arthur who leaned on the back of the bench he and Arwen were sitting on.

“Yeah, well, it was nothing. A half decent servant is hard to come by. I was only dropping by to make sure you're alright. I expect you to be back to work tomorrow.” Arthur spoke dismissively, not wanting any gratitude for what he had done. He was just doing what he knew was right.

“Oh yeah, yeah of course, er, bright and early.” Merlin reassured him as the Prince turned around to take his leave from the physician’s chambers. The words made Arwen let out a small laugh, as she, along with everyone else, knew very well that Merlin was most likely going to be late. Even Arthur smiled as he heard her while walking to the door, but Merlin’s call made him turn back as his servant thanked him.

“You too. Get some rest.” Arthur said, because in his eyes Merlin was the one who deserved the gratitude more than he. He had saved his life once again. With those final words, Arthur turned back and walked through the door of the chambers.

“I’ll be right back.” Arwen mumbled as she quickly stood from her seat and followed after the Prince wanting to express her own gratitude for everything he had done to help save her brother.

“My lord!” She called after him upon spotting his retreating figure further down the hall and letting her steps take her in his direction. She walked up to him as he turned around to look down at her. It was obvious she had been crying in the last couple of days, but he couldn’t help but admire how even despite that she still looked breath-taking.

“I wanted to thank you myself, for everything.” She spoke softly, giving him a smile full of gratitude. Knowing what he had done and went through to get the flower to Gaius in time made her feel the need to do it herself, even though she suspected just a thank you would not suffice for all of it.

“There’s no need for thanks Arwen, he saved my life, the least I could do was repay that.” Arthur spoke confidently, believing in every word he said. He didn’t do it for the glory or the praise, he did it because he couldn’t watch an innocent man die for him. And he didn’t think he could watch the heartbreak which would follow if such a thing had happened.

“You may not want the gratitude my lord, but that does not mean it is not there.” Arwen spoke with a smile making Arthur let out a small chuckle.

“Thank you Arwen.” He said, her words meaning much more to him than he would have expected them too. “Enjoy the rest of your day.” He spoke gently, assuming she must want to get back to her brother’s side.

“You too my lord.” Arwen sent him one last smile before turning around and walking back to the physician’s chambers and taking her previous spot by her brother’s side. From all that she had seen of the blonde haired man in the last couple of days, Arwen was starting to believe there was much more to Arthur than the arrogant Prince he made himself out to be. And that other side, that goodness she now knew he had within him, made Arwen look at him in a completely different light.

Chapter Text

Arwen moved around the physician’s chambers, gathering up some herbs she needed to prepare a potion for a young boy in the lower town who had come down with a fever. Luckily, it wasn’t anything too serious, and Arwen knew it could easily be cured with proper care. Gaius was away at the moment, tending to other patients around the castle, and Merlin had been freed from his duties with Arthur to run some errands for Gaius in the woods. That left Arwen on her own in the chambers, but she did not mind. She enjoyed the rare moment of peace and quiet as she began stirring the ingredients of her potion in one of the pots while humming a soft tune.

Her serenity was soon shattered as the door of the chambers burst open and her eyes snapped to Merlin who rushed in with the body of an unfamiliar man draped over his shoulders. Due to her shock caused by the sudden interruption, Arwen had dropped the pot from her hands. But she disregarded the mess at that time as she hurried to Merlin’s side after he had set the man down on the bed in the corner of the room.

“He got hurt in the woods, you have to help him.” Merlin spoke in a worried tone, pushing aside the tunic which had by now been completely stained in blood to reveal a large gash on the man’s torso. Arwen quickly nodded, instructing him to get her some water and a clean cloth so she could clean the wound and get a better picture of what she was working with.

Arwen moved to scour the shelves, hoping that Gaius still had some of the paste which would prevent the gash from getting infected. Having to brew a new batch would take much time and possibly give the man’s state a chance to deteriorate further. Luckily she managed to find it just as Merlin set the other supplies she needed beside the bed on which the unconscious man lay. Arwen quickly got to work, gently cleaning all of the blood. She didn’t want to cause him more pain than he was most likely already in.

“What happened? Who is he?” Arwen asked her brother as she worked, wondering how picking mushrooms in the woods ends with him bringing her a wounded unconscious stranger.

“I was in the woods when this thing appeared from the sky, I don’t know what it was but it was big and it was attacking me. Lancelot must’ve been near because he came to help me. He managed to send it away, but got hurt in the process.” Merlin gave her the short narration of what had brought them to this point.

“Remind me to thank him then.” Arwen said with a small frown on her face. She was starting to think of whether coming to Camelot was truly a good idea. Someone seemed to be in danger all the time and she wasn’t happy about that.

“The wound doesn’t seem to be too serious. He should be alright.” Arwen informed her brother once she had cleaned all the blood. Luckily it had stopped bleeding and she could see no signs of infection but she still applied the paste for good measure before wrapping it as best as she could in his position.

“Thank you.” Merlin said as she stood up to put away all the things she had used to treat the man, Lancelot. His words made Arwen set down the bucket of water on the table so she could approach him and throwing her arms around his shoulders as she pulled him in for a simple hug.

“From now on, I’m going with you to pick mushrooms.” She said with a smile, making Merlin chuckle at her protectiveness, however, he also wondered how serious she was being. She was continuously given more and more reasons to worry about him, and Merlin suspected that someday soon she would start following him around like a royal guard would follow the King. It seemed inevitable.

Lancelot slept through the night, and while his presence in the physician’s chambers made it a bit cramped, they managed. Merlin had of course given up his own bed so Gaius would be as comfortable as possible while he himself slept in the same room as Lancelot, leaving Arwen’s bed to herself despite her offers to let either her brother or Gaius take it.

And so the next morning, she was woken from her slumber by the sound of voices coming from beyond the door. She knew Gaius had already gotten up before her, having heard him shuffling around in the early morning hours.

“Ever since I was a child I've dreamed of coming here. It's my life's ambition to join the knights of Camelot. I know what you're thinking, I...I expect too much. After all, who am I? They have their pick of the best and bravest in the land.” Arwen could hear an unfamiliar voice speak, and assumed it belonged to Lancelot.

Looking out the window from her bed, Arwen concluded it was already pretty late into the morning and about time for her to get up. Even though she wasn’t aware of any tasks or jobs she had for the day, she has grown to realize that in Camelot, you never know what may come up out of the blue. A plague, a sorcerer wreaking havoc or just a random injury of a child who wanted to play knights with their friends. She moved around, getting ready for her day before she exited the room and made her way into the physician’s chambers.

“You know Arthur?” She caught Lancelot asking and was able to see the surprised expression on his face as he watched after her brother’s retreating form.

“Oh yes.” Merlin said as he turned back and sent Lancelot a wide smile.

“Don’t get too excited, Merlin is the Prince’s manservant.” Arwen spoke up, making her presence known to the two men, their eyes instantly jumping towards her. Lancelot’s eyes fell on the woman he assumed to be the one Merlin had told him about, Arwen. He didn’t think it was possible to do her beauty justice with mere words.

“It is still a great honour.” Merlin said with a shake of his head, the statement making Arwen raise her eyebrow as she gave him a questioning look.

“Really? Because you keep referring to it as torture.” She said with an amused smile on her face, one that Lancelot found himself unable to look away from. At least not until he realized that Merlin’s next words were directed at him.

“Don’t listen to her, she has no idea what she’s talking up for the first hour after she wakes up.” Merlin quickly dismissed her words.

“Oh shut up you dollop head.” Arwen scolded him with a small flick on his forehead making her brother yelp in surprise as he rubbed the sore spot. Lancelot let out a chuckle as he observed the siblings interact.

“I was going to ask you whether you’d want to join us, but now I think it would be a risk to my livelihood.” Merlin grumbled at his sister making her send him a pointed glare.

“And where is it that you two are going?” Arwen asked curiously, looking between the two men as she waited for either one to answer.

“To the training grounds so I can talk to Arthur, and Lancelot can watch training. Or do you have an objection?” Merlin asked with a smile, doubting Arwen would protest.

“That depends.” She said as she looked at Lancelot with a questioning look. “How are you feeling?” She asked. If there was any pain or discomfort concerning his wound she would rather check it and have him rest some more than gallivant around Camelot with her over energetic brother.

“I am perfectly fine. I understand I have you to thank for that.” Lancelot spoke with gratitude in his voice, but Arwen dismissed his thanks before he could continue.

“There is no need to thank me Lancelot, it is my job after all.” She said with a reassuring smile on her face. Arwen couldn’t deny that now she was able to see him without the task of checking or cleaning his wounds, the man was handsome, there was no dispute about it. His warm eyes continued to hold her gaze, and Arwen had to do her best not to get lost in them.

“So are we going or not?” Merlin asked with an oblivious expression on his face, the sound of his voice startling both Lancelot and Arwen out of their daze.

“Yes, yes, of course. Lead the way Merlin.” Lancelot was the first to speak, quickly jumping down from the chair he had been standing on and looking out into the streets of Camelot. Merlin turned back to the door with a happy smile as he opened it and moved to walk out into the halls. Lancelot held it open, preventing it from closing after Merlin’s exit.

“After you my lady.” He said with a kind smile, standing to the side as he allowed Arwen to pass through the door before him.

“I am not a lady Lancelot.” She pointed out with a small smile on her face as she walked, her head turned back so she could look at him as he too exited the physician’s chambers.

“With a beauty such as yours it is easy to forget that.” Lancelot spoke softly as he moved to walk beside her. Arwen was sure her fact must’ve turned as red as her hair as a shy smile came upon her after hearing his comment. But she had no time to recover or thank him for his kind words.

“Were you two born as snails?” Merlin asked curiously as he stood a little ways away from them giving both Lancelot and his sister a questioning look from his position down the hall. As soon as Lancelot and Arwen reached his position, Merlin continued walking, telling Lancelot all about the knights and what he had seen of their bravery so far.

“Maybe this was all a mistake. Maybe I’m not meant to be a knight.” Lancelot muttered as he and Arwen sat on one of the benches beside the training grounds. By now the knights had dispersed from their training, and Merlin had run after Arthur as soon as it was over; wanting to talk to the Prince about his new friend as soon as possible.

“What? Where’s this coming from? Just this morning you were excited and confident.” Arwen asked in surprise, sending him a questioning look from where she sat beside him. Realizing his eyes focused on the place where Arthur had just taken down a possible knight within seconds made her understand what must be going through Lancelot’s mind.

“Okay, come on.” She exclaimed as she got to her feet, the sudden movement making Lancelot’s eyes snap towards her in surprise. He took a look at the hand she extended towards him, wondering what she was planning as he accepted it.

Arwen pulled on his hand, leading him towards the training grounds and the rack of extra swords standing by its edge. She grabbed the hilt of one, throwing it to Lancelot who caught it with ease despite the surprise which was clearly written out on his handsome features.

“What is this for?” He asked her in confusion. Lancelot wasn’t sure whether he should be catching on to what she had in mind on his own, but he seemed to be unable to connect the dots.

“With any luck, your test to be a knight will be soon, you should get some training in.” Arwen said with a mischievous smile on her face as she ran her hand over the hilts of the other swords before finally picking out one that she deemed wouldn’t be too large for her.

“I couldn’t possibly-“Lancelot tried to protest, but the sharp look Arwen gave him as soon as he spoke up made him quiet down once more.

“Lancelot, if you make any comment about me being a woman, I promise, I will run you through with this sword.” Arwen threatened in a joking manner making him give out a small chuckle.

“Are you certain? I wouldn’t want to-“Lancelot tried to say he feared hurting her, but was cut off as Arwen moved with the speed of light, giving him only a moment to defend from her skilled attack. The surprise brought a smile to his face.

“I haven’t spared in a while, indulge me.” Arwen said with a challenging smile as their swords remained together while they looked into each other’s eyes. And so he did. At first, Lancelot’s blows were hesitant and gentle, but soon he realized that Arwen truly was a good opponent as she continued to gain the upper hand.

“You are making this much too easy.” Arwen taunted jokingly, wanting him to actually start putting an effort into it. For most of her life, the only sparring partner she had was Merlin, and that wasn’t really a challenge.

Lancelot noticed the happy gleam in her eyes as she took a step back and twirled her sword in her hands, making it clear that she wasn’t going to be the one to attack this time. And so he gave into her taunts. Finally he started fighting like she had heard he was able to.

Lancelot could not deny that he was impressed by her skill with a sword. She matched every parry and every blow, defending and attacking with precision and strength he didn’t think someone of her size could have. Their swords continued to clash against one another, the cacophony of metal echoing throughout the training grounds and it was hard to take a guess on who would come out on top. However, after some time, Lancelot finally found an opening and managed to trip Arwen.

Before she could stumble back or fall, his arm reached around her waist, holding her up as he brought her closer to him while his arm lowered and his sword was now pointed at the ground. He held her close, their heavy breaths mixing together as they held each other’s gaze.

“I think you are going to make a great knight Lancelot.” Arwen broke the silence as she spoke gently, her hand settling down on his chest as she slowly pulled herself out of his arms and sent him a smile.

“Thank you Arwen, it mean a great deal to hear you say that.” Lancelot spoke as they put the swords back in their places, sending her a look of gratitude, but there was something else in his eyes. Something Arwen could not clearly decipher.

Arwen and Lancelot had made their way back to the physician’s chambers after their sparring match, knowing that Merlin would most likely take a while to get back to them considering his duties as the Prince’s manservant. And Arwen too wanted to check whether Gaius had come back and needed her help with anything. And while the elderly man was back in the chambers, he only proved to her more that it was a slow day since he was working on replenishing their supplies, which weren’t too depleted in the first place.

She quickly got to work helping him with the preparations of all the healing potions, ointments, and similar things. Lancelot had offered his aid as well, however once he almost broke one of Gaius’ pots he was quickly instructed to sit, observe and learn. As a knight it would be useful to have knowledge of healing when serving. Some time ago, Gaius often ventured with the King on his hunting trips or quests as a safety measure should something happen, but as his old age caught up with him, he could no longer do such things. Arwen suspected that sooner or later that task would fall under her list of duties.

Their work was interrupted by the sound of the door opening as Merlin returned from his day of working for the Prince. Lancelot was the first to stand as he eagerly approached the manservant.

“Well? Did you speak to him?” He asked, his excitement and nerves making him want to know whether there was any chance of him being a knight as soon as possible. Along with him, Arwen and Gaius too gave Merlin curious expressions.

“Yeah, I spoke to him.” Merlin said calmly, his face not showing any signs of how his conversation with Arthur may have gone.

“And?” Lancelot urged him on, hating the suspense which had fallen upon the room.

“Come on Merlin, stop being dramatic and just tell us.” Arwen scolded.

“And…” Merlin began his sentence with a slight shake of his head and his face turning disappointed as if he didn’t know how to tell Lancelot what the Prince had told him, as if it were bad news.

“No.” The dark haired man mumbled, his shoulders sinking as his hope evaporated. He shook his head, as if scolding himself for believing there was a chance.

“He said he would like to meet you.” Merlin quickly added on, the disappointed look on his face quickly shifting into a happy smile as he watched Lancelot’s eyes widen in surprise.

“Yes!” The man exclaimed happily, his eyes turning back to Arwen for a moment who watched his joy with a smile on her face. “Thank you! Thank you!” Lancelot said as he turned back to Merlin, his excitement and gratitude overpowering his voice.

“Hey, really, it was no problem, really. It's nothing.” Merlin replied humbly, looking away from Lancelot for a moment as he cleared his throat. “You're not a nobleman, by any chance, are you?” He questioned curiously.

“A nobleman? No.” Lancelot said with a chuckle. “Good lord, no. Why do you ask?” Lancelot questioned, wondering what his birth right had to do with anything. But Arwen realized why, she remembered reading about it in one of the books Merlin had to study about knights, armour and such things. A knight can only be a member of one of the noble families sworn to King Uther.

“The First Code of Camelot states that only those of noble blood can serve as a knight. Uther created the knights to protect this kingdom from those who wished to destroy it. He knew he would have to trust each of his knights with his life. So he chose them from the families that had sworn allegiance to him.” Gaius was the first one to speak up as he explained the code to Lancelot. As he spoke, both the elderly physician and Arwen set down their work to join Merlin and Lancelot where they stood in the middle of the room.

“The nobility.” Merlin added on as an explanation to the last part of Gaius’ explanation.

“And thus the First Code of Camelot was born, and ever since that day, only the sons of noble families have served as knights.” Gaius stated with a regretful tone. Arwen hated the sight of Lancelot’s face falling in disappointment once more as he sat down on the bench behind him. She moved to sit next to him, putting a comforting hand on his shoulder.

“But that is not fair.” Merlin, as usual, protested against the injustice of the law, and this time his sister couldn’t help but agree with him.

“Arthur himself has said they are in need of more knights. It would be foolish to turn away a skilled fighter capable of being one just because he’s not noble.” She shook her head at the thoughtless way Uther chose those who serve him. If he opened the ranks to all men who wish to fight Camelot would have an army nobody would dare cross.

“Fair or unfair, that's the way it is. I'm sorry, Lancelot. Truly, I am.” Gaius said. He agreed with his wards, but he knew there was nothing that could be done in this case. Uther would surely not bend the rules for one man.

“I’m so sorry.” Arwen said gently, her hand remaining on Lancelot’s shoulder as he placed his head in his hands. She wished there was something that they could do.

“Why do you want to be a knight so much?” Merlin asked, breaking the silence which had fallen upon the physician’s chambers where Lancelot, Arwen and he remained after Gaius’ departure to tend to some business.

“When I was a boy, my village was attacked by raiders from the northern plains. They were slaughtered where they stood, my father, my mother. Everyone. I alone escaped.” Lancelot began to explain, and as Merlin and Arwen listened to him, they dropped what they had been doing to walk closer and give him their full attention.

“I vowed that day that never again would I be helpless in the face of tyranny. I made sword craft my life. Every waking hour since that day, I devoted to the art of combat, and when I was ready, I set forth for Camelot. And now, it seems, my journey ends. Everything I fought for, wasted.” Lancelot spoke, sitting down as he finished. The realization of there being nothing ahead now that his dream was impossible to fulfil was becoming clearer and clearer in his mind with each passing moment.

“I give you my word, whatever it takes, I will make this right.” Merlin spoke with conviction, ready to do whatever he must to help his friend achieve the goal he had set for himself. Arwen was about to ask him what he planned on doing, but as Merlin’s face took on a thoughtful expression, she had no time. Before she could utter a word, her brother was on his feet and rushing out of the physician’s chambers, leaving Arwen and Lancelot staring at the door in surprise.

“Don’t mind him, he does that sometimes.” Arwen spoke after a moment, shaking her head as she looked back to Lancelot. She moved to sit next to him as she continued to speak. “And he’s saying the truth, Merlin would do anything to help his friends. Even if he doesn’t manage to find a way for you to be a knight, you mustn’t give up hope. I am sure there are other ways in which you can use your skills for good. You can still help people, I know you can.”

“I hope you are right.” Lancelot mumbled choosing to believe in Arwen’s words rather than wallow in his disappointment. However they also made him wonder. “What about you?” He asked making the red head give him a curious expression.

“What about me?” She asked, not really understanding what it was that he wanted her to say.

“What made you want to learn how to fight? It is unusual for women to aspire to such things.” He wondered out loud and Arwen understood what he was saying.

“When I was young, I was travelling with a woman. My mother had left me in her care only weeks after I had been born, and for four years we moved from village to village. However, one day, we were attacked by bandits. She died in the attack, and I was taken in by Merlin and his mother.” Arwen told him some of the back story of how she came to live with Merlin, and Lancelot patiently listened to every word.

“As Ealdor became my home, and Hunith and Merlin my family, I wanted to be able to protect them, to help if a situation like that ever happened again. So I trained. I never had dreams of becoming a fighter or a knight, I just wanted to keep my family safe.” She finished, turning her head so she could look at him. Arwen was surprised by the look of admiration she caught in his eyes once she found him already looking at her.

“That is an honourable reason. Merlin is lucky to have a sister like you.” He said softly. Lancelot found himself enthralled by the woman next to him. Not only was Arwen beautiful, but she was kind and intelligent. The more time he spent with her, the more he learned of what a great woman she was.

“Thank you Lancelot.” She said in a quiet voice, never breaking the hold of his gaze. Silence fell upon them as they looked at each other, an unreadable atmosphere in the air, however, that was soon broken as the door of the physician’s chambers opened and Merlin rushed back in, just as quickly as he had left. He walked up to the two of them with a proud smile on his pace as he held up a piece of rolled up paper.

“What’s that?” Lancelot asked curiously, wondering what it was about a piece of paper that would make Merlin look so happy and excited.

“This, is your seal of nobility.” Merlin exclaimed proudly, his words making Arwen and Lancelot share a confused look between themselves.

“I don’t understand.” Lancelot shook his head in a confused manner.

“Ladies and gentlemen, I give you Lancelot, fifth son of Lord Eldred of Northumbria.” Merlin stated in a mock formal voice as he opened up the paper in his hands to show a seal of nobility carrying Lancelot’s name.

“What in god’s name did you do?” Arwen questioned, quickly standing to her feet and walking over to her brother. She snatched the piece of paper from his hands and looked at the seal curiously.

Arwen had never seen a real one, so she couldn’t know whether it seemed authentic enough to pass, but she did know it was too detailed to be done from scratch and finished in the mere minutes during which her brother had been gone. While Lancelot was quick to express his dislike of the idea, Arwen silently fixed Merlin with a glare. He had used magic to create this.

“Oh, right, so you don’t want to be a knight then.” Merlin said and turned back, taking the paper from Arwen’s hands and starting to walk off as if he was about to return it to wherever he had obtained it from.

“Of course I do!” Lancelot exclaimed in exasperation. He wanted to be the knight, but he did not wish to obtain the position by lying about himself and his identity. It would be breaking the law.

“But what? The rules don’t allow it?” Merlin turned back to Lancelot as he questioned. “Damn the rules. The rules are wrong.” He spoke passionately, convinced that this was the right thing to do.

“But it’s a lie. It’s against everything the knights stand for.” Lancelot stated, not feeling good about any of this.

“Not only that, but should he be caught, who knows what the consequences may be.” Arwen pointed out. Uther would not look kindly on such a lie. Knowing the King, he would be able to proclaim it some form of treason.

“You have as much right to be a knight as any man. I know it.” Merlin stood his ground, firmly believing every word he spoke.

“But the rules, Merlin.” Lancelot spoke again, trying to make Merlin see the possible ramifications of making this choice.

“We're not breaking the rules. We're bending them, that's all. You get your foot in the door. But after that you will be judged on your merit alone. And if you succeed - if they make you a knight - it'll be because you earned it, noble or not.” Merlin spoke in a reassuring tone, trying to convince Lancelot to take this path to becoming a knight. “I can't change the way things are done around here, but you can...if you let me help you.”

“This could be really slippery. We know nothing about this Lord Eldred, and Uther most likely does.” Arwen pointed out. She could see how Merlin thought he was doing the right thing, but all her mind could do was think of all the things that could go wrong. Lancelot could slip up and get caught in the lie, and should such a thing happen, the question of where he had obtained the fake seal might arise. If anything went wrong, Lancelot wouldn’t be the only one in trouble.

“Just trust me, it won’t go bad.” Merlin stated, not even bothering to look at Arwen as he continued to persuade Lancelot. A wide smile spread over his face as Lancelot finally gave a small nod, deciding that for now it would be worth a try. He might not become a knight anyways.

“Okay, first we have to get you the proper attire.” Merlin exclaimed in excitement, already turning away and heading out the door as he called for Lancelot to follow after him.

“Oh, Arwen…” Merlin stopped for a moment as he turned back to his sister with an innocent smile on his face, one Arwen knew he used when he needed something.

“Yes, yes, I will not say anything to Gaius and will cover for you should he ask any questions.” Arwen shook her head, knowing that would be what her brother had to ask of her. Gaius would kill Merlin if he found out about this.

Merlin and Gwen fretted over the final touches on Lancelot’s armour while the man himself observed Arthur training the newest set of recruits. Seeing the intimidated and worried look on his face, Arwen took a stand in front of him making his eyes shift down to her.

“Stop worrying, you’ll do great. And you two, stop poking around every little detail. He looks just fine.” Arwen instructed all three with a pointed tone. She was almost certain that Gwen and Merlin’s continuous fixing wasn’t helping boost Lancelot’s confidence in any way.

“Well, you certainly look the part.” Merlin commented as he came to stand beside Arwen and his eyes took in Lancelot’s appearance. Aside from the look of a frightened child he bore on his face he truly could pass as a nobleman.

“Doesn’t he just?” Gwen asked, quite proud of what she had managed to create within the span of just a couple of hours. It was tiring work and had kept her up for the majority of the night, but she firmly believed in what Merlin was trying to do for Lancelot so of course, she was more than willing to do her part and help.

“I don’t feel it.” Lancelot mumbled, starting to pull on the collar of his chainmail. Arwen was quick to take hold of his hand and drag it away from the tunic and the metal as she sent him a pointed look.

“Okay, that’ll do for the day. Well done.” Arthur’s call to the knights reached their ears, making all four look over to the training grounds where the group of men began to disperse.

“Here’s your chance. Go for it.” Merlin urged Lancelot excitedly as they spotted Arthur make his way to the rack of swords, putting his own away absentmindedly.

“Good luck.” Arwen said gently, giving Lancelot’s hand one last squeeze before letting go of it and allowing him to make his way towards the Prince. And so he did, the dark haired man moved over hesitantly to stand before the Prince. From where they stood, Merlin, Gwen and Arwen were unable to hear their conversation and could only watch as Lancelot bowed before the Prince and handed him his seal, the forgery Merlin had made.

Arwen watched Arthur’s eyes scan over the seal worriedly. She hadn’t made a point of asking Merlin how he had managed to forge it, and with her lack of knowledge on seals, she worried whether the royal would spot the difference between the forgery and the authentic one with ease; whether he would be able to see the details they were unable to.

But as Arthur rolled up the seal, the danger seemed to be averted. At least Arwen believed so until she saw Arthur hit Lancelot right in the face making him stumble and fall back due to the surprise of the action. Beside her Merlin and Gwen flinched in sympathy and a great part of Arwen wished she could run over there and help, but in this situation, she doubted it would do any good.

“Sluggish reactions. In the battlefield you’d be dead by now. Come back when you’re ready.” Arthur called in a louder voice for all to hear, as if he was also sending a message to the recruits which remained on the grounds.

“Oh come on you pompous cabbage.” Arwen grumbled with a frown on her face as she glared at the blonde with distaste. Was he really going to turn Lancelot away because he wasn’t expecting to be smacked in the middle of a civil and respectful conversation? But Lancelot didn’t back down and stood back up as Arthur had turned around, ready to walk off.

“I’m ready now Sire.” He called after the Prince making Arthur turn around with a face of amusement as he watched Lancelot stand back to his feet. Arwen intertwined her fingers as she brought her hands up to her face, hoping Arthur would give him another chance.

“You are, are you? Fine, you can start by cleaning out the stables.” Arthur instructed before turning around and walking away while the onlookers were left laughing at his dismissal of Lancelot. He himself turned to look at Arwen, Merlin and Gwen with a confused look on his face. And while Merlin was optimistically showing him encouragement, he could see Arwen’s angered expression as she watched after the Prince while mumbling silently to herself.

“Pompous cabbage.”

“It all seems well, the fever has passed and you seem to be full of energy young man. I doubt the symptoms will return again.” Arwen said with a small smile as she stood at the door of one of the homes in the lower town. She had ventured out of the castle to check on the boy who had fallen ill a couple of days ago, but since he had received his medicine he has made a full recovery.

“Thank you so much.” His mother spoke in a grateful voice, her hands resting on the shoulders of her son as she looked down at him happily. Every mother worried when her child got sick, Arwen could remember when she too had fallen ill when she was young. Hunith had refused to leave her side until she got better.

“Here, as a sign of our gratitude.” The boy’s father extended his hand towards her, a couple of golden coins grasped within it. As soon as she saw this Arwen began to shake her head.

“Oh no, keep it, please. I’m just glad I could have helped.” She reassured them, not willing to accept their money. She knew money was scarce among many of those who lived in the lower town and so she didn’t feel right accepting theirs for the mere act of doing her job.

“Thank you, so much.” The mother spoke again doubting she could ever say it enough to express the way she felt at the moment after hearing her son would be alright. The happiness she could see from the family brought a smile to Arwen’s face.

“You’re welcome.” Arwen said with a smile on her face before bidding the family her goodbyes and making her way back into the streets, ready to head back to the physician’s chambers and tend to whatever else Gaius had planned for her for the day. She was calmly walking through the streets when the sound of a commotion not too far from her managed to reach the red head’s ears.

“Good lord, what now?” She mumbled to herself before rounding a corner so she could see what was going on this time. She was surprised as her eyes caught sight of Lancelot and Arthur sparing with wooden sticks in the middle of the street both delivering blows as well as defending. A small smile came over her face as she realized Lancelot was finally getting a chance to show his skill to the Prince.

And even though Arthur had managed to gain the upper hand deliver a blow to Lancelot’s gut that had managed to blow the air out of the man’s lungs, she believed it didn’t necessarily mean Lancelot had lost all chance of becoming a knight.

“Congratulations Lancelot, you just made basic training.” Arthur spoke as he tossed Lancelot the wooden stick he had been holding. While it wasn’t really a direct compliment, Arwen could see the signs of approval within Arthur’s eyes as he started to walk away from Lancelot and in the direction of the palace once more, his eyes falling on Arwen as he turned in her direction.

However, neither had a chance to say anything as all of the conversations had been cut off by the sound of the warning bells echoing through the streets and screams resonating around them. Everyone’s eyes widened, and as she heard the calls for help Arwen was quick to run in their direction without a second thought.

“Arwen!” Arthur called after her before setting off in a run as well. The fact that he didn’t know what the cause of the commotion was worried him greatly, and the fact she was so willing to run straight towards it brought him quite a lot of unease. Arwen ran into the main square, her eyes catching glimpses of wounded and exhausted people walking through the gates of Camelot in search of refuge.

“My God.” Arthur’s mumble caught her attention as he came to a stop next to her once he saw the same thing. If there was anything Arthur hated most in this world it was seeing his people suffer. Arwen’s wide eyes looked up at him and they shared a worried and fearful look amongst themselves before scanning through the crowd once more.

“There’s Gaius, I have to go see how I can help.” Arwen said as she spotted the Court Physician helping a wounded woman with Merlin by his side, guiding another to take a seat and rest.

“Go. I’ll find my father, find out what’s going on.” Arthur informed before the both of them went in their separate directions, Arwen’s feet carrying her over to Gaius and her brother as quickly as possible. She reached them in the same time as Lancelot who hadn’t been too far behind Arwen and Arthur after they ran off.

“What happened to these people?” Lancelot was the first to ask the question on everyone’s mind as they took in the state of the newcomers.

“Their village was attacked by a winged monster.” Gaius explained in a grave tone, and while the answer left Arwen more confused than before, a knowing look passed between Merlin and Lancelot as they had a suspicion of what type of creature might have been the cause of this.

“Well, here we are. Your final challenge. Succeed and you join the elite. Fail and your journey ends here. Lancelot, fifth son of Lord Eldred of Northumbria...”

Gwen, Merlin and Arwen stood on the edge of the training grounds watching on nervously as they hoped for this to turn out in Lancelot’s favour. With the new rising threat to Camelot in the form of the beast attacking the villages around the kingdom, Arthur had pushed Lancelot’s final test to that morning and once the time came they all gathered there to support him.

“Your time starts now.” Arthur proclaimed once the time keeper turned the hourglass at the edge of the field. With Arthur’s final words, both men put on their helmets, preparing themselves for the fight which would determine Lancelot’s position once and for all.

They stood opposing each other, their swords drawn and waiting until Lancelot made the first move. Both of them fought and each time Lancelot delivered a good blow or managed to gain the upper hand Arwen found her smile widening with happiness and pride. As the duel went on, Lancelot attempted to swing at Arthur, who ducked out of the way making him miss the blow.

Seeing this Gwen let out a small gasp, her hand clutching on to Merlin’s shirt while her eyes did not move from the field. Merlin’s own hand went to cover hers as they watched the fight in excitement. Arwen, while primarily focused on the fight between Lancelot and the Prince had of course noticed it and made a note to point it out at a later time. Now they had to focus on more important things.

So Arwen’s eyes remained focused on the fight, her hands going up to her mouth as she gasped in surprise once Arthur managed to deliver a blow to Lancelot which sent his helmet into the air while he fell back to the ground and seemed to stay laying there unconscious from the blow.

“No.” The red head whispered to herself in surprise. She had been so sure he could do it. Her blue eyes widened as she watched Arthur move towards Lancelot, muttering how much of a shame it was that he had lost as he prepared to remove his flag. But to everyone’s surprise, Lancelot had planned this, and once he felt Arthur reach for the piece of cloth he moved quickly, sending the Prince off of his feet and to the ground while he himself rose back to his feet. Taking hold of his fallen sword, Lancelot pointed it at Arthur below him.

“Do you submit Sire?” Lancelot asked boldly, bringing a happy smile to the faces of his friends who had for a short moment before believed he had lost his chance of fulfilling his dream of becoming a knight. But now that he had not only lasted the required amount of time but even managed to best Arthur that dream seemed like it would become a reality quite soon.

However, guards were quick to grab Lancelot and drag him away from the Prince, giving Arthur a chance to get back on his feet and grab his sword which he had previously stuck into the ground as he had thought the fight to be over.

“To your knees!” Arthur instructed, and the guards forced Lancelot to the ground.

“What is he doing?” Arwen questioned, subconsciously taking a step forward, ready to defend Lancelot. Merlin was quick to act as he grabbed hold of his sister before she did something she would regret and land herself into trouble. And as he maintained his hold on her, she could only watch what happened next.

The Hall of Ceremonies was filled with lively chatter and celebrating knights and nobility, all there to pay tribute to their newest knight. Sir Lancelot, Knight of Camelot. While at the training grounds Arthur had made it seem like Lancelot was in trouble for what he had done, soon after they had all gotten the pleasure to witness his knighting ceremony in the throne room. And after, a celebration was thrown in his name allowing all those who he would be serving with as well as his friends and the nobility to find some joy in the times of a new threat looming over their heads.

Gwen, Morgana and Arwen stood grouped together, and while shortly after entering the Hall, Gwen had walked off to speak with Merlin, Arwen remained by the Lady’s side.

“It is quite lucky that Lancelot came along when he did.” Lady Morgana commented once her eyes caught sight of Arthur and the newest knight looking over at the two of them.

“It is, Camelot is lucky to have him.” Arwen said with a trace of pride laced through her voice. She truly believed in her words, knowing that Lancelot would make a great knight. Something she had believed in all this time.

“Only Camelot?” Morgana questioned with a knowing smile as she gave Arwen a questioning look. While Arthur’s eyes remained focused on her, the Lady did not notice that Sir Lancelot was unable to look away from the red head standing with her.

“I’m afraid I don’t understand?” Arwen questioned in a confused manner, not catching on to whatever it was that Lady Morgana was trying to imply. Her obliviousness made the raven haired beauty give out a small laugh.

“Camelot’s newest knight seems to have eyes for you Arwen.” Morgana pointed out, nodding her head lightly in the direction of the table where Arthur and Lancelot sat.

“You must be mistaken my lady, we’re merely friends.” Arwen quickly shook her head, trying to keep the blush which appeared on her face at bay, hiding it as she glanced down at her feet. But Morgana’s words made her curious, and she couldn’t resist looking towards where she had last spotted Lancelot. Her eyes met his and Arwen sent him a small smile before turning back to Morgana who was looking at her with a raised eyebrow.

“Oh shut up.” Arwen shook her head with a small giggle escaping past her lips, the reaction making Morgana let out a loud laugh. Despite what Arwen claimed, she could see the connection brewing between the physician and the knight and couldn’t wait to see how it developed.

Arwen burst out laughing once she spotted Lancelot and Merlin making their way out of the sleeping chambers and into the physician’s chambers. The night of celebration and fun had obviously come back with a vengeance the next morning.

“Argh. Two yards of ale? Two miles, more like it.” Lancelot grumbled in displeasure as he leaned on the table, trying to remain on his two feet as he fought of the ache coursing through his head.

“Good morning gentlemen.” Gaius greeted them with an amused smile as he extended two cups, filled to the brim with a fizzing drink. “Don't look at it, don't smell it, just down it in one.” The court physician instructed as Merlin and Lancelot took hold of the cups.

Not knowing what exactly the contents of whatever he had brewed were, both men decided it was better to listen and did as they were told. However, it still didn’t prevent the frowns of disgust spreading over their features. The sight made Gaius let out a small laugh.

“Oh Gaius, you take too much pleasure in this.” Arwen giggled as she moved to stand behind Merlin and Lancelot, her arms wrapping around their shoulders as she rose on her toes to reach them. “He’s so cruel isn’t he!?” She questioned in a loud voice, the frequency and closeness making both men wince in pain as they heard her and Arwen laughed once more.

“Come here you devil!” Merlin tried to reach for Arwen but she was much quicker and ran away from him to stand by Gaius’ side, her laughter continuing to ring through the chambers. “You are the cruel one. Imagine having to grow up with this!” Merlin spoke, whining to Lancelot who laughed in amusement. He himself had no siblings, but the bond between Arwen and Merlin often made him wish he had.

“Well, you’re both obviously starting to feel better already. That’s good. Can't have you nodding off first day on the job, Lancelot.” Gaius said pointedly, reminding them that it was in fact, Lancelot’s first official day as a knight of Camelot.

“That's Sir Lancelot, if you don't mind.” Merlin pointed out with a smile on his face, making the group around him laugh in amusement. Lancelot of course would never ask any of them to call him by his full title. Not only did they know that in reality he was not above them in stature, but also they were his friends, and he did not ask for their respect in that aspect.

However, their laughter was quickly cut short and their happiness interrupted. It was as if their conversation had summoned the misfortune coming to them in the form of two guards bursting into the physician’s chambers and making their way for Lancelot.

“What are you doing?” Merlin questioned quickly, finding the disruption quite rude and demanding the answer for what their cause may be to do it.

“King’s orders.” One of the guards informed them stoically while they grabbed hold of Lancelot and began to drag him out of the room. Lancelot tried to put up a resistance but the guards continued to lead him out of the room and into the halls, completely ignoring Merlin and Arwen’s protests which rang after them.

“Come on.” Merlin wasn’t about to stand around and wait for word to reach them about what was going on. Instead, he grabbed hold of Arwen’s arm and pulled her after him. The two followed the guards quickly, all the way to the council chamber where the knight was brought to kneel before the king. But that was the last thing the two siblings got to see before the doors were closed right in front of them, preventing them from entering the chamber and forcing them to wait outside.

“You don’t think they found out do you?” Merlin questioned worriedly, leaning closer to the door as he tried to hear what was being said inside, but Arwen was quick to pull him away from it. If he was caught listening in on a conversation of the council and the king she didn’t want to know what Uther would do; especially since he obviously seemed to be in a bad state of mind already.

“What else could it be about?” Arwen pointed out. How in the world had Uther found out so quickly? If only Lancelot had been given a chance to prove himself to be worthy of the knighthood bestowed upon him, perhaps the King finding out about his true birth-right would have been different.

Merlin and Arwen continued to wait in silence, but that didn’t last too long because soon enough the door opened once more to reveal Lancelot being led away by guards.  Merlin tried to question the guards on why they were doing it, but neither replied. The answer came from Lancelot.

“They know.”

His call was enough to stop Merlin from rushing after his friend, and Arwen stood by his side, sending her brother a sympathetic look. She knew Merlin would instantly start blaming himself for this even though it wasn’t truly his fault. She put her hand on his shoulder, ready to comfort him when Merlin spoke.

“Just don’t say I told you so.” He said sharply, and while it wasn’t Arwen’s intention to do so, Merlin didn’t give her a chance to tell him that before he rushed off down the halls and corridors in the direction of where the guards had taken Lancelot. Arwen was left standing in the hall just as the council members started to file out of the chambers following after the king who had left first.

She watched the council members file out of the room and was about to walk away with a shake of her head but her eyes met a pair of blue ones and Arwen decided that she should at least try to do something to help Lancelot. Perhaps she couldn’t speak with Uther himself, but maybe Arthur would listen.

“What’s going to happen to him? Lancelot?” Arwen asked as soon as he reached her, but Arthur did not stop there and instead continued down the hall making Arwen follow after him with determination.

“I don’t know, but my father… He’s thinking of executing him for treason.” Arthur admitted honestly, a heavy sigh pushing past his lips. He did not have to look down to be able to imagine the shock on Arwen’s face as she walked beside him, rushing down the steps and into the courtyard so she could keep up with his long strides while he made his way to the armoury.

“Arthur he may have lied, but you know as well as I Lancelot doesn’t deserve that.” Arwen spoke passionately as she pushed the door of the armoury and followed him inside, her mind forgetting all about propriety and remembering her place for the time. Arthur, while knowing he shouldn’t be surprised as both Ambrosius siblings seemed to forget all form of manner when determined, still gave her a wide eyed look as he collected his armour and started to put it on over his tunic. With the beast heading towards Camelot he and the knights needed to be ready to face against it at any time.

“My father’s mind is set, I’m doubtful I can change it. He claims a man who already lied cannot be trusted.” Arthur explained, starting to fumble with the straps holding up the metal. “Where’s Merlin for heaven’s sake?” He mumbled, more to himself than to Arwen who shook her head at his incompetence and moved closer to fasten them for him.

“He is most likely doing the same as I, trying to find a way to help our friend.” She stated. Merlin had followed after Lancelot, most likely to apologize for his part in what had happened, but she knew her brother well enough to know he would try finding a way to save Lancelot.

“Do you know why he did it? Why Lancelot lied?” Arwen questioned as she worked, Arthur’s eyes following her every move curiously. He could guess she had learned about armour along with Merlin, but it was still odd to have a woman doing such a job and without any issue whatsoever.

“He wanted to serve.” Arthur said. He knew that of course. While Lancelot may have deceived them, he doubted there was evil in the man’s heart, or that he had done it with ill intention. Arthur only wished he could make his father see that.

“Exactly. He may have lied, but his reasons for it were noble. How can you fault a man for wanting to help this kingdom? To help your people?” She questioned with emotion in her voice, finishing the task of fastening his armour and stepping away from the Prince which allowed him to take a good look at her. Somehow, Arthur was starting to see signs of what fuelled Arwen’s determination in this.

“You care for him, don’t you?” He couldn’t help but ask, the words making Arwen’s eyes widen as she was caught off guard. Of all the ways in which she had expected this conversation to go, this was not one of them.

“He saved Merlin’s life, he’s my friend. Of course I care for him as I would for any friend.” Arwen said dismissively, turning around and moving out of the armoury as she knew Arthur would have done the same sooner or later, perhaps being out in public and amongst people once more would stop him from asking more about this and focus on the important topic at hand.

“You and I both know that is not what I meant.” Arthur pointed out as this time it was him following after her. Had it been any different situation or any different person, perhaps he would have questioned the fact that he, the Crowned Prince of Camelot was following after a lowborn woman like servants followed his father, but his mind wandered to other places at that point.

“Even if I did, why does it matter?” She asked, finally coming to a stop in the middle of the courtyard so she could turn to him as she spoke. “As you say, there is nothing you can do to dissuade your father.” She pointed out, repeating what he had told her, the words bringing a frown to his face.

“Arwen, I –“Arthur was about to promise to her that he would try and do what he could, but his words were interrupted by a loud screech from above, making the both of them look to the skies as a shadow passed over them. The courtyard erupted in screams as the winged beast descended upon the area. “Go! Get cover!” Arthur screamed over the panicked people, lightly pushing Arwen back in the direction from where they came before calling for the guards to come to his aid.

Arwen didn’t need to hear the instruction twice. Without her sword she was of no use in fighting off the Griffin, and as guards filed into the courtyard she doubted it would be needed either. Instead she ran to hide behind one of the pillars from where she observed the Griffon swooping over the running people, its eyes shifting between each and every one of them. That is until they focused on a little girl whose short legs carried her much slower than the rest of the people.

Seeing its focus shift, Arwen couldn’t stand back as the girl stood still in fear only a couple of feet away from her. So once she saw the Griffin start flying towards her, Arwen didn’t even think about herself before running out to stand in front of the little girl. She could hear gasps of the people from their hiding spots, and what she assumed was the mother crying out for her daughter, but didn’t move.

Arthur watched the scene, the seconds passing if they were hours before his eyes. And he thought quickly. The Prince grabbed hold of one of the spears the guard beside him held in his hands and threw it at the beast, hoping it would catch the its attention. He felt both relief and worry when its head turned towards the group of knights and from the corner of his eye he could see Arwen run back to where she had been hiding, the child safely with her. But at the same time, the eagle like eyes scanned through the group of men as he began calling out the orders to his men.

It didn’t take long before the beast charged at them, the force of its wings bringing each and every one of the men to the floor. Not a moment passed before they got back to their feet, the beast landing in the square right in front of them. Arthur led the charge, a new spear in his hand and while dodging the Griffin’s swings he managed to find an opening and thrust the weapon straight at the creature’s chest.

What everyone expected to be a deadly blow left but a scratch on its skin, while the wooden spear itself cracked in two, the sound resonating over the square louder than any other. What should have wounded or even killed the beast, only managed to anger it more leaving Arthur to scramble back as it tried to swing at him. The sudden motions made the Prince fall to his back.

The Knights were quick to come to Arthur’s defence with one of them lighting a torch which he threw to the blonde once he rose back to his feet. Arthur quickly swung it at the monster, who seemingly scared of the burning flames reared onto its back legs before lifting up into the sky. It did not come back down or attack again, but instead, flew off and away from Camelot.

With the danger gone, people began coming out of their hiding spots. Arwen did the same, her hands resting on the shoulders of the little girl who clutched on to her skirts, the red head’s eyes started to scan the crowd for the girl’s mother. She didn’t have to look for long, because soon enough a woman came rushing towards them, picking up the child as soon as she could before starting to repeatedly thank Arwen no matter how much she reassured the mother there was no need for it.

“What were you thinking?!” A booming voice questioned from behind her, making Arwen turn around with wide eyes while the mother ran off with her child. She couldn’t hold back her surprise at his reaction, her curious eyes giving him a questioning look. Would he have reacted like this for any person who had done the same as her? She opened her mouth, ready to reply, but was interrupted as another figure practically ran her over.

“What were you thinking?!” This time it was Merlin who asked, his hands clutching on to Arwen’s shoulder as his eyes looked her over, checking for any sign of her being hurt by the Griffin. Arwen’s eyes now shifted between her brother and the Prince, a pointed look in them. She was pretty sure the answer to their question was more than evident.

“You could have been hurt.” Arthur replied to her unspoken message, as he had been able to understand what her expression was telling them. Of course he knew what she was thinking, he would have done the same in her place.

“Better I than a little girl, and you and the Knights were right here.” Arwen pointed out, she was sure the Griffin wouldn’t have been able to do much with the Knights of Camelot right there to protect the people.

“While reckless, what you did was also very brave Arwen. Are you sure you’re alright?” Gaius’ voice joined in on their conversation, much calmer than the other two as he approached their group. His words made Arwen send him a small smile, thankful that he didn’t instantly start questioning her choice. She knew it was reckless and dangerous, but if given another chance, she would do the same thing again.

“I’m fine, thank you Gaius.” She reassured him and with his mind now at ease, Gaius could turn to look at Arthur as he spoke again.

“We should inform your father of what has happened. I believe I have gained some more knowledge about this beast.” The Court Physician spoke to the Prince, and Arthur nodded his head in agreement, knowing Gaius was right. With that thought in mind, Arthur motioned for the three of them to follow him as he made his way back into the palace in search of the King.

Once more the danger they faced came in the form of magic; magic which seemed to be impossible to defeat. And of course, the King refused to listen to the voice of reason Gaius had tried to provide once he, Arthur, Arwen and Merlin had spoken to Uther of what had happened when the Knights faced the Griffin.

“Is it true?” Merlin’s voice was the first to break the silence which had fallen upon them during the walk from the throne room and back to the physician’s chambers. “The Griffin can only be killed by magic?” He added on, turning to look at Gaius while he spoke. Arwen closed the door behind her, looking between both of them worriedly. If it were true, that didn’t mean any good would come from Arthur and the Knights riding out in just a few hours to face the beast.

“Yes, Merlin. I'm certain of it. If Arthur rides out against it, he'll die.” Gaius informed in a solemn tone, one that made Arwen’s shoulders sag, almost in sign of defeat, while Merlin tensed even more at the words.

“Then he must be stopped. Uther must see reason.” Arwen listened to her brother speak with a tone of urgency. But unlike him, she didn’t see the possibility of any such thing happening; at least not as quickly as it needed to.

“I doubt it is something that can be accomplished in two hours’ time, you know what he is like.” She spoke, her hand settling on Merlin’s shoulder as she hoped to make him worry less; to know that she was right there beside him for whatever came next. Because right now, only one option seemed like a possibility. A highly dangerous one, and she wished there were any other.

“Where magic is concerned, our King is blind to reason. And yet...magic is our only hope.” Gaius was the first to allude to it as he gave Merlin a meaningful look, walking to stand in front of him now, hoping that the boy would catch on to what he had meant by his words. And Merlin did…

“You're not suggesting...” He questioned in surprise, looking to Gaius with wide eyes as he realized what the Court Physician intended to say. The thought did not sit well with him, and just one look down to his sister’s face made it clear to Merlin that while she understood the same as him, she wasn’t pleased with it either.

“It is your destiny, Merlin. The true purpose of your magic.” Gaius pointed out with a nod of his head in confirmation of the suspicions he knew must be going through Merlin’s mind at the moment.

With every passing day, Arwen grew more tired of hearing the words destiny and purpose in regards to Merlin. Was he to spend his every waking moment risking his life for the sake of the kingdom? How in the world was that fair? She wished she could help him, with any of it, but Arwen didn’t even know how to say an enchantment, much less make one work. But if she could, for him she’d do it in a heartbeat; even if it was prohibited.

“You saw it, Gaius. I can't go up against that thing.” Merlin’s head started to shake in refusal as he began to doubt his abilities, to doubt the fact that he could actually face the Griffin and defeat it.

“But if you do not, then Arthur will surely perish.” Gaius pointed out calmly, trying to make Merlin see the sense of his words. He looked to Arwen who stood by her brother, hoping she would help him in this, but Arwen herself felt divided on what to do. 

“No...this is madness. I don't have magic that powerful. There must be another way.” Whether it was blind hope, or Merlin truly believed in his words as he started to pace in front of Gaius, Arwen couldn’t be certain. However, still, she chose to believe it too, at least for a moment.

“We have time, perhaps we can find something.” She suggested in a hopeful tone, moving away from her spot and starting to scan through the many books, leather bounds, and titles littered across the chamber.

“This is the only way.” Gaius’ was completely convinced in what he was saying that Arwen forced herself to abandon the book she had taken hold of with a heavy sigh. Her own hope was starting to dwindle, but while she was starting to see that magic was the only thing they could count on, she didn’t want it to have to be Merlin’s magic.

“Do you even care what happens to me?” Merlin suddenly turned to Gaius as he questioned, his volume increasing as he spoke.

“Merlin!” Arwen quickly called his name, hoping to make him stop talking. The pressure he must’ve been feeling was making him say things he didn’t mean, Arwen knew him well enough to be aware of that. But she didn’t want him saying something he would surely regret later. But her call seemed to go unnoticed as she listened to her brother go on.

“Oh, just do this, Merlin. Do that, Merlin. Go and kill the griffin, Merlin. I'll just sit here and warm my feet by the fire.” The dark haired warlock continued to rant off, seeming unaware of what he was really saying until Gaius managed to interrupt him.

“Merlin! Merlin, you are the only thing I care about in all this world. I would give my life for you without a thought; for the both of you.” Gaius explained, his eyes now looking between both Merlin and Arwen as he did before once again, focusing solely on the boy. “But for what? I cannot save Arthur. It is not my destiny. You know.”

“I'm sorry.” Merlin seemed to calm down, quickly apologizing for the hurtful things he had said. Gaius was right, and as much as he wished it wasn’t so, he had to do something.

“I don't know what else I can say.” Gaius gave out a small sigh, believing that whatever else he did say wouldn’t have the power to convince Merlin. But he was wrong.

“I'll say it for you. We have two hours to find a way to kill that thing.” Merlin suddenly announced, his voice determined as he accepted what he must do. No matter the cost.

“Where do we start?” Arwen was the one who asked, now once more standing by his side. Because, of course, she wouldn’t let Merlin do any of this alone. Arwen planned to be right there beside her brother, and face with him whatever was to come their way. There would be nothing stopping her from doing so.

Arwen leaned over the table, her eyes scanning over the words written out on the pages of a heavy leather bound book Gaius had given her the task of looking through. Merlin and the Court Physician himself were looking through another. All three were doing their best to find some answer, some spell which would help Merlin defeat this new creature.

“There.” Gaius’ voice suddenly spread across the chamber, making Arwen’s bright eyes quickly turn to the pair, her legs carrying her over so she could look at the book they had been reading over Merlin’s shoulder. “You must do this for Arthur.” Gaius explained, pointing to a spell he had managed to find.

“I've never cast a spell of enchantment this powerful.” Merlin mumbled as he read over the words Arwen found herself unable to understand.

“You can do it, I know you can.” She whispered to her brother, her hand sliding into his own as she gave it a reassuring squeeze. Merlin looked towards her, and Arwen could see the worry in his eyes, but he still nodded his head. 

“Nothing less will kill it. Here.” Gaius explained before handing Merlin an old and rusty dagger on which he could practice the spell. “Try. You have it within you. I know you do.” He too hoped to inspire confidence in Merlin, he would need it if he wanted to do this spell successfully.

Accepting the dagger into his hand, Merlin stepped away from both Arwen and Gaius, finding himself on the other side of the table. In case he didn’t do it right, or something happened to go wrong, he didn’t want either of them to get hurt. However, as he spoke the words and finished the enchantment, nothing happened.

“Don't worry, Merlin, we have plenty of time.” Gaius reassured him in a confident voice, showing that he believed Merlin could do it. Arwen nodded her head too, sending her brother a small smile. That was enough for Merlin. If there was one thing he knew for certain and would never doubt that was that Arwen would always believe in him.

And so he tried again. And again. And again. And again. Time went on, passing with every failed try. Merlin had started to pace throughout the room, moving wherever he could while he tried the spell. Arwen watched from where she had sat down on the stairs leading up to the room they shared. However, before she took her spot, she made sure to go into the room and grab her belt and sword, knowing that they would have to leave soon, and wanting to have it with her.

“Don't worry, Merlin. I know you're trying.” Gaius spoke up, breaking the silence after Merlin let out a heavy sigh, sitting down beside his sister as he started to doubt himself once again.

“And I'm failing. And if Arthur dies because I'm not good enough-“ He started to worry, but Arwen was quick to bring his words to a stop as she set her hand on his while he still held the dagger in them.

“Don’t talk like that! You can do this.” She interrupted him, giving him a pointed look as if to say that he couldn’t give up; not now. Merlin, looking down at his sister, was about to reply. However, the sound of someone calling both of their names made both siblings turn their eyes away from each other and towards the door just as Gwen burst inside.

“Arwen! Merlin! Lancelot's riding out to kill the griffin!” The seamstress announced quickly and without a thought, the two were on their feet in surprise and shock caused by the words.

“He's what?!” Merlin questioned, unsure of whether he had heard Gwen right. As she started again, Gwen’s eyes focused on Arwen.

“Arwen, he told me to tell you-“Gwen tried to say, but found herself interrupted by the red head as her eyes sparked with determination while she shared a look with Merlin.

“Don’t worry Gwen, he’ll tell me himself.” She suddenly announced, not giving anyone a chance to say anything else as she and Merlin rushed out of the Physician’s Chambers, ignoring Gaius’ voice which called after them.

The two siblings didn’t stop as they ran through the halls of the castle and out into the courtyard. Managing their way around the streets and the Knights on the move throughout them, they were quick to make their way to the stables where they managed to see Lancelot himself, dressed in armour as he saddled one of the horses. Arwen let out a breath of relief, happy they had managed to catch him before he left. Although, the look on his face as he spotted them running towards him made it clear that he wasn’t as happy as she.

“We’re coming with you.” Both Merlin and Arwen spoke at the same time, saying the same words. But Lancelot was shaking their head at them before they could even finish a simple sentence.

“No, you're not.” Lancelot’s voice was firm as he replied, only taking a moment to look away from what he was doing so he could fix them with a pointed look. His eyes met Arwen’s, seeing the determination in them that made him aware of just how much they were going to fight him on this.

“Just try and stop us. I wouldn’t suggest it, not with her here.” Merlin retaliated, looking down at Arwen who he knew wouldn’t back down easily; she never did.

“Merlin, you're not a soldier. And Arwen, you…” Lancelot tried to make them see sense, but the glare he saw on Arwen’s face now made him come to a stop before he said what he intended to. Perhaps saying that as a woman she most certainly shouldn’t be going out there would end in him being the one incapable of even mounting a horse, much less ride it out of Camelot to help the Prince.

“You said it yourself, Lancelot, Arthur needs all the help he can get. Now let's go.” Merlin spoke with a tone of finality, not leaving any room for Lancelot to argue any further as he rushed off to get horses for himself and Arwen, leaving his sister standing with the soldier.

“You shouldn’t be coming. This is dangerous. The Griffin it…” Lancelot tried to speak with her, tried to make her think again about what she was doing but Arwen soon silenced him as she spoke.

“I know what the Griffin is, I’ve seen what it can do. And I am not letting you face this alone, and neither will Merlin. This is our choice Lancelot, you have to accept that, and accept out help.” She spoke with a soft tone, but no matter how it sounded, Lancelot could also hear the conviction in it. Arwen wasn’t backing down. Taking a step forward, his hand reached out to hers, their fingers intertwining together as their eyes locked with each other.

“Stay close to me alright? I couldn’t bare if something happened to you.” Lancelot said, his voice barely above a whisper as he found himself unable to tear his eyes away from the woman standing before him.

“Gwen mentioned you had something to tell me?” Arwen asked, wanting to know what it was before they rushed into this. She couldn’t make the promise of nothing happening to her, not when she was going with all of her intentions focused on protecting Merlin.

“I just wanted you to know that-“Lancelot was about to tell her the same thing he had told Gwen when speaking about Arwen, but he was interrupted by the sound of horses coming their way. Both turned to see Merlin holding the reigns of two horses, handing one to Arwen as soon as he reached them.

“Let’s go.” Merlin announced, already climbing on to his own horse. Lancelot and Arwen shared one last look, their hands releasing one another as they started to spring back into action, climbing into their own saddles. And just like that, the three horses were galloping through the streets, taking their riders out of Camelot while each of them hoped it wasn’t too late.

As they entered the woods which surrounded Camelot, darkness surrounded them, the shadows of threes cast by the moonlight making the area seem more dangerous than it did during the day. And while there seemed to be nothing in sight as they rode ahead, it wasn’t long before Lancelot, Merlin and Arwen heard the sounds they knew were coming from wherever the Knights were facing the Griffin.

Following the sounds of clashing swords and the call of the Griffin’s screeches paired with the wails of the Knights, it wasn’t long before they came upon a chilling scene. Every man that rode out of Camelot was now lying on the floor of the woods, all of them unmoving. Sharing a look between themselves, all three dismounted their horses, quickly starting to search for the Prince himself among the fallen.

Arwen’s heart beat out of her chest as her eyes finally caught sight of Arthur’s blonde hair. He lay on the floor, his head propped up on a sharp rock. Arwen was fist to rush over, but seeing her move, Lancelot and Merlin weren’t far behind her and soon they leaned over the Prince worriedly. At least until Arwen let out a small sigh of relief.

“He’s alive.” She announced. Aside from a couple of injuries and a serious bump to his head, she could see nothing that would be cause for alarm. Although while she couldn’t see it on the Prince, cause for alarm soon came towards them as the sounds of the Griffin screeching spread through the air once more.

As they rose back to their feet, Merlin pulled on Arwen’s hand, pushing her to stand behind him as all their eyes scanned through the air. The Griffin remained hidden in the air, beyond the treetops, but Lancelot did not let that deter him as he walked back to his horse, mounting onto it as he clutched his spear tightly. Merlin and Arwen could only watch in worry as he rode past them, positioning himself right in the path of the Griffin, the distance seeming small as the creature seemed to spot Lancelot still standing.

“Okay Merlin, it’s now or never.” Merlin mumbled, more to himself than to Arwen who stood beside him until he took a step forward, ready to do his part. As Lancelot sent his horse charging towards the Griffin, the creature starting to run at Lancelot too, Merlin began to mumble the incantation of the spell. But as the distance between Lancelot and the Griffon grew smaller and smaller, nothing seemed to happen.

Worriedly, Arwen grabbed hold of Merlin’s hand. A part of her wanted to look away, but she seemed to be unable to do so, her eyes glued to Lancelot as he came dangerously close to the beast. And then it happened, starting with a blue spark at the tip of the spear, soon the whole weapon was engulfed in what seemed like blue flames.

And it did so just in time, because as Lancelot continued to charge at the Griffin, the light of the blue fire spreading all around him, it wasn’t long before the spear pierced through the body of the beast, sending it tumbling from the air with a loud screech. And only seconds later the Griffin crashed to the ground, steam rising from its body as it lay motionless; dead, killed by Lancelot.

“Yes!” Merlin yelled out, happy laughter now ringing through the air as he and Arwen smiled in joy.

“You did it.” Arwen whispered happily, her arms wrapping around her brother’s shoulders as she turned to him. In his happiness, Merlin stumbled for a moment as he returned the hug, but continued to laugh happily. At least until a small groan ringing through the air interrupted their happiness and the two siblings shared a wide eyed look between themselves.

From not too far beside them, Arthur started to stir as he came back to consciousness, and without a second thought the two siblings were running off, hoping that the Prince wouldn’t see them as they most certainly shouldn’t have been there. However, from the happy cheers they could hear in the distance behind them, coming from the Prince himself, it seemed that he had been too focused on the dead Griffin and the Knight who had defeated it to even notice the presence of others.

It worked in Merlin and Arwen’s favour, giving them a chance to escape before being seen and rush to Gaius’ chambers so they could inform him of Merlin’s success. Although, as soon as they broke through the door, it didn’t seem that much needed to be said. Seeing their happy and relieved faces, Gaius easily guessed what had happened. The happy news resulted in a sharing of hugs and happiness spreading through the Physician’s Chambers like it hadn’t before.

But Arwen and Merlin didn’t remain in one place for long. Soon enough, they were rushing through the castle once more, on their way to the chamber where they knew they’d find the King and his son, as well as Lancelot after what he had done; what Arthur had witnessed him doing. By the time they reached it, Lancelot was already standing outside, seeming as if he were waiting for something in the halls.

“What are they doing?” Merlin questioned, grabbing Lancelot’s attention and making him look up from the floor beneath his feet as the Ambrosius siblings came to stand with him.

“Deciding my fate.” Lancelot explained making Arwen’s brow furrow in confusion.

“What is there left to decide?” She couldn’t hold her tongue as she asked, any discussion about what should be done next seemed preposterous in her eyes. Lancelot deserved, now more than ever, to be accepted into the Knights’ ranks.

“They'll restore your knighthood, of course they will. You killed the Griffin.” Merlin tried to reassure his friend, he too believing Lancelot deserved to take the credit for what had happened. After all, were it not for Lancelot, Merlin wouldn’t have had any chance of defeating the creature.

“But I didn't kill the griffin.” Lancelot said honestly, taking a few steps forward as he moved away from the Knights guarding the door to the throne room, preventing any of them from going inside while Arthur and Uther continued on with their discussion inside. Sharing a confused look, Arwen and Merlin quickly followed after him, and once Lancelot knew they were by his side, he looked to Merlin. “You did.”

“That's ridiculous.” Merlin quickly denied it with a small scoff, while Arwen forced a tiny laugh past her lips.

“He was nowhere near the Griffin Lancelot, you know that.” She added on quickly, hoping to dissuade him from whatever he believed he knew.

"’Bregdan anweald’...I heard you. I saw you.” Lancelot announced quietly, making a worried look pass over Merlin’s features. He looked down to Arwen, whose eyes were now wide as she looked between the two of them.

Without a thought, her hand slowly moved to the sword which still rested at her hip. She didn’t know what to do now. Arwen didn’t want to hurt Lancelot, she didn’t want to cause him any harm. But if it came down to having to protect Merlin and his secret, she would do it in a heartbeat. He was her brother. Lancelot noticed the worry and fear in both their eyes, he noticed Arwen’s hand on the hilt of her sword. But he took no offence to it, it came as no surprise to him that Arwen was ready to defend her brother by any means necessary. Even if it was against him.

“Don't worry, your secret's safe with me.” He spoke in a reassuring tone, sending them both a small smile and watching as their shoulders relaxed. However, he soon turned serious again as he continued on. “But I cannot take the credit for what I did not do. There'll be no more lies, no more deceit.” He added on making Merlin and Arwen send him curious looks.

“What will you do?” Arwen asked softly, worried of what the answer may be. She admired his wish to be honest and truthful, but still wished he would take the credit. It would surely go in his favour if he did. And it wasn’t like he didn’t deserve at least part of it.

“The only thing I can do.” He said cryptically, making Arwen and Merlin step out of his way as he walked back to the door leading into the Throne Room. Before anyone could stop him, he pushed the door open, allowing those in the hall to hear the raised voice of the King as his conversation got interrupted. And like that Lancelot had made his decision on what he had to do.

Rays of the early morning sun shone light onto the streets of Camelot, and Arwen basked in the warmth as she leaned her back against the door of the stables. The red haired woman seemed to be waiting for something as she stood. And her wait did not last too long because soon the sound of footsteps paired with hooves walking past her made her push away from the wall.

“You weren’t planning on leaving without a proper goodbye, were you?” She asked with a smirk on her face, making the dark haired man clad in armour turn to her in surprise as he hadn’t noticed her presence until that moment.

After his final goodbye to the King and Prince, Lancelot had made sure to say his goodbyes and thanks to Merlin, Gaius and Arwen, but a part of her couldn’t just let him leave that morning, not without one final goodbye.

“Of course not.” He said in a joking tone, a small smile coming over his face as he heard her laugh. A sound he knew he would surely miss during his time away, however long that may be. Arwen, now joining his side, started to walk with him towards the gates of Camelot, wishing the walk would be longer. But alas, after just a couple of turns, they had reached the wide archway and came to a stop as both looked out into the road outside of the city.

“Where will you go?” Arwen asked worriedly, turning her body so she could look up into his eyes. While still holding the reigns of his horse, Lancelot let himself look down at her. His eyes took in every detail one last time, committing it all to memory as he replied.

“I don’t know, but wherever it is… I’ll be sure to keep you in my thoughts.” He said, unable to hold himself back as his free hand reached up to tuck away a stray strand of hair which had fallen out of the braid she wore it in. but once he did, he couldn’t resist from letting the hand rest on her cheek.

“Promise me you’ll stay safe?” Arwen asked in a quiet voice, wishing there was a way he could stay. To anyone who asked throughout the last couple of days, she had denied caring for Lancelot as any more than she would for a friend. But now that he stood in front of her, moments away from leaving for who knows how long, she found herself troubled by the idea of letting him go. But she knew there was nothing she could do, it wouldn’t be fair to him to try and change his mind.

“I promise.” He replied, a small smile on his face, but to anyone who saw it, it was obvious he wasn’t really happy. “I hope to see you again someday my lady.” His words carried a tone of finality; the last goodbye.

“And I you Sir Lancelot.” Arwen hoped for it more than anything.

His hand moved away from her cheek, and he moved, climbing into his saddle and looking down at her one last time. He didn’t say anything, he couldn’t, so instead he moved the reigns of his horse, sending it into a fast gallop before he could change his mind and turn around. And Arwen could only watch as he rode away.

Chapter Text

Arwen's morning had been spent away from the castle and Camelot itself as she had focused much of her time on gathering some herbs within the forest surrounding the walls. Some of them were mere necessities which they were running low on in the Physician's Chambers, while some of the others she had been curious to find having read of their healing properties.

And the fact that she had managed to find the majority of what she needed resulted in Arwen moving through the halls of the castle, on her way back to the Chambers, with a wide smile on her face. However, her happiness was deterred by the tense atmosphere which had obviously spread through the halls in her absence, making Arwen curious as to what may have happened while she had been away.

She knew the best place to find answers was with Gaius so she headed on her way, her steps increasing. However, she was cut short as she almost crashed into another person moving quickly. Tightening her hold on the basket in her arms, Arwen sent the woman a wide eyed look, especially once she took note of her distraught demeanour.

"Gwen? What's wrong? What happened?" Arwen asked worriedly. She wasn't sure what to expect to have happened, but seeing Gwen so worried made Arwen fear of what it may have been this time. By now it was obvious living within the halls of Camelot ensured that peace and calm were always short-lived.

"It's Morgana, she's fallen ill. Gaius is with her right now." Gwen explained in a rush, wishing to get back to Morgana's chambers as soon as possible. And Arwen could understand that perfectly.

"Come on." She started to move again, her and Gwen rushing through the halls together. Gwen continued to explain that just the night before Morgana had seemed perfectly alright, knowing that Arwen might have knowledge which could help Gaius in his examination of the Lady. Although, such a sudden illness didn't provide them with much background on how it happened anyways.

It wasn't long before the two women reached lady Morgana's chambers, and Gwen didn't even knock as she entered the rooms, knowing everyone should be expecting her return.

"Gaius, I managed to find Arwen." Gwen announced as she entered the room, many of the people in it turning to look towards the door as they entered. Arwen could see the small spark of hope appear in their eyes as she came in, but to her it was not a good sign. Gaius was already here, if they found hope in her arrival that would have to mean whatever was wrong with Morgana was far from easy to cure.

"Let me take that." Merlin appeared by her side, reaching for the basket in her hands. Arwen sent him a thankful nod as she let go of the basket and moved over to stand on the other side of Morgana's bed, opposite of Gaius who leaned over the dark haired woman as he examined her.

"Do you know what's wrong with her Gaius?" Uther quickly questioned, not really giving mind to Arwen who had arrived. While she had shown her skills as an apprentice, when it came to his ward, the King still put more trust in the Physician who had served him for decades now.

"Without sufficient evidence I'll have to do some research before coming to a final conclusion Sire." Gaius answered honestly. He himself wasn't sure of what exactly was wrong with Lady Morgana. There was no fever, no wounds or blood, nothing seemed to indicate that she was sick.

"How long will that take?" Uther questioned, obviously impatient as he wished to get the answers he desired, not veiled pieces of information. Arthur could understand his father's impatience, he too worried of what ailed Morgana, but he also knew that Gaius would need time to be able to treat her to the best of his ability.

"I'm sure the sooner they start their research the sooner they can treat Morgana, father." Arthur spoke his mind openly, hoping that he was right and the two physicians would have answers for them soon enough.

"You're right, of course. Go Gaius, do what you must. This is of the utmost priority, I'm sure your apprentice can handle the simpler cases which might arise." Uther instructed with a nod of his head, motioning with his hand to dismiss them.

Arwen, while feeling slightly bothered by the fact she had been dismissed from helping Morgana so quickly, knew better than to point it out. She could still help Gaius with whatever he needed her; that was what mattered. So with a bow of their heads, Gaius and Arwen began to make their way to the door, followed by Merlin, Arthur and Gwen who all knew Uther would wish for a moment alone with his ward.

Silently, Gaius and Merlin continued down the hall, the Court Physician wanting to get to his books as soon as possible while Merlin followed after him with a whole set of questions on how he himself could help. However, unlike them Arwen stood for a moment, turning to Gwen who remained worried and upset.

"Don't worry, Morgana will be alright. If anyone can find a way to heal her it is Gaius." Arwen spoke in a reassuring tone, her hand settling on Gwen's shoulder as she pulled her into a short but comforting hug. Gwen nodded her head, knowing that Arwen was right. Morgana was in capable hands with Gaius. That was what everyone believed.

Two days had passed, and still Gaius seemed unable to come up with a firm diagnosis of what was wrong with Morgana. Ever since she had fallen ill, the Lady hadn't woken from her slumber and by now, everyone was on edge with worry. Time was running out and no matter what the Court Physician tried, nothing seemed to be working.

On the eve of the third day, Arwen found herself standing in the candlelight which cast a shadow over Morgana's chambers. While the cases she had been tending to throughout the last two days while Gaius had been busy had been nothing serious, they still kept her quite occupied. However, she wanted to take a moment to go and see the Lady and possibly try and gather some information herself, perhaps get another idea of what may be wrong with her.

However, no matter what she checked, Arwen could see no indication that would tell her something aside the fact that Morgana was just asleep. There was no sign or symptom to guide them. With a heavy sigh, Arwen turned to put out the candle, but just as she was about to blow it out, the sound of the door opening brought her to a stop and instead she turned to look at who it was that had entered.

"I wasn't aware there would be anyone here." Arthur commented in surprise once his eyes caught sight of Arwen standing by Morgana's bedside. Although, he knew it shouldn't be too much of a surprise to see the red head there. Not only was she a physician herself, but Morgana had also become Arwen's friend in the time since her arrival to Camelot.

"I had some free time, I thought I could... I don't know what I hoped to do really, my lord." Arwen admitted. She felt wrong saying she wanted to examine Morgana herself, which would mean she doubted Gaius and his abilities and that couldn't have been farther from the truth.

"I understand. If I had any of the same knowledge you and Gaius have, I would be trying to get answers too." Arthur said in an understanding tone, moving to stand on the other side of the bed. "So have you managed to find anything?" He asked, unable to hold back the small hope which Arwen could hear in his voice. It made her feel even worse as she answered his question.

"No, I'm afraid not. It's as if her body has shut down without reason." Arwen explained honestly, sending him a sympathetic look as the Prince let out a heavy sigh. "I'll give you some privacy, my lord." She announced after a couple of moments which passed in silence, making her feel as if she were intruding. She moved to the door as Arthur gave no reply, ready to leave when he finally spoke again.

"There was a man at the gate this morning. He claims he has a way to cure her." Arthur announced, and Arwen couldn't help but turn around with a curious look on her face as she heard his words.

"What did you tell him? Does he know exactly what's wrong with her?" She questioned quickly, many more questions coming to her mind, but she refrained from asking them as she remembered she was in no place to really ask him anything. He didn't even have to tell her what he had so far.

"He doesn't know what's wrong with her, but claims to have a remedy to cure all ills." Arthur explained, knowing that Arwen wondered the last part only because such information would be of use to them. But had Edwin said anything about Morgana's illness which could have been useful, Arthur knew he would have instantly went to Gaius with it. Remembering her first question, he quickly continued. "And I told him we already have physicians."

"I'm merely an apprentice, my lord." Arwen corrected him with a small smile on her face, but Arthur seemed to disagree with her.

"You've shown yourself to be skilled as a healer Arwen, I think referring to you as a physician isn't much of an error." Arthur explained sharing his honest opinion that made Arwen look down at the floor humbly.

"Thank you my lord." She said politely, surprised that the Prince held such high opinion of her skills. "Give Gaius some more time, I'm sure he'll find something." She added on, speaking on Gaius' behalf. She believed he'd do it in time. He'd cure Morgana.

"So this man, I should just ignore his offer?" Arthur asked, sounding almost as if he cared for her opinion. Arwen stopped short for a moment, unsure of how to reply. She could see the debate going on in Arthur's mind, and believing she had been allowed to do so Arwen spoke her mind.

"Calling another physician would show distrust in Gaius, so while there is still a chance of him helping Morgana, give it to him. But if it comes to it, if there's nothing that can be done, you have nothing to lose by calling this man that approached you." Arwen said honestly. She hoped there would be no need to call the unfamiliar physician, but as Morgana's friend, she also wanted to ensure they would do anything to save her.

"Thank you Arwen." Arthur said finally, nodding his head as he knew she was right. He couldn't show such disrespect towards Gaius, not after everything the man had done for him and his family over the years. His service was greatly appreciated and Arthur believed he should act as such.

"Good night my lord." Arwen said, finally reaching for the door and exiting the room, leaving the Prince alone in the room with the Lady Morgana. As she closed the door behind her, Arwen let out a small sigh. She continued to reassure people Gaius would manage to help Morgana, to cure her, but their time was running out, and Arwen couldn't help but wonder how much her words were starting to become false hope?

 She continued to reassure people Gaius would manage to help Morgana, to cure her, but their time was running out, and Arwen couldn't help but wonder how much her words were starting to become false hope?

By the next morning, Arwen had gotten the answer to her question as Gaius announced Morgana didn't have much longer, and there was nothing he could do. By this point Uther cared even for Arwen's opinions and thoughts on the matter, but only ended up disappointed as she claimed to have the same findings as her mentor. And so Arthur had listened to her advice, calling for the physician he had met the day before. As she said, they had nothing to lose, Morgana was already dying.

So now, Arwen found herself walking beside Gaius, relieved of her other duties as Morgana became a first priority to all of them. They entered the throne room to find a sandy haired man kneeling before Uther as he handed him a piece of paper.

"Edwin Muirden, Sire. Physician and loyal servant." The man introduced himself once Uther came to stand before him. Dropped in his low bow, he looked up at the royals standing before him, giving Arwen a view of his disfigured face. She had an easy time to recognize the scars left behind by severe burns having treated some herself before coming to Camelot. She couldn't help but wonder how he had gotten them?

"Welcome to Camelot." Uther said, accepting the paper from Edwin's hand and unfolding it so he could read through whatever was written in the document. The King moved past him as he read, and Arthur moved after him so he too could see Edwin's documents.

"Have we met before?" Gaius wondered out loud as he now came to stand face to face with Edwin who rose back to his feet. Arwen remained by Gaius' side, curiously looking at Edwin. Having heard from Arthur what this man claimed to be able to do, she found herself admitting that he wasn't what she expected. At the very least, she expected someone older, with a bit more experience. Despite the scars over his face, this man seemed just a couple of years her senior.

"I doubt you would forget a face like mine, sir." Edwin admitted openly, a polite smile stretching over his lips as he looked to both Gaius as well as Arwen, regarding her with a curious look in his eyes.

"Do you really believe you have a remedy?" Uther wasn't much for pleasantries, wanting to get to the point of this meeting as quickly as possible. According to Gaius, Morgana didn't have much time, and he didn't want to postpone what could be done right away.

"There are not many ills that I have not seen and successfully treated, Sire. So when I heard of the Lady Morgana's sickness, I felt honour bound to offer my services." Edwin turned back to look at the King, his reply sparking curiosity within both Gaius and Arwen as they heard it.

"You say you have a cure for all? An antidote for everything?" Gaius questioned, unable to understand how one can find such a thing. Arwen felt the need to ask a question of her own, unsure whether she had understood what this new physician really meant. After all, it seemed impossible to her.

"Do you mean to say it is one cure, a single thing for any sickness you may come across?" She wondered out loud. If it were true, and such a thing really did exist, it would make the job of any physician or healer much simpler.

"Yes. Although it is not quite as simple as that." Edwin explained shortly, understanding the cause for their wonder. Arwen's brows furrowed, unsure of why he seemed to be so shielded with his replies. Perhaps he merely didn't want others to steal his method and claim it as their own?

"Gaius is the court physician, and Arwen his apprentice." The King explained shortly, wanting Edwin to have an understanding of why the two seemed to be so curious in his work. Uther didn't wish for Arwen and Gaius' wonder to possibly cause offence with Edwin which would have him retract his offer of his services to them. However, Edwin seemed to have a much more different reaction.

"You are indeed a legend, sir. I am delighted to meet you. And you as well Arwen, I cannot imagine the great honour it must be to be in your position." Edwin complimented Gaius, obviously having heard of his talents as a physician, which came as no surprise to any of those in the room. They were all aware of it. I am curious to know what it is that has affected her." He added on his question, seeming interested in what it was that the physicians had found before him.

"An infection of the brain." Gaius stated, confident in his findings. Arwen could see it in his eyes that he seemed to be doubtful of Edwin's claims and believed whatever 'cure' the man before them had, wouldn't be what he needs to help Morgana.

"And your treatment?" Edwin questioned, seeming curious in all the steps which had been taken before his arrival. Arwen couldn't blame him for it, she would want to know everything too, especially when walking in on a case so late into it.

"Yarrow, and rosemary to stimulate cerebral circulation." Gaius explained openly, it was most known that those two were best to treat any form of infection. Even a beginner would know that.

"Interesting." Edwin mussed, sounding as if he were disappointed in the answers Gaius had given him. Arwen couldn't understand his reaction, Gaius had done the right thing to take care of Morgana's condition. She would have done the same.

"Why? What would you suggest?" Arthur questioned, hearing the same signs in Edwin's voice as Arwen had.

"No, no, no, that is all fine. All good. If that is... the right diagnosis." Edwin replied openly, making Arwen send him a slightly troubled look. It was one thing to offer one's services to help those in need, but completely different to undermine someone's work with such ease. He hadn't even seen Morgana yet.

"What would your diagnosis be?" Uther questioned, slightly surprised by the idea that Gaius may have made a mistake.

"Well, without examining the patient..." Edwin left his reply open ended, suggesting he should be allowed to do his own research before jumping to any conclusions or simply accepting Gaius' diagnosis.

"He should examine her." Arthur seemed to agree, he didn't have to have knowledge of medicine to understand a physician couldn't go on blind faith. Uther nodded his head in acceptance, beginning to agree that it would be the best course of action.

"I would need my equipment." Edwin announced politely.

"Of course. You'll have use of one of the guest chambers." Uther was more than forthcoming as a chance of his ward still being cured seemed to rise on the horizon.

"And consider my manservant at your disposal." Arthur offered as well, and while usually, Merlin would have surely had some form of an objection to being 'loaned', he too wanted to see Morgana alright and well, so he said nothing.

"I will start work immediately." Edwin announced, bowing once more before he began to leave the room. Ready to get to work. Work which he had been planning for quite some time now, unknown to any of those who surrounded him.

They had all gathered in Lady Morgana's chambers as they waited for Edwin. With Merlin's help, the healer had gone to collect his supplies so that be could examine the King's Ward and make his own findings on her condition. It didn't sit well with Arwen. A remedy to cure all ills…

How could such a thing exist without them having heard of it already? Such a discovery would be revered by all, both those with a passion for medicine and science as well as all people who wish not to worry over sickness and disease in their everyday lives. And Edwin would surely receive high praise for being the one to make the discovery in the first place. So why has there been no word of it before? Why hadn't he shared it with all those in need?

As all her questions continued to fill Arwen's mind, new ones rising up every so often, her eyes met Arthur's from across the room. He observed her curiously, watching as her brows furrowed as she tried to make sense of the situation. As green met blue, Arthur couldn't help but wonder whether, now that she's met Edwin, she would change the advice she had given him the night before. It was obvious Uther was losing faith in Gaius. With Edwin here, neither Arthur nor Arwen could guess how this would all turn out.

As if sensing what was on his mind, Arwen sent the Prince a small smile, one that went unnoticed by all others in the room. She did not blame him for summoning Edwin, he was only doing what he thought would be of most help to Morgana. And despite whatever Arwen thought of the man, if he could help the Lady, that was truly what mattered most. Whether the two planned on looking away from each other any time soon would remain unknown since suddenly they were forced to do so. The door pushed open and Edwin walked inside, Merlin following after him with a heavy load in his hands.

"Put my equipment over there." Edwin instructed Merlin as he himself came to stand before the King. Arwen looked at all the boxes Merlin set on the table. Arwen most certainly hadn't thought that one remedy would need to be carried in so many cases making her start to doubt the confidence Edwin exuded.

"Sire, I would be grateful if you could have everyone leave the room. I require peace and privacy." Edwin now spoke to the King before he had even bothered to spare a glance in Morgana's direction. Was he truly so paranoid to reveal his methods to those around him?

"Certainly." Uther was desperate enough that he would probably agree to whatever Edwin asked of him. And so, with a simple motion of his hand, the King demanded they clear out of the room. Arwen hesitated for a moment. Skilled healer or not, Edwin was still a stranger they knew nothing about, yet they were leaving him completely alone with Morgana.

However, she did not voice her concern and instead let Merlin grasp her hand and pull her towards the door while Gaius and Edwin struck up a conversation on whether the former could remain inside to observe and possibly learn more from Edwin's methods.

In the end, all of them, including Gaius, now stood at the end of the steps leading up to Morgana's chambers. Uther nervously paced up and down the hall, while Arthur leaned against one of the pillars. Unlike them, Arwen moved to take a seat on one of the bottom steps, not truly caring for propriety as she tried to contain the worry from showing on her face. However, one could still see it. Merlin took a seat beside his sister.

"Don't worry. Edwin seems like he knows what he's doing, I'm sure Morgana will be well soon enough." Merlin spoke to her in a reassuring tone, but it didn't do much to soothe Arwen's nerves this time.

There was always a chance Edwin's findings would be the same as Gaius' and her own, in which case, Arwen doubted there was anything anyone could do for her friend. But if Merlin was right, and Edwin managed to find a way to cure the Lady, she couldn't help but wonder what that would mean for Gaius, and by relation herself.

Arwen couldn't know how much more time passed as they all waited in silence. The only noises that could be heard in the hall were the echo of Uther's constant footsteps and an occasional heavy breath released by an impatient Arthur. But luckily, the wait finally came to its end as the sound of Morgana's door opening reached their ears and made Arwen and Merlin jump to their feet as Edwin rushed down to the group.

"Great news, Your Majesty. You will be glad to hear that it is not an inflammation of the brain." Edwin announced as he stood before the King, a happy and proud smile on his face as he shared his findings.

Arwen couldn't stop her eyes from widening in surprise as she looked to Gaius. They had both examined Morgana multiple times and all signs, however minimal, pointed in the direction of it being an inflammation of the brain. She had been so certain of it. So what could have Edwin have found that they hadn't?

"What is it then?" Uther questioned immediately, and Arwen couldn't blame him for it. If there was another case for Morgana's illness, perhaps there was still a chance she could be cured and get better again.

"It is a cerebral haemorrhage." Edwin stated confidently the words sending a shock through both Arwen and Gaius as they heard them. Gaius instantly uncrossed his arms as he stepped forward, while all Arwen could do was stare at Edwin as if he had gone mad.

"Haemorrhage? I don't think so." Gaius didn't hesitate in voicing his disagreement in regards to the findings, Arwen nodding her head behind him as she supported him. A haemorrhage came with signs, signs they would have caught long before.

"I found this trace of blood in her ear." Edwin stood behind his statement, rising a square of cloth to show them the blood on it. It was certainly blood, Arwen couldn't dispute that, but she knew it should have been there when she examined Morgana the night before. How could she have missed it?

"God in heaven." Uther gasped in surprise, his worry once more seeping through.

"The severity depends upon the site and volume of the bleed. If not treated, it can lead to coma, and eventually death." Edwin calmly explained to the King what the diagnosis meant. It was information both Gaius and Arwen already knew well, but still had a hard time believing that is what ailed Morgana. Even with the blood as proof of it.

"How could you have missed this?" Uther's accusatory eyes now turned to both Gaius and Arwen as he questioned, although most of his focus turned on the physician and not his apprentice.

"I didn't see any blood." Gaius replied firmly, unwilling to step aside and admit to false claims that he had been wrong.

"Please. Just thank the fates that you did not administer more rosemary to stimulate the circulation. Can you imagine what that might have done?" Edwin made it seem as if he was making light of the situation, but Gaius was able to see past it, his suspicions about this unfamiliar physician rising more and more.

While Arwen and Gaius knew the answer to the question posed by Edwin, the King and his son turned to the physician with questioning looks in their eyes as they themselves did not know what would have happened if Gaius continued with his treatments.

"It may have increased the bleed." Gaius had no choice but to give them the answers they seeked from him. And of course, it made it all sound much worse in the eyes of the King whose patience with Gaius, who was seeming more careless by the minute, was wearing thin. But instead of taking the time to reprimand the physician, Uther turned back to Edwin as he spoke.

"Is there a cure?"

"See for yourself." Edwin replied, the smile coming back onto his face as he allowed the group to climb the stairs before him.

The King rushed into his Ward's chambers, the rest of them close on his heels. All felt an immense sense of relief as they spotted Morgana sitting up in her bed, wide awake and looking much healthier than any could have expected. The colour returned to her face as she smiled towards her friends who had come to see her. Uther was quick to fawn over her in relief, Gaius standing beside the king as he took in Morgana's state while Arwen stood on the other side of the bed along with Arthur.

"You won't get rid of me that easily." Morgana reassured them all, a smile on her face as she adjusted her position on the bed with ease.

"What exactly did he give you?" Gaius couldn't hold himself back from asking. And while Arwen too wanted to know the answer behind Morgana's miraculous recovery, she was taking her time, basking in the happiness of seeing the woman looking so well again. Whatever Edwin had done to correct their mistake had obviously worked wondrously, and she couldn't help but feel grateful for it.

"I have no idea. But thank heaven he did." Morgana replied. Having learned of the state she had been in for the past days, the lady herself was in a state of both shock and relief, grateful to Edwin for whatever he had done to help her recover.

It wasn't long before Edwin left the chambers, leaving the friends and family to their moment of joy together. And a curious Gaius followed after him, eager to ask the healer a few questions about all of this. Merlin too had left after expressing his joy that Morgana was alright, leaving Arwen in the presence of the King and his son as well as Gwen who tended to her friend, wanting to make sure she was as comfortable as she could be.

"How are you feeling?" Arthur questioned Morgana, wanting to know how much they should still worry. Even he considered such a quick recovery to be unusual.

"As if there was nothing wrong with me in the first place. I feel completely fine." Morgana replied with a wide smile, hoping to ease all of their nerves.

"I'm glad you're alright my lady. I'll let you three have some time together." Arwen announced, taking a small bow as she turned to leave. She was starting to feel highly out of place as Gwen took her leave once she was sure Morgana had everything she needed.

"Arwen!" Morgana called out to her, making the redhead turn back to see what she wanted to say. "You'll come to see me later, won't you?" The woman asked her, a hopeful smile on her face as she looked at her friend. Arwen smiled back, not wanting to disappoint Morgana.

"I promise I will, my lady." She said honestly, but for now she knew it would be best for her to take her leave. And so she did, as soon as the door closed behind her, she rushed down the staircase, needing time to herself to think.

However, she didn't get far before her name was called. Arwen turned back, her eyes catching sight of Arthur as he moved down the steps and made his way towards her.

"Is everything alright Sire?" Arwen asked, a small spark of worry rising within her as she couldn't think of a reason why Arthur would have followed after her.

"I just wanted to reassure you that your position is in no danger. You shouldn't place blame on yourself for this." Arthur spoke in a calm voice, seeming much more understanding than his father would had he been the one Arwen was having this conversation with. Even too understanding if you asked Arwen.

"Arthur I examined her myself. I should have seen it, I should have been more diligent." Arwen replied firmly. She could've taken his words and brushed it off with ease, but the knowledge of what could have happened made it impossible for her to do so. She needed to take responsibility for her failure.

"Arwen, you examined her in the dark with only a candle because you weren't allowed to do so by my father. And I came and distracted you. You can't blame yourself, it was out of your control. I'll make sure my father sees it the same way as well." Arthur promised.

It surprised Arwen if she was being honest. First he claimed she had shown her skill as a healer already and now he was claiming he'd ensure she doesn't have to deal with the consequences of what she had done, despite the fact that she should. She made a mistake, she couldn't understand why Arthur found it so hard to see that. But she knew better than to push and she was sure Arthur himself wanted to get back to Morgana. So she didn't continue putting up a fight.

"Thank you Sire. If you'll excuse me, I must go find Merlin." She stated, but didn't give him much chance to reply as she departed respectfully, disappearing beyond one of the corners while all Arthur could do was watch her go, hoping she had took his words seriously. Knowing Arwen, he was certain she would feel guilt over the wrong diagnosis and the end it could have led to, but he believed it to be unjust to punish either Arwen or even Gaius for this. After all, what mattered was that it all ended well. However, he would soon find that not all shared his sentiments.

Arwen had a restless night. She had gone to see Morgana the evening before, and she, just like Arthur, tried to reassure Arwen that she blamed her for nothing. However, Arwen blamed herself. She could understand why Gaius may not have seen the blood. It may not have been there when he checked the Lady. However, Arwen was the last to do so, and by then the sign would have been visible. She should have paid more attention. She should have seen it. Gaius trusted her when she came back that night and shared what she concluded. But her conclusions were wrong.

It was thoughts like that that kept kept her up through the night as she lay in her bed, listening to the sound of Merlin's light snores. The doubt started rushing though her mind, making her wonder whether she truly had what it took to do the job she loved so dearly. Based on recent events, the answer in her mind seemed to be a no.

When dawn came, and Merlin started to wake, Arwen pretended to be asleep still, not wanting her brother to ask questions she didn't feel like answering. However, as Merlin left after explaining to Gaius he had promised to do something for Edwin, Arwen finally rose from her bed, knowing that if she hadn't fallen asleep by now there was not much point in trying anymore.

Making her way out into the Physician's Chambers, Arwen found Gaius sitting at the desk with a faraway look in his eyes as he stared off into the distance, not even noticing her appearance in the room. It didn't take much for Arwen to gather that he, just like her, had been up all night.

"Gaius?" She called out to him, finally bringing the elderly man out of his trance like state and making him look her way. He seemed surprised to find her awake so early like her brother, but didn't have time to inquire for her reasons as Arwen continued to speak. "Have you been up all night?" She asked him, her voice holding traces of concern as she moved over to sit beside him on the bench.

"It would seem so my dear." Gaius seemed as if he were unbothered by his lack of sleep but it did nothing to lessen her worry for the man.

"Gaius, you need your rest." She tried to remind him, but the man merely looked to her with a reassuring smile on his face.

"I'll be alright Arwen. And what about you? Why are you up so early?" Gaius still returned to his initial inquiry, making Arwen's cheeks redden as she knew she had been caught.

"Couldn't sleep." She replied silently, standing from the bench and starting to move around the room with the intention of fixing the two of them some breakfast. Gaius didn't reprimand her or say anything to remind her that she too needed her sleep, he knew she was more than aware of it. So instead a small silence stretched over them, but Arwen couldn't maintain it for long.

"Gaius, I'm really sorry." Her voice was so quiet that for a moment Gaius believed he may have imagined the sound altogether. But he knew that was false as he saw the guilty look in her eyes.

"Whatever for?" He questioned her, highly confused by the apology as to his knowledge she had done nothing wrong.

"You trusted me to check on Morgana that night, and I let you down. If I had seen the blood you wouldn't be in trouble now." There wasn't really any proof that Gaius was in any trouble over what had happened, but everyone knew their King's temper, and the situation surely didn't win Gaius any favour with the temperamental man.

"My dear, you have nothing to apologise for. You haven't done anything wrong." Gaius quickly reassured her, standing from his seat and making his way to where she stood.

"Gaius, I made that mistake, and now Uther blames you. It is my fault." Arwen tried to make him see. She was confused by how nobody wanted to blame her or let her take responsibility for her actions.

"Arwen, you made no mistake. Trust me on that." Gaius' voice was firm and confident, making Arwen furrow her brows in confusion. "You mustn't let someone questioning your knowledge or skill make you do so yourself. You are a skilled healer Arwen, all you need to do is trust your instincts." Gaius set his hands on her shoulders gently, hoping to make her listen to him as he knew what he was talking about. After his most recent discovery he knew there was no legitimacy to Edwin's claims. He didn't wish for his lies to discourage Arwen from perusing what she was good at. He needed to ensure that it didn't.

Arwen knocked lightly on the door, curiosity seeping through her at the summons she had received only minutes ago. Instantly, she had made her way to answer it. She knew something was coming, the atmosphere in all of the castle had been tense for days, but she was surprised this was the way the King chose to inform her of it. But then again, perhaps everyone was merely trying to soften the blow.

"My Lady, you wished to see me?" Arwen questioned once she was instructed to come in. As she made her way through the door and into Morgana's chambers she spotted both Gwen and Morgana there, both wearing hesitant expressions on their faces as they looked to her.

"Yes, please come in. Close the door." Morgana instructed her in a gentle tone, obviously trying to maintain calm as she got ready to tell Arwen what she had learned. However, it all only set Arwen further on edge.

"My Lady is everything alright?" Arwen questioned as she walked over to stand before the woman who sat in front of her desk with Gwen beside it. "Has something happened?"

"I fear it has." Morgana's voice was heavy as she replied, eyes downcast as she thought of Uther's latest decision. She knew there was nothing she could say to ease the blow, and with one last look shared between her and Gwen, she finally came out with it. "Uther has made the decision to retire Gaius."

Arwen's eyes widened in shock and surprise as she found herself subconsciously taking a seat on Morgana's bed. Processing the information she soon felt anger bubble within her. She couldn't believe it!

"Over one mistake?!" Arwen couldn't hold back her anger. And Morgana of course had been expecting it, it was why she had requested she be the one to tell Arwen for the fear of the fiery redhead snapping at the King himself. It was better if she showed her anger in the presence of friends who knew it wasn't directed at them; friends who disagreed with the King's decision as much as she did.

"He's promised to ensure that he is taken care of." Gwen added on, knowing the information would matter to Arwen. At the very least he wasn't being kicked out into the streets of Camelot to fend for himself.

"And Edwin himself has even requested that Uther allow you to remain here as his apprentice." Morgana wanted Arwen to know her own position still remained secure. However, that was the last thing on the young apprentice's mind.

"He can't just do this! It was one mistake. And I know what the consequences could have been, you need not remind me of it. But Gaius has always proven himself to be good at his job. He deserves a second chance." Arwen pleaded with Morgana, even though she was certain that her friend had done all that she could already.

"According to Edwin it's not the only one. He claims Gaius' work is mired with errors."

Arwen wished she could have said she was surprised by this information. But unfortunately, she was not. Ever since her conversation with Gaius she had been re-evaluating things. In the start she blamed herself, wondering how she could have missed the signs of a cerebral haemorrhage, but as she thought of it, everything cleared. She didn't see them because there were none. Nobody got a haemorrhage overnight, Morgana would have developed symptoms long before that. Symptoms which would have brought her to Gaius and herself in time for them to know what was going on. She hadn't seen any blood because there was none. And while she knew all this to be true, she had no way of proving it and no theories on what it was that Edwin had really done when treating Morgana.

"That is ludicrous. I've seen enough of Gaius' work to know he does it well. And I'll prove it if I must." Arwen promised, not leaving much room for conversation as she was determined to stand by her words resulting in her marching out of the room before either of the women left behind could stop her. She knew Gaius had his own suspicions about Edwin. He didn't deserve to be sacked based on the lies of an impostor and she planned on helping prove that was exactly what he was. She knew Gaius wouldn't just take this and give up. No, they needed to find a way to make Uther see sense and let him stay.

Arwen's determined steps led her through the corridors of the castle. She had never been one to give up easily even when it came to the simplest of things. This... This wasn't a simple thing. This was Gaius, and she'd be damned if she just let it happen. As she neared the Physician's quarters, Arwen spotted a familiar face walking towards her.

"Merlin!" She called his name, hoping to catch his attention before he mindlessly rushed past her. Thankfully he stopped just in time to find himself next to her making Arwen turn slightly so she could look up at him. "Where are you rushing off to? Have you spoken with Gaius?"

"I have. I need to talk to Arthur, I need to stop this from happening." Merlin shared his sister's determination when it came to this, and she expected it. They both loved Gaius dearly, as if he were their own father, they weren't about to just let him go.

"We'll find a way, Merlin. All three of us will try, you know that right?" Arwen took a moment to try and reassure him. He could worry just as much as she at times, and whenever that happened she wished she could ease his mind every time.

"Not all three of us." Merlin mumbled, his voice disappointed and sad as he thought of the conversation he just had with Gaius. Seeing Arwen's confused eyes, he added on. "He's packing his things, he plans on leaving."

"What?! Why? He knows he didn't make a mistake, he knows he's right. Why just accept it without even trying?" Arwen questioned even though she knew there was probably no answers that Merlin could give her.

"I don't know, but his mind is made up. There's nothing I could say." Merlin shook his head, looking sadder by the moment as their conversation continued.

"You go to Arthur, I'll take care of Gaius." Arwen instructed. Merlin may not have been able to draw answers from the physician but that didn't mean Arwen didn't plan on trying to do it herself. Merlin nodded. One of them was bound to have some success. He had to believe that. With the deal made, the two siblings parted ways, both determined to do their best to change this while there was still time.

Arwen was even quicker this time. She doubted Gaius would leave without saying goodbye to her, but she needed to make sure she wouldn't miss him or that he himself didn't go searching for her. So when she burst through the door of the chambers she was relieved to see her mentor was still there, packing the last of his belongings which he was taking with him.

"What in God's name are you doing?" She questioned him without a moment to pause.

"Arwen, please. You can't change my mind on this." Gaius knew what she would try to go and between her and Merlin, Arwen was the stubborn one. Which said a lot.

"Then at least make me understand it. You know Edwin is lying, you know you've made no errors, so why leave? Especially when Uther hasn't demanded you do so. Why wouldn't you stay and prove he is lying. The fact that we have no proof right now doesn't mean we won't find it. I am still here and I will be working as his apprentice. It's the perfect position to be in to find something."

Gaius allowed her to say what she needed to. He knew she wouldn't stop until she got it out. But when she was finished he knew he had to share with her his reasons. He knew it was dangerous, sharing what he had learned about Edwin and the threat he had made if he revealed it to anyone. But if he was leaving, someone needed to know. Someone needed to be in the position to protect Merlin. And there was nobody he'd trust more with it than Arwen who had been doing so for the last fourteen years.

"I can't challenge Edwin." Gaius replied calmly, although he didn't expect her to take the same manner as he in this situation. So before she could go off on a rant again, he continued. "I've discovered who Edwin is, why he seems so familiar. I treated him for the burns on his face."

"But he claims that wasn't you."

"That is because he hides the truth. His parents were sorcerers, sentenced to death by Uther during the Great Purge. Edwin, merely a boy at that time, jumped into the pyre in an attempt to save them. And now, years later it seems Edwin has taken the same path as his parents did before." Arwen's eyes widened. Of all the things she could've imagined this was not one of them. And while it did sound terrible, it did not excuse what Edwin had done so far. Especially as the reasons for him doing it seemed to be more and more devious.

"But if you have proof of this, why not take it to Uther. This isn't just about getting you to stay. If Edwin is who you say he is, then he cannot stay." Arwen was sure this meant Gaius could stay. All they had to do was go to Uther with this.

"He knows about Merlin." Gaius admitted, and in an instant Arwen was silenced. "He's threatened to expose him if I reveal the truth about him to anyone. But you need to know, you need to be able to protect him after I'm gone." Gaius instructed. Arwen ran all the possible scenarios through her mind, all the possibilities in which they could solve this and still keep Merlin's secret, but soon she realized there wasn't one.

"Gaius, I'm so sorry." She could already feel her eyes filling with tears. She couldn't imagine staying here, continuing her apprenticeship, all without Gaius. Camelot wasn't Camelot without Gaius there.

"It's alright my dear, what matters most to me is that you and Merlin remain safe." Gaius said gently. "But there is one more thing." Gaius added, reaching for a something he had set down next to his bag. It wasn't the plan, but now that he was leaving, there was nobody else who could give it to her when the time came.

"What is that?" Arwen asked when she noticed the parchment he held in his hand. Its edges looked worn, and it's crumpled state made her believe it had been through a lot since it was written.

"This was found when you were rescued from the bandits in the woods by Ealdor. Hunith kept it safe and sent it with her letter when you and Merlin came to Camelot. I was meant to give it to you in a couple of years time, but now..." Gaius looked down at the letter, Arwen's name written on top of it in a neat cursive handwriting, practised to perfection so that it was beautiful even when written in a rush.

"Why hadn't I gotten it before. Who's it from?" Arwen questioned, so many things running through her mind as she took the envelope from Gaius' outstretched hand. She didn't recognise the handwriting when she looked down at it.

"It's from your mother."

Arwen almost dropped it as she heard that. She wouldn't have really cared if she had. She wouldn't care much if she had never gotten the letter in the first place. She didn't care for whatever that woman could have to say to her.

"I know you don't care for that piece of your history, but at least don't throw it away. Read it one day when you're ready, it will give you the answers you need." Gaius hoped she would listen. He trusted her not to merely throw it away. It was the only way she could discover the truth that may cause change for the whole kingdom.

"I promise." Arwen said with a small nod of her head but for now she set aside the letter. There was time for it later. "Where will you go? Will we ever see you again?" She asked Gaius.

"I don't know where I'll go, but I certainly hope our paths cross once more." Gaius said as he closed up his bag. "And until then I hope to hear stories of the talented Physician's apprentice tending to the patients of Camelot." He added with a smile, but it soon turned to surprise as he found himself enveloped in a tight hug as Arwen threw her arms around his shoulders.

"I'll miss you so much." She whispered as a few tears trailed down her cheeks. If there was something Arwen hated in this world, it was goodbyes. She was never good at handling those.

"And I you Arwen, and I you."

Arwen walked through the halls on her way back to the Physician's Chambers for the rest of the night. She had been out in the streets for most of the afternoon, trying to move past her sadness and accept the new situation. Tomorrow she would start her apprenticeship with Edwin. She detested the idea of working for a man such as him, working for someone who would dare threaten her brother's safety. But she had to. To keep Merlin safe, to watch over Edwin so he cannot hurt the King or Arthur if he truly was here for vengeance. It was her duty now that she was the only one within the castle who knew the truth about the man.

While stuck within her own thoughts, Arwen wasn't oblivious to her surroundings. So as the sound of thundering footsteps rushing through the halls reached her ears, she quickened her step to check on what was going on. She caught sight of Arthur, frantically running through the corridor and disappearing behind the door which led to the King's Chambers. Worried something may have happened to Uther, Arwen ran after him, not even bothering to knock as she made her way inside.

"Sire? What's happened? What's wrong?" She questioned as soon as she entered the room to find Arthur leaning over his father, trying to wake him but having no success in doing so.

"He's got the same illness as Morgana, I've already sent Merlin to get Edwin." Arthur explained to her, stepping aside as she rushed over to the bed, instantly starting to check on the King. But just like with Morgana, there were no signs of a haemorrhage or any visible symptoms of there being an actual illness. He seemed to be sleeping and that was all.

"Can you do anything?" Arthur questioned. Edwin had vouched for Arwen when he shared what he thought of Gaius' work when he reviewed it. If Edwin believed her to be capable enough to remain in Camelot as his apprentice then Arthur trusted he was right about her skill all along.

"I'm afraid not, if it is the same thing that ailed Morgana, which it seems to be, then Edwin is the one with a cure. He hasn't yet shared it with me." Arwen replied as diplomatically as she could. Although she suspected she'd have to find a way to cure the King on her own, as she had to assume this was Edwin's doing in the first place.

She watched as Arthur stepped back, leaning on his father's desk as he was forced to wait once more while someone he cared for was sick and he could do nothing to help. Despite her thoughts instantly going over the ways in which she could try and find out what Edwin had done to the King, she took a moment to stop her theories and walk towards the Prince. Her hand settling on his shoulder in an attempt to comfort him.

"He'll be alright Arthur. Edwin is right here in the castle and he'll arrive shortly." Arwen tried to reassure him. She wasn't sure what Edwin's intentions were but if she had to she'd find a way to force him to cure the King. She may not like Uther, but he was still their King. Keeping him safe and staying loyal to him was the duty of every citizen within Camelot, herself included.

"Edwin's dead!"

Merlin's voice made Arthur and Arwen jump apart as they turned to him in shock. Gaius and the young warlock rushed into the room together and Arwen couldn't hold back a smile as she saw the man. But her mind soon jumped back to their news.

"What do you mean he's dead?! How?!" Arthur sounded outraged as he turned to the two. Edwin had already proven he can cure this illness, with him gone Arthur's fear sparked to a level he had never experienced before. And he had trouble hiding it.

"We will explain it all soon sire, but right now what matters most is curing the king." Gaius tried to calm the Prince while Merlin rushed to Arwen's side, silently whispering in her ear.

"Get him out of here."

Arwen's eyes widened. She didn't need Merlin to come out and say it to understand he planned on using magic to cure the King. Knowing Edwin was a sorcerer she assumed there was no other way. She had to hope it didn't result in him exposing himself to the King. But if Edwin had managed it with Morgana she had to believe it would be the same in this case.

"Do you know how to cure this illness? Has Edwin shared it with you?" Arthur was firing out questions as quickly as he could.

"Now that I know what Edwin did to cause it, yes Sire I do." Arthur was rendered speechless as Gaius exposed this to him. Knowing the same as Merlin, that Arthur needed to be out of the room for them to do what they must, Gaius quickly thought of a reason to make it happen."I'm going to need some fresh water. Arwen would you mind going to get me some?"

"Of course." Arwen agreed. She didn't know if it was a ruse or not, but she obeyed without question. And it wasn't long before Arthur announced he'd go with her. He knew he'd be of no help to Gaius, but as night had fallen over Camelot the least he could to was accompany Arwen and ensure she didn't get in trouble along the dark streets. And so the two departed, leaving Merlin and Gaius to save the King by using the one thing he detested most... Magic.

"Elanthia beetles?" Arwen questioned, interrupting Merlin and Gaius as they explained what happened with Edwin later that night. She had never heard of the creature before.

"They can be enchanted to enter the brain, feed on it until they devour the person's very soul." Gaius explained it to her the same way he had to Merlin. Apparently this was what Edwin had used on both Morgana and Uther. However they could only be extracted with the use of magic. Luckily, Uther wasn't conscious when Merlin had to do it to save him. She didn't want to think of what could have been had Uther been able to understand what was going on around him.

"So Uther will be alright now that you've removed the beetle?" Arwen looked between the two curiously and both nodded their heads in reply.

"Everyone will be alright." Gaius reassured her. "Now, I believe all three of us deserve a good night's rest after all that has happened." He added on, bringing a smile to both Merlin and Arwen's faces as they realized the hidden meaning of that. Gaius was staying.

"And I agree completely. Good night." Merlin was just recovering from a yawn, ready to fall asleep after a long day of fighting evil once again.

Watching him go, Arwen and Gaius laughed in amusement as he stumbled around tiredly. And while she planned on heading to bed as well, Arwen didn't follow after her brother right away. Instead, she stood from her seat and approached Gaius. He turned to her curiously, but soon noticed the letter she handed to him.

"You're giving it back?" He asked curiously. He hadn't expected her to do so. But at the same time he was glad she hadn't thrown it away.

"So you can give it to me when the time is right, as you and Hunith planned." Arwen smiled at him. She still hadn't decided what she would do with the letter. A part of her couldn't help but be curious as to what her birth mother could have possibly written to her. She was the one who didn't want her, who gave her up and sent her away. For as long as she had known, Arwen didn't care for the woman. She didn't wonder about her or tried to look for her. She enjoyed her life as it was, with the family she had and wouldn't have replaced for the world. Gaius was now a part of that family and she was overjoyed that with Edwin gone, he would surely get to return to his position as court physician and stay in Camelot.

Arwen watched with a smile on her face. She had her issues with Uther but even she had to admit, that the man wasn't incapable of doing the right thing. Most often he didn't, but it was times like this she appreciated that he had some common sense at the very least.

"I, my family, and my kingdom are deeply indebted to you. And in honour of this, I not only reinstate you as court physician, but henceforth, you are a free man of Camelot."

The King bestowed the honour upon Gaius, handing him the papers which made it official. And Arwen, standing beside her brother, both their faces stretched into wide smiles of happiness, clapped along with the rest of the court as Gaius received the thanks he deserved not only for staying loyal to the King even when he treated him unfairly, but for all the time he had dedicated to the royals and to Camelot himself.

Once more, with the threat gone, they were all safe and happy, enjoying the moment of joy they found themselves in. Arwen hoped that this time it would last. At least for a short while.

Chapter Text

Arwen sat with Morgana on her bed, Gwen not far as she prepared the lady's belongings for the day ahead.

"It felt so real. I saw him die." Morgana spoke in a weak voice, her fingers fumbling with the blankets which still covered her legs.

"It was just a dream my Lady. If you wish I can draw up another draught for you; a stronger one so you can sleep deeply without any dreams to trouble you." Arwen took hold of the woman's hands to stop their nervous twisting and turning.

From the start of her apprenticeship with Gaius, Arwen had been aware of Morgana's need for sleeping draughts to help her rest through the night without nightmares plaguing her dreams. But sometimes, the mind proved more powerful than a potion.

"Could you? I'd be extremely grateful." Morgana hoped this time the draught would work, as the last one she had received did little to help as of late.

"Of course, I'll be sure to get to it as soon as I am back in my chambers." Arwen offered her a smile. She had been doing some reading and had a few ideas on which ingredients could be more helpful in Morgana's condition.

"But now my Lady, it is time to get dressed so that we can go to the market and explore a bit. I know that always manages to cheer you up." Gwen interjected in a light tone, and it seemed that just the thought was enough to lift Morgana's spirits in the moment.

"Would you care to join us Arwen?" Morgana asked the redhead who smiled happily.

"I'd be honoured to my Lady. I've been curious to check whether some herbs have come in for a few days now." Arwen said, her mind instantly jumping to the list she had made up within her head. It wasn't a list of usual necessities but instead ingredients she had heard about and wanted to try them herself. However, soon she noticed the looks she was receiving from the other two women. "What? Do I have something on my face?"

"Surrounded by dresses, silks, jewellery and pretty trinkets and all you can think of is herbs?" Morgana couldn't hold back a laugh as she shook her head at her friend for Arwen could truly be odd at times.

"Oh don't judge. Plants are a pretty thing and useful at the same time." Arwen defended but it only made the two laugh even more as Guinevere started to help Morgana prepare for the day and their trip into town.

Morgana and Gwen had managed to force Arwen to pay attention to more than plants, herbs and spices in the market, and wanting to appease Morgana as the trip to the markets was more for her sake than anything else, Arwen had focused on other things. In the end, it resulted in her staying back in the markets when Morgana and Gwen chose to return back to the castle as word spread of Arthur's return from the hunting trip he and Merlin had gone on earlier in the morning.

Now by herself, Arwen moved through the streets of the city, one of her hands holding the basket she carried with her for the supplies she had bought, while with the other she rummaged through them, wanting to make sure she had gotten everything before she made her way back to the castle. Not watching where she was going, Arwen was almost run over by a trolley of hay intercepting her path

And she probably would have been were it not for a pair of hands pulling on her shoulders and making her take a sudden step back.

"And you always say you must be the one to worry over me. Who knows what could have been had I not come by just in the right moment." The teasing voice of her brother made Arwen spin on her heel so she could send a joking glare towards him.

"Well thank god you did. After a whole morning of being unable to see you perhaps being run over by a measly trolley would have brought my suffering to an end." Arwen acted as if she were crushed, making Merlin laugh at his sister's behaviour as he readjusted his hold on the luggage he had been carrying to the castle for their guests.

"You could always speak to Arthur and request he take up less of my time." Merlin suggested light-heartedly as he and Arwen started to make their way towards the castle once more. His request made laughter bubble past her lips.

"But what would bring you such joy for the majority of the day if you were unable to spend most of it with our dear Prince?" Arwen questioned, acting as if she were completely serious which made Merlin's expression quickly sour.

"I hate you." He grumbled under his breath.

"And I you dear brother." Arwen giggled, knowing that in truth neither of them meant the words. Once she sobered up, she turned back to him, curious to ask about the latest news spreading so quickly through Camelot that it had already reached even her ears. "I hear you and Arthur brought guests with you?"

"Yes. Sofia and Aulfric Tir-Mor. We rescued them from a group of bandits in the woods. Well… Arthur did most of the rescuing, I just carried the rabbits." Merlin answered honestly.

"I'm sure you had your part to play Merlin." She said with a knowing look sent his way. Arthur was skilled, but even the most skilled of warriors needed at least a little help when facing multiple attackers.

"You know me so well. But don't let Arthur hear that, his pride is quite important to him right now." Merlin commented with a tone that made Arwen raise her brow at him. "You should see him around Sofia, he is completely besotted even though he claims his intentions are nothing but honourable."

Arwen shook her head in amusement, although she had a hard time imagining Arthur showing much interest in someone. She thought he was solely in love with his own reflection in the mirror.

"I take it she must be a beautiful lady to catch the eye of the Prince himself." She commented. She was curious to meet their new guests. She hadn't much knowledge of Tir-Mor, and she was always curious to meet new people.

"Oh she is. It is just odd to see him like that. I never thought him to be the type for romance." Merlin replied, and Arwen couldn't resist the thoughts that sprung into her head as Merlin spoke.

"So you've thought of Arthur's courting methods before?" She questioned her brother making Merlin freeze as he realized what she was talking about.

"This conversation is over. I have duties to tend to." Merlin announced with a glare, briskly walking off as if he were offended while all Arwen could do was watch him go while she laughed heartily. She had to admit, making fun of her brother did tend to offer her quite a bit of amusement at times.

By the next day, Arwen had heard news that Uther's guests had been settling in well during their stay in Camelot, although she had yet to be acquainted with the two. She had heard stories of how they came to be so far from home; forced to flee as bandits sacked their home. She felt sympathy for the two, happy that they were able to find a place to rest for a bit in Camelot. She had even suggested to Gaius that they could check on the two, offer their services if they may need them after their long journey. And it was what she was on her way to do when she heard laughter in the streets below.

Moving towards one of the windows of the castle, Arwen looked down towards the streets and it did not take her long to notice what the source of amusement was as she too found herself laughing at the misfortune warlock. It reminded her of their first week here, when Merlin had been in the same position after fighting with Arthur. Trapped in the stocks while the children pelted him with rotten fruit. It brought her to laugh in amusement, although at the same time she couldn't help but wonder what he had done to land himself in the position this time.

She hadn't had much time to debate over the possibilities as the sound of her name being called made Arwen's eyes turn away from the window and look down the hall to see Guinevere walking towards her, distress evident of the seamstress' face.

"Gwen? Is everything alright?" Arwen couldn't help but worry. By now she knew no sense of peace should be something to get used to within the walls of Camelot. There was always something ready to shatter it.

"It's Morgana." Gwen uttered, slightly out of breath as she finally reached the redhead. Arwen now grew more concerned.

"Is she alright? Was it another nightmare?" Arwen questioned quickly. She had already gotten to work on Morgana's new draught, but will all science it took time for it to be finished.

"Not really. It's about the one she had yesterday. She claims that the woman she saw in her dream, the one who killed Arthur, she says it was Sofia." Guinevere's explanation made Arwen's eyes widen in surprise.

"But how could that be? Sofia hadn't yet come to the castle when Morgana had that dream." It all seemed more than odd to Arwen. She knew how easy it was for the mind to play tricks with one's thoughts. "It is possible that all the stress she's been under is clouding her memory of it, making her see the dream differently now as she tries to search for answers about it."

"Could that really happen?" Gwen asked curiously. It was all new information to her as she didn't have much medical knowledge when it came to such things.

"It most certainly could, especially when one is under a lot of stress and exhaustion which we both know Morgana has been as of late." Arwen spoke in a calm tone, hoping to ease Gwen's worries. They both cared for Morgana, but they shouldn't panic when there could be an easy scientific explanation for it all.

"She is so convinced Arwen. She's even said that she would stop Sofia herself it if came to it." Gwen explained making a frown appear in Arwen's face. She could understand why Morgana couldn't share her suspicions with many people, after all it was dangerous to even insinuate such things. She did not dare think of what Uther would do if he heard wind of Morgana's suspicious dream. However, she knew that if her theory of it being mere exhaustion, Morgana may bring trouble upon herself if she acted on the dream without properly thinking it through.

"I'm sure there will be no need for such things. But you best keep an eye on her. Come to me if she tries to do something drastic. We'll take care of it. And if she is right in her suspicion about Sofia, then trust me, nothing will happen to Arthur." Arwen reassured Gwen easily. And her words seemed to soothe her friend at least a little bit. Gwen trusted that whatever was going on Arwen would be able to help and take care of Morgana.

However, what Arwen didn't admit to her friend was that if Morgana's suspicions about the nature of her dream were really true, it may put the King's Ward in more danger than Arwen could protect her from.

Arwen watched as the door of the Physician's Chambers opened and in walked Merlin. His hair was full of pieces of food and he reeked of rotten fruits and vegetables.

"Not again Merlin, surely?" Gaius looked to the boy with a disapproving look in his eye as he made his way further into the room, the stench following after him and making Arwen distance herself from her brother with a scrunched up face.

"You would think that the appeal of pelting the same person with fruit would wear off after a while, but, oh, no!" Merlin stated in a sarcastic tone, but it didn't do much to make Arwen and Gaius sympathise with him as by now both knew what had landed him in the stocks for a second day in the row.

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

This time Merlin proved to be an idiot by lying directly to the King. Twice. All to cover for Arthur who would rather spend time with Sofia instead of tend to his duties and obligations as the Prince of Camelot. While often-times Arwen drew amusement from some of the things Arthur forced Merlin to do, it was moments like this that she highly disapproved of the Prince's treatment of her brother. It was one thing to make fun of him or give him a long list of duties (which they all knew Merlin most likely wouldn't complete anyways). But it was completely different to force him to lie for Arthur and possibly get in trouble with the King. So far his punishment had only been the stocks, but Arwen couldn't help but worry when Uther's patience would ware off. If this could be called patience at all.

"Yeah, he wanted to make the most of his time with Sofia." Merlin explained as he began to put some water in a basin so he could clean himself up. Arwen had ensured there would be some clean water for when he came back, and she was grateful that she had remembered to get some.

"So you helped him?" Gaius questioned, although the answer seemed to be rather obvious already.

"I'm his servant, I had to." Merlin answered, starting to wash his face and hair, removing bits and pieces of food that had stuck to it.

"Maybe it'd help if I told him off again." Arwen shook her head in displeasure, although she knew she probably wouldn't do that. But if this persisted perhaps she should try to convince Arthur to stop putting Merlin at risk. She didn't see an issue with him spending time with Sofia that he would have to hide it from his father. Well, aside from skipping out on his duties to do so.

"You shouldn't have done that Merlin." Gaius words made both of the Ambrosius siblings turn to the physician curiously. "I fear that Sofia may not be all that she seems." Gaius stated making Arwen's eyes widen as she instantly thought back to yesterday's conversation with Gwen about Morgana's dream. She had been so sure it was just a result of Morgana's sleepless nights, but as Gaius shared his own opinion she couldn't help but wonder.

"Why?"

"What do you know about Seers?" Gaius looked to both of them and by now it was all Arwen needed to hear to be aware that Gaius held the same information as her. Morgana must've gone to him about her dream and Gaius seemed much less keen to dismiss it so simply.

"Not much. They're supposed to be able to see the future… Like prophets." Merlin was the one to answer while Arwen got caught up with her own thoughts. She had never heard of a dream Morgana had before that came to pass, but Gaius had been hearing about the Lady's nightmares for much longer than she. He had more experience to actually make assumptions on this.

"It's said to be 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." Gaius continued to explain as he took a seat in the bench beside the desk in the centre of the room.

"What's this to do with Sofia?" Merlin still remained confused, wondering how their conversation about the Prince's infatuation with the girl could connect to prophets and seers.

"Morgana had a dream about Sofia and Arthur… Before Sofia and her father came to Camelot." It was Arwen who answered the question, turning to Gaius as she posed her own question. "Is it really possible that her dream is truth? That she can see the future?"

"I've been watching Morgana since she was very young. And though I tried to persuade myself otherwise, I realised that some of the things she said she'd dreamt came to pass. I kept it secret from Uther, of course. The gift of prophecy is too close to the work of magic." Gaius spoke making both Merlin and Arwen take a seat themselves as they processed the information.

"You think Morgana is a Seer?" Merlin questioned, sounding as surprised as Arwen felt.

"I don't think it. I fear it." Gaius said, and there seemed to be no doubt in his mind as he made his claims.

"Especially with this dream looming over us. Morgana dreamt that Sofia killed Arthur." Arwen explained to Merlin,remembering the story a distraught Morgana had told her and Gwen the morning after she woke from her nightmare.

"Couldn't that have just been a dream? Maybe the- the woman Morgana saw just looked like Sophia." Merlin hoped to remain optimistic. After all, they still had no concrete proof that Sofia or her father wished Arthur ill.

"That's what I hoped. But Aulfric caught me in Sophia's room and, in a flash of anger, his eyes changed colour." Arwen's eyes widened. If all this was true, that meant that every step, every action that led them here, it was all planned.

"Who are they?" Merlin whispered in shock, but it was a question none of them had an answer for.

"It's not who they are that worries me. It's what they want with Arthur." Gaius replied with a heavy tone.

The answer to that however, was becoming quite obvious. They wanted Arthur dead. And it was up to them to find a way to stop their plan from coming to fruition. Whatever that plan was.

"I still can't believe you followed him without telling either one of us. What if something had happened to you and neither of us knew where you'd gone?" Arwen scolded Merlin the following morning after he had revealed to her and Gaius what he had seen when he followed Aulfric as the man made his way out of Camelot in the middle of the night.

"You can scold me later, right now we have to find a way to stop them." Merlin reminded her and despite her disappointment in him, Arwen knew he was right.

"Alright, so to earn an immortal life for herself, Sofia must sacrifice the soul of a mortal Prince to lake dwelling, little blue flying things? Well that is just fantastic!" Arwen couldn't hold back her sardonic remarks as she turned towards the many books stocked upon Gaius' shelves. She knew they would most likely find the answer to what exactly Merlin had seen in at least one of them, but how long would it take them to find it?

"Avalon!"

Well, perhaps it wouldn't take as long as she had suspected it would…

"What you saw at the lake, it's Avalon. It must be." Gaius sounded so certain that Arwen found relief in listening to him. It didn't solve all of their problems but it surely brought them closer to a solution and a way to stop this sacrifice from happening. Merlin started to pose a question, but Gaius of course knew what it would be before he uttered it, allowing the physician to jump into the explanation of what Avalon was without wasting any time.

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

"Well, I've seen it and I'm still here." Merlin muttered, pointing out the obvious to all of them.

"For now." Arwen muttered, not yet finished with her scolding of her brother and his reckless actions.

"Extraordinary." Gaius ignored Arwen and Merlin's squabble, caught up in his own amazement over Merlin's discovery. "What did it look like?" He couldn't hold back his curiosity. It was something no mortal ever got a chance to speak of.

"Does it matter? They're going to sacrifice Arthur and we don't even know who they are yet!" Merlin exclaimed, growing impatient with the lack of information that they still faced. But luckily, Gaius pulled through again.

"We do now." The elderly man announced, suddenly moving to sit at his desk as he reached for a book he had found after seeing the writing on Aulfric's staff. "I found writing like this on the top of Aulfric's staff. It's Ogham, an ancient script. 'Abas ocus bithe. Duthectad bithlane.'; 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." Gaius read the words from the book, sharing his findings with the two. With every moment that passed, they were getting closer to finding a way to save Arthur.

"That does not sound like a good thing." Merlin couldn't help but think out loud as he listened to Gaius.

"When does it ever? Can't we deal with something like sweet Unicorns or cute fuzzy cuddly creatures for once?" Arwen questioned with an exasperated sigh. Why couldn't their lives be easy?

"They are masters of enchantment." Gaius read from the book further.

"You think Arthur's been enchanted to fall for Sofia?" Arwen asked. It would explain a lot of his behaviour ever since their arrival. A part of her hoped that to be true, because if he wasn't, if he had truly fallen for the girl, then their job would be that much harder.

"Almost certainly. I'm afraid Morgana's dream is coming true." Gaius said with a nod of his head. Arwen nervously brushed her hand through her hair knowing that even if they did break the enchantment it most likely wouldn't stop the father and daughter duo from just changing their plan to adjust and continuing on with it. And according to what Merlin had heard the night before, their time was quickly running out.

"Marriage?!?!" Arwen's booming voice echoed through the halls of the castle as she listened to Merlin tell her about the sudden meeting Arthur had called with the council and his father in which he announced he will be marrying Sofia.

"Well at least now we know he's definitely enchanted." Merlin tried to put a positive spin on it, but the look Arwen gave him let him know that it wasn't really making things look any better.

"I don't know what's worse, the fact that Arthur wishes to marry her or how Uther handled it. Unlike us, he doesn't know his son is enchanted and he still threatened to kill both Sofia and her father." Arwen shook her head. She knew Uther was cruel, but he continued to surprise her with the lengths to which his cruelty could go.

"Well it got Arthur to give up on pushing the idea any further." Merlin added on again, but even he sounded doubtful as he spoke.

"You know how magic works better than I Merlin, and even I know we haven't seen the end of this." Arwen said as she came to a stop in the halls. Sofia and Aulfric didn't care for Uther's threats, not when they were obviously so close to getting what they wanted.

"You're right. They'll still go through with it, I must go and stop him while there's still time. Perhaps there is a chance I can make him see sense still." Merlin said with a heavy sigh pushing past his lips.

"Do you want me to come with you?" Arwen questioned, wanting to help her brother in any way she could. She perhaps didn't have much sway with Arthur, but she could always try. Right now it was the best they could do.

"No, I think this is something I better do by myself." Merlin knew that if Arwen was there when the enchantment was exposed it would wound his pride, he didn't want the chance of that happening to blind Arthur to the truth.

"Good luck. And please, be careful." Arwen instructed him, continuing to watch as he left and started to head in the direction of Arthur's chambers with rushed steps. She could only hope this went well and Arthur made their job easy for once.

Hours passed and Arwen had realized how wrong she was. Of course their job wouldn't be easy. When was it ever?

It was Morgana that had rushed into the Physician's Chambers to announce that she had seen Aulfric and Sofia taking Arthur out of Camelot. And the news filled Arwen with worry. The last she knew Merlin had been with Arthur. She feared to think what the two may have done to him to be able to get Arthur and leave with him.

It was what had her running through the halls of the castle while Gaius had remained back to comfort a distraught and worried Morgana. She had rushed out as soon as the Lady came to them, only sparing a moment to fetch her sword from her room. It was starting to look more and more like she might need it tonight.

Arwen chose to start her search for her brother in Arthur's chambers. She hoped he'd be there, and that he wouldn't be too hurt. If she didn't manage to find him, she would have to go after Arthur herself.

So when she rushed into the room, Arwen didn't know whether she should be relieved or worried as she spotted her brother slumped against one of the walls and unconscious on the floor. She let her feet carry her over, dropping down to the floor beside him and trying to wake him. It didn't take too long for Merlin to come back, but he still didn't look well.

"Where's Arthur? I have got to go after him. What's that buzzing noise?" He instantly started mumbling while trying to rise to his feet. However he still stumbled around in a disoriented manner making Arwen reach for him in an attempt to steady him before he caused himself even more harm.

"Merlin, hold on for a second. You can barely stand." Arwen tried to get him to settle down, but of course, Merlin was stubborn just as much as she.

"I have to go." He mumbled in determination, knowing there was no time to wait around so that he could feel better.

"You can't Merlin, not in this state. Your powers are most likely the only reason you survived this in the first place. You're in no way fit to follow after them. I'll go." Arwen said, seeing no other choice. There was no time to tend to Merlin, he needed rest and time to heal.

"Arwen you wield a sword, I wield magic. You cannot face Aulfric without me." Merlin was capable enough to fight her on this, it seemed to be what he did best. And Arwen knew he had a point. She wouldn't be able to get near Aulfric as long as he had his staff with him.

"Fine, but I'm coming with you." She stated, not willing to compromise on this.

"Arwen it's dangerous." Merlin tried to dissuade her.

"Has that buzzing stopped?" Arwen questioned with a raised eyebrow, watching as Merlin opened his mouth, prepared to lie before he thought better of it. She wouldn't believe him even if he was the best liar in the world, which he most certainly wasn't. Instead, he remained silent. "I thought so. Come on."

Arwen was starting to lose hope as she and Merlin rushed through the trees. While Merlin was starting to feel better and by now was capable of moving without stumbling around like a drunk, he was struggling to recall the path which he had taken to get to Avalon the last time, leaving them searching for any possible sign Aulfric, Sofia and Arthur may have left behind.

But in the end it wasn't tracks or clues that had led them to the lake, but instead the sound of chanting in the distance. As they followed it, it wasn't long before Arwen and Merlin came upon the scene just in time to see Arthur fall back and disappear beneath the surface of the water while Sofia calmly stood over him, her father's chants echoing in the air.

Merlin looked around, searching for a weapon, for something he could use while Arwen unsheathed her sword. He was lucky enough to spot Sofia's staff lying in the grass and with the use of his magic, it flew into Merlin's hands.

"You get to Arthur. I'll take care of them." Merlin instructed. Sofia was no threat without the staff which he now possessed making the only threat to Arwen in her dash towards the water Aulfric himself. The Tir-Mor man did not know where to turn once he noticed the siblings breaking through the tree line. He shot a burst of light towards Arwen in an attempt to stop her, but it merely deterred her as she was forced to avoid the blow before jumping into the lake. Using his distraction Merlin set upon Aulfric, and it seemed to work in Arwen's favour as well as a worried Sofia forgot all about Arthur giving Arwen a chance to dive down into the murky water in search of the drowning Prince.

But she was quickly running out of air, and her eyes had not yet caught sight of the blonde. She had to resurface, only to take a breath before she dived back under. From the corner of her eye, she spotted Merlin doing the same, Aulfric and Sofia nowhere to be seen anymore. Relieved Merlin had won the fight against them without much issue, the two were able to dedicate their efforts into finding the Prince and once they had dragging him out of the water and back to shore.

With all of them back on solid ground, Arwen leaned over the Prince whose eyes remained closed. He was breathing and with her fingers pressed to his wrist she was released to learn that his heart beat steadily.

"He's going to be alright, but we best get him back to the castle. People will soon discover he is missing." Arwen told Merlin, her eyes looking up to the sky as she noticed the sun was starting to break through. It wouldn't be long before the castle woke, and she knew what people would suspect after yesterday's circus if they learn Arthur is gone. It was something she wished to avoid if possible.

Arwen and Merlin stood beside Arthur's bed, while Gaius sat in the chair next to them. All three of them were waiting for the Prince to wake as he should any moment now according to Gaius. And he was proven right as Arthur started to stir, his eyes opening to curiously look at the three standing over him as he tried to gain a grasp on his foggy mind.

"What happened? Where am I?" Arthur questioned, his voice mumbled as he continued to lay back as he regained his senses and strength.

"What do you remember my Lord?" Arwen was the one to ask, unsure of what exactly they should tell the Prince in regards to what had happened. Their answer would depend on his memory.

"Oh my head!" The blonde groaned painfully as he tried to slowly rise into a sitting position, leaning on his elbow while his other hand reached for his head as the ache spread through it. His brow furrowed as his groans stopped. "There was a girl… Sofia… She, uh… I asked my father something about her… I asked him…"

As Arthur's memory slowly came back to him, the Prince immediately forgot about his headache as he straightened up within a flash, finally remembering the scene he had caused.

"What was I thinking?!"

"Well, we did wonder…" Merlin commented hesitantly before continuing in a much clearer voice. "Especially when you eloped with her last night."

"What?!" Arthur exclaimed in shock his wife eyes turning to them, trying to see whether Merlin was playing with him.

"Merlin had to bring you back to Camelot." Gaius added on, spinning the story to make it as vague as possible. They all thought it best to keep any mention of medicine to a minimum. If Uther discovered what Aulfric and Sofia had done he would surely demand their execution in which case there would need to be a lot of lies to cover up the truth of how Merlin had managed to defeat them. None of them wanted that.

"I don't recall any of this!" Arthur was more confused than ever, troubled by the gaps in his memory which prevented him from getting any answers.

"Must've been some blow… I hope it hadn't done too much damage." Arwen commented in a thoughtful tone, using it to mask the laughter which threatened to bubble through as she came up with the story on the spot.

"What… blow?" Arthur's confusion was now mixing with both irritation and rage as ideas of what Arwen's words could have meant started to run through his mind.

"When I caught up with you, I couldn't persuade you to return. You were beyond reason. So I had to make you…" Merlin, seeing where his sister was going with it, chose to continue on himself.

"You managed to knock me out?" Arthur most certainly had a hard time believing this piece of the story.

"Yup, with a lump of wood." Merlin replied lightheartedly, not trying as hard as Arwen to hide his amusement with the situation.

"He only did it to bring you back safely." Gaius added on, trying to make Arthur be lenient with his manservant as he would surely be angry with Merlin because of the blow his pride would take for this.

"And I can assure you Sire, aside from the minimal memory loss, there seems to be no other damage." Arwen added on, not wanting him to think that the blow could have hurt him too severely… She reminded herself that she was speaking with the Prince and resisted adding on that there was no other damage than what had already been there before.

"No one can know about this!" Arthur pointed a threatening finger at Merlin before turning it on Gaius as well. "Any of it!" And to make sure all understood him he did the same to Arwen. "Is that clear?"

"We wouldn't tell a soul, Sire." Arwen spoke in a reassuring tone, Merlin and Gaius nodding to confirm her words as a relieved Arthur fell back down to his pillows, giving Arwen a chance to whisper in Merlin's ear. "We'll just laugh about it in private." The warlock had to cover his mouth to suppress the laugh threatening to expose them. It was good to laugh now that everything was alright once more. But not all were in a laughing mood.

"Arwen I can trust you right? You wouldn't lie to me?" Morgana questioned later that night when Arwen had gone to see her and make sure she had her sleeping draught, the new one this time. She was caught by surprise as the question reached her ears forcing her to look over at the raven haired lady as she sat up in her large bed.

"Of course not." Arwen replied. In truth the answer depended on what Morgana would ask her, but she couldn't admit to that. Arwen knew Gaius had told both her and Merlin that it'd be best to keep their knowledge about Morgana's dreams to themselves. But Arwen couldn't bring herself to lie to her if she asked about it. Morgana wasn't foolish, and if these dreams persisted, it wouldn't be long until she came upon the truth herself. The least Arwen could do was be there to let her know she was not alone in this.

"Arthur told me what happened, after he eloped with Sofia. But he says only Merlin was there, which I know cannot be right since you went and returned with him." Morgana started to speak what was on her mind, and Arwen couldn't say she was surprised. She suspected that the woman may have questions about everything still.

"Merlin thought it best to protect Arthur's pride after what happened so we made the story a little less embarrassing for him when we told it." Arwen stated, and in a way it wasn't a complete lie. Although their story had been altered for many other reasons which she did not share with Morgana. She knew it would only scare her more.

"But do you think that… My dream? Do you think it possible that it would have happened had you not been there to stop it?" Morgana questioned. Arwen remained quiet for a moment, searching for a way to answer.

"I don't think I can answer that with the utmost certainty. Perhaps it truly was just a dream Morgana, and with this new potion I believe there will be no more. You'll finally get a good night's sleep." Arwen replied, hoping to make Morgana look ahead instead of back, but it was proving to be harder than she anticipated.

"But what if it is true? What if my dreams aren't just dreams, just a figment of my imagination?" Morgana asked, her tone showing the fear she felt as she considered the possibility herself. Arwen hated seeing her friend so upset.

"I suppose time will give an answer to that. And whatever it may be when you do get it, I'll help you. I promise." Arwen took hold of her hands as she spoke, and it was a promise she intended to keep. Gaius believed it best to keep the truth from Morgana for now, but Arwen thought that in the long run, it may cause more harm than good. That is why she vowed that she would remain by Morgana's side, no matter what happened in the future.

Chapter Text

Arwen couldn't help but think that perhaps Morgana and Gwen were right after all. Perhaps the amount of time she spent exploring the Camelot market in search of fresh herbs and new ingredients was just a little excessive. However, she did not care much for it. Everyone had their passions, and as long as hers hurt no-one, she found no issue in indulging in it.

"Back already?" Walter, the merchant whose stall she most often visited questioned her with a shake of his head. "I don't think it wise for you to do your shopping here today, Arwen." He tried to suggest making her brow furrow in confusion. If he ever told her such a thing, it was merely because his products weren't as fresh as usual, but today there seemed to be no indication of that.

"Whatever do you mean Walter? It all looks amazing." She said, her eyes scanning through the herbs and their titles, there were even bowls of berries commonly used in feminine beauty products. Perhaps getting some of those would amuse her friends.

"Perhaps you can come by a bit later, when-" Walter tried to give her a reason to go, but did not get a chance to finish as a man and a young boy came up to the stall addressing the merchant that owned it with a great sense of urgency.

"Do you have my supplies ready? We must leave the city without delay."

Arwen's curious eyes jumped towards them, taking in their appearance. They did not seem to be hurt, and no trouble seemed to be around them at the moment, but their rush seemed more than evident. It was why she did not interject, but let them handle their business. Unlike them, she was in no rush, and could wait.

"Everything you asked for, it's all here." Walter stated in a hesitant voice, his demeanour which had already seemed odd to Arwen now changing completely making her wonder what in the world was going on. Especially once Water uttered his next words. "I'm sorry."

"Walter, what's going on?" Arwen questioned, completely confused by now, ready to turn to what she suspected were a father and son and offer her help if they needed it. But then her eyes caught sight of a group of guards making their way towards them.

"Seize him! Stop there!" One of the men called out, and the two shoppers were quick to turn away, ready to run for their safety. Arwen was quick to get out of their way, not wanting to get involved in whatever was transpiring. As the chase commenced, she turned to the stall-holder with questioning eyes.

"What's going on? Who are they?"

"Druids Arwen, they're Druids."

Walter's reply made Arwen frown. She couldn't help but question what a pair of Druids were doing in Camelot. They must've known it to be a great risk to come to the city where almost all feared and hated magic. It would explain their rush to get away. But she couldn't believe that the guards would hunt them for merely coming for supplies.

"I'll see you later Walter." She said with a final nod towards the merchant before she set off, hoping to make her way back to the castle and inform Gaius of what had just happened. A part of her also hoped that the two Druids would manage to get away safely. She did not wish to think of Uther's actions should they be caught. Because she knew well enough by now, the King would have no mercy upon those who practice magic, no matter how peaceful or harmless they may be.

By the time Arwen had reached the Physician's Chambers her hope had dwindled down. It wasn't long before the man had been caught, taken down to the dungeons by Uther's guards to await his execution which was set as soon as possible in hopes that it would draw out the boy. Luckily, the boy remained in the wind and Arwen couldn't help but find some solace in that. But she knew, stuck in Camelot with guards searching for him at every corner meant he was still in danger.

"Are the Druids really such a threat that they must be treated this way?" Arwen couldn't help but ask, her eyes turning away from the window from which she watched the guards conduct their search while on the other side of the square, the preparations for the execution will take place. Turning to Gaius, she watched as he rose his head from where he had been reading a book set out on the table in front of him.

"I'm afraid whether they are a threat or not does not matter to our King." Gaius replied honestly, making Arwen give out a heavy sigh as she stepped down from the high ledge on which she had been standing.

"Even the boy? He's done nothing wrong, he's just a child." Arwen countered even though she knew having this discussion with Gaius wouldn't do anything. The only person who could change this was the King, and there was no chance of changing his mind. Much less Arwen being the one to do it.

"I know it is cruel, and I know you wish there was something you could do to change it. But there is nothing that can be done. Not this time." Gaius tried to remind her, knowing that it would be unwise for her to try and do anything.

"What are his chances of escaping? Getting out of Camelot?" Arwen asked, clinging to some small sliver of hope that she could.

"Wounded and alone… I'm afraid not good." Gaius didn't wish to lie to her, but as he saw her expression shift, he realized that the truth may have been a mistake. Arwen now turned to the door, ready to head out of the chambers, unable to just sit around and pretend nothing was going on.

"Arwen! Where are you going?" He called after her worriedly, and not wanting to be rude, she turned to give him an answer.

"I'm going to go for a walk." She said, and in a way it was the truth. If during that walk she managed to come across the boy, well then that was completely out of her control.

"I hope I don't need to remind you not to do something stupid?" Gaius knew her better than she wished he did in that moment.

"I'll be back later." She said simply and before he could question her further, Arwen left the room and walked out into the halls of the castle. And despite what Gaius thought, she herself was unsure of what to do next.

Arwen disliked being here. She never watch the scenes for the fear which they caused within her. Every execution made her blood run cold, and it would continue to be so even if the sorcerer being executed were an actual bad person, someone misusing their magic with ill intent. But to make this one worse, the man now kneeling before the executioner was guilty of nothing more but a simple spell here or there. And he was being executed without a second thought because Uther wanted to catch a young Druid boy that had escaped his grasp.

And that was why Arwen was here despite her hatred of the scene before her. It was the King's belief that the boy would show himself in the crowd during the execution. And while she hoped it to be wrong, she still came. If he did, perhaps he could be hidden before the patrolling guards caught sight of him. Arwen knew it was dangerous, and that perhaps she wasn't thinking things through. But she couldn't help but think of what would happen were Merlin in this position.

It was why she stood among the crowd gathered in the square. But instead of watching the execution or listening to Uther's close minded words that were sure to anger her further, Arwen's eyes scanned the crowd and their faces. She was shocked by how many parents had brought their children to watch.

She could remember the boy's face clearly from earlier in the morning when his piercing blue eyes looked up at her warily. She didn't understand it then, but she did now. He feared she would turn them in if she discovered who they were. She couldn't help but marvel at the irony that now instead of trying to help catch him she was hoping to help him escape. But there seemed to be no sign of him. It provided her some relief. Not only had he not been found yet, but he was smart enough not to come. She feared that perhaps, like Edwin who had tried to save his parents from death in a similar situation, the boy would try and save his own father now.

As she saw no sign of him, assuming he was hidden somewhere in the streets, or perhaps even the castle itself, Arwen thought she might still have enough time to leave the square before the final deed was done. But it turned out she was too late, because despite her eyes avoiding the area where the executioner stood, it was still impossible not to hear the sound. It caused her to flinch, closing her eyes as if to prevent the images which threatened to enter her mind as she heard it. She reminded herself, Merlin was alright, safe and tending to his duties for Arthur. He was safe and in no kind of danger. Knowing that helped Arwen walk off without sparing a look back. She had no wish to see the horror of Uther's injustice.

As she made her way back into the castle and walked through the halls, Arwen thought of perhaps searching for her brother, or going to see Morgana. Knowing the lady and her heart, Arwen didn't have to talk to her to know that she too was troubled by all that was happening. She hadn't really made up her mind on which one to seek out first as she was unsure of where either of them could be, however, she saw the person who may provide her with answers, not only just about Morgana and Merlin either.

As she approached the group of men who were receiving instructions from their Prince, Arwen overheard bits and pieces of their conversation. A frown appeared on her face as Arthur gave instructions on where to search for the Druid boy, but she knew not to interrupt. So Arwen waited until the guards walked off to perform the duties set out for them. And once they did, Arthur turned ready to walk off and do so himself, but was stopped short as he spotted Arwen who was evidently waiting for him.

"Arwen, what can I do for you?"

"What's going to happen to him? If you find the boy… What will your father do to him?" Arthur knew he should have expected that. By now it was clear that Arwen didn't care much for etiquette when she saw injustice around her. And in this situation, even he believed his father's decision was too drastic. Which is why he tried to avoid answering Arwen's question.

"We must find him first to be able to make any final decisions." Arthur tried to sugar coat it, but he shouldn't have been so confident that she wouldn't see right through him.

"Well what's the decision right now?" She asked, making Arthur give out a heavy sigh.

"Arwen-"

"He'll kill him." Arwen spared him from answering. It was the answer she already knew. And listening to Arthur's silence, she knew she was right. "And you're okay with that? Letting a little boy die just because of who his family is?" Arwen questioned him, the fire Arthur was expecting seeping through.

"Arwen, it's not up to me. And we shouldn't be having this conversation here, if anyone heard you they may suspect you of hiding him." Arthur remained calm. By now he had learned he shouldn't fault people for pointing out one's mistakes. He also learned there was no point in stopping either Arwen or her brother when it came to doing so. But he knew right now, was not the time to risk someone overhearing her opinion. And so to stop it from reaching the wrong ears, Arthur turned around, ready to walk away from her when she called out to him again. Arthur hesitated for a moment, but in the end turned back to look at her.

"Would you do it? Sentence the boy to die?" She asked. Arwen didn't know why, but deep down inside, she needed to know his answer. And it took him a while to give her one, for Arthur knew that even sharing his opinion on this meant going against his father in a way. And yet he shared the truth.

"No. I wouldn't." And once he said it, he walked off, leaving Arwen standing behind him. Arwen knew Uther was too far gone, but for a moment she let herself hope. That perhaps one day, when Arthur is King, people won't have to live with the fear they do now.

By the time the next day rolled around, there was still no sign of the Druid boy. Arwen wondered whether, despite Gaius' suspicions, he did manage to escape and get out of Camelot. It didn't mean he would be completely fine, a child alone in the woods was still one in danger, but at least the threat of the guards finding him would be gone.

Arwen found her mind often wondering to the boy as she worked on some of the remedies they needed to stock up on in the Physician's Chambers. Both Merlin and Gaius had gone to tend to their duties. Merlin going to Arthur for the day while Gaius went to check on some of their patients while Arwen remained behind.

It was quiet within the chambers, leaving Arwen alone with her own thoughts. The silence was a rare thing. With three people living together in such close quarters, it was rare to get a moment of silence. Living with Merlin was a recipe for ruckus wherever you were.

But that morning, ruckus was headed her way whether Merlin was there or not. Arwen jumped in surprise as the door of the Physician's Chambers sprung open. For a moment she thought there may be a medical emergency somewhere within the castle, but as her eyes took in Arthur entering with a group of guards following after him, Arwen suspected this had nothing to do with science or healing needs.

"What's going on? Is there something I can do for you, my Lord?" Arwen asked curiously. Her mind jumped back to Arthur's warning about sharing her opinions in public, wondering whether she had been overheard and was now being taken to the King for it.

"We've decided to start searching the castle for the Druid boy." Arthur explained. With their lack of luck searching the town and the streets, they had to evaluate the possibility of the Druid boy hiding right under their noses. What Arthur didn't like was the fact that this was one of the first places he was instructed to check.

"Well then search away. Luckily he's not here." Arwen replied, a small glare in her eyes as she returned to her work while the guards started looking around. At least they wouldn't make as much of a mess as they had the last time. One didn't have to ransack books and clothes to search for an actual person. However, unlike the guards, Arthur didn't commence the search but instead walked over to the table where Arwen stood, speaking to her in a hushed tone while his men did their work.

"You know you should be careful of how you speak." He couldn't imagine how reckless she could get when she was displeased with something or someone's actions.

"Whatever do you mean Sire? Is it wrong to be grateful that a dangerous Druid is not hidden in my chambers?" Arwen's words said one thing but the look she gave him said another. Arthur didn't know what she expected of him. He had told her he didn't wish to kill the boy, but should he just call off all the searches and disobey his father. He couldn't do that and she should've known it.

"Arwen you may think what you think, but listen to me when I tell you you must tread carefully right now." Arthur warned her, and while the words seemed like what anyone would say at a time like this, Arwen took notice of Arthur's tone, making her send him a questioning look.

"My father knows you were there at the stall when the Druids were, he knows you did nothing to stop them from running. Why do you think this is one of the first places I was sent to check?" He explained to her, making Arwen's eyes widen in surprise. She hadn't thought of the ordeal at the markets in any way coming back to her.

"Sire." Their hushed conversation came to an end as one of the guards approached the Prince. "There is no sign of the boy here."

"Right, I suppose we're done here then." Arthur straightened up, returning to his commanding stature as he addressed the guards, turning back to Arwen as he thought of something to say to make their conversation seem as nothing of high importance, and it was also something he thought he might as well bring up. "So please, remind your brother that he does have a job when you see him."

Now this caught Arwen off guard. Confused as she debated whether Arthur was just covering or really meant it she watched as the men headed for the door before turning to the Prince who was about to do the same.

"Do you mean to say he's not doing his job properly, is that a surprise?" She asked, and Arthur couldn't hold back a small laugh as she was more than right. It was starting to be less and less of a surprise to Arthur how much Merlin could be horrible sometimes when it came to being a manservant.

"What I mean is that he's barely been in the last two days, and while he dallies around picking daisies my chambers need cleaning, my horses need tending to, my armour needs to be polished, my ceremonial robes-" Arthur started to list off until Arwen put her hands up to stop him.

"Alright, alright, I get it. I'll tell him when I see him." Arwen reassured him, not really having the patience to listen to the Prince list off all the things Merlin needed to do. She suspected the list might go on forever. "Have a good day my Lord."

"You as well." Arthur said in return before finally taking his leave. Once more Arwen was left in silence and able to return to her own thoughts again. Although this time they led her in a different direction.

For the last two days she had barely seen her brother and every time she asked him for the reason,he claimed Arthur kept throwing chores at him. He claimed he was busy with his manservant duties. But now it turned out he had been avoiding those. And Arwen knew her brother wasn't the type to "dally around picking daisies". She couldn't help but wonder what Merlin could possibly be doing. What was he not telling her?

"You think he might just be losing his hearing?" Arwen asked curiously as she and Gaius approached the door of the Physician's Chambers once they had returned from checking on one of Gaius usual patients who claimed to have an ear infection.

"Well, he is… Ageing." Gaius said with a shrug of his shoulders while Arwen pulled on the door of their chambers. She was about to reply but was stopped as she and Gaius caught sight of Merlin who seemed like he was just on his way out.

"Ah, there you are. I need you to pick some heather for me." Gaius announced, happy to finally catch the boy. Arwen was his apprentice, but often Gaius preferred to give her some time to herself and made Merlin help him with a few simple things he knew didn't require too much medical knowledge.

"Er… Can I do it later? I was just going out?" Merlin asked, and instantly Arwen's interests were sparked as she moved to set down Gaius' bag on the table. He had protested in the start, but in the end she managed to convince him to let her carry it.

"What's the rush Merlin?" She questioned with a raised eyebrow, already suspecting what the truth may be. But of course, she didn't expect the truth to come from his mouth.

"Who set this book out?" Before Merlin had a chance to even come up with a lie, Gaius' question made the siblings look over at him. Arwen didn't see the book well from her spot, but she didn't have to know that it wasn't her. Unlike Merlin she made sure to clean up after she does something, and put things, especially Gaius' books, back in their right place.

"It was me. I was doing some reading." Merlin answered, obviously hoping to finish the conversation so he could get to wherever he needed to be so urgently. Arwen was completely certain he wasn't rushing around because he needed to tend to Arthur's list.

"Oh? I'd given up hoping you might take more of an interest in my work." Gaius' voice showed the excitement he felt as he thought of Merlin starting to explore the art of science. And Arwen too was suddenly interested, curious to see what had peaked Merlin's interests as he had never shown any before.

"No. It's fascinating." Merlin lied. In truth he was bored out of his mind when looking through the book in search of the information he needed.

"Merlin, you are a riddle wrapped up in a mystery." Gaius was more than surprised to hear Merlin's words. But there was no doubt he'd use this moment, no matter how fleeting, to his advantage.

"Truly, full of surprises." Arwen stated as she moved over to check the book which Merlin had been reading. Her eyes were fixed on her brother as he gave her a questioning look, noticing that Arwen didn't sound as ecstatic as Gaius, but instead as if she knew more than she was letting on. He truly hoped not because he wanted to keep her as far away from what he was doing as he could.

"That's me." Merlin stated before quickly changing the subject in an attempt to escape once more. "I was just getting some cleaning supplies. Arthur's been complaining about the state of his chambers."

"I think Arthur's chambers can wait. I'm not missing the chance to begin your education." Gaius wasn't easing up, and Arwen drew amusement from seeing the hope fade from Merlin's eyes.

"Really, I should go."

"Oh come on Merlin, I'm sure Arthur won't mind." Arwen teased, knowing that in truth he would most likely kill Merlin once he did show up for his work.

"Sit!" Gaius instructed, pushing Merlin's shoulders down so he would sit at the bench while he went to his shelves in search of a particular book. "We'll start with some basic anatomy." He announced as he pulled a thick volume from the shelves and Merlin's eyes widened in desperation.

"Oh be sure to tell him all about how the human body can be used in medicine." Arwen added on in an eager tone as she turned to Merlin. "You'd be surprised how useful you are even after you're dead." Merlin sent her a look, begging her to shut up, but it was too late as Gaius jumped into his lesson with passion.

As the physician went on and Merlin did his best to stay awake, Arwen took her chance to glance down at the book Merlin had been using. Seeing the pages he had read through she couldn't help but wonder… Treating infections… If she had her suspicions before, now she was almost certain. She didn't know how or when, but it seemed more and more like Merlin knew something about the Druid boy's whereabouts. And being stupid enough to try and heal him himself instead of asking for help. She knew why he didn't ask Gaius, the man would execute himself if he found out Merlin was involved with this. But Merlin knew already Arwen had wanted to help the boy if she found him, why not ask her?

More and more time passed, and by now the guards of Camelot were starting to look like fools as their search for the Druid boy continued to yield no results. It was as if he had disappeared into thin air, never to be seen again. Arwen watched them poke around hay and check even the smallest of spaces where the boy could hide as she walked through the castle. By now, every room had been checked, some multiple times, but not even a clue presented itself. She was glad.

With her hand reaching for the door of the Physician's Chambers, Arwen was startled and forced to jump back as the door swung open from inside revealing Merlin and Gaius about to rush out of the room.

"Where are you two headed?" She asked curiously. She was used to Merlin rushing around even on a normal day, but the look on Gaius' face instantly told her something was going on. But he quickly tried to school it back to normal.

"Oh it just that I thought I might use the chance while I still can to teach Merlin more about science. I'm taking him with me to see a patient." Gaius stated, and while at times the physician was skilled in omitting the truth… This was not one of those times.

"I expect lies from him, but not you Gaius." Arwen frowned in displeasure. She had had enough, Merlin was keeping secrets and now he had involved Gaius. Did he truly not trust her with this? "I suggest you lead the way Merlin, you might need the aid of an apprentice in healing an infected wound."

"What? How did you…" Merlin was shocked to hear his sister's words making Arwen send him a small glare.

"You may think me a fool Merlin, but I assure you I am not one." She informed him, trying to contain her displeasure but he could still see it.

"I just wanted to keep you safe." He replied guiltily. "And I still do. Gaius has already agreed to help, there's no need for you to get involved." He tried to convince her. Merlin wanted Arwen to keep out of this. Knowing that their plan was to smuggle the boy out of the city once he was well again, Merlin knew his sister would offer her help. He did not want to put her in danger. Just mere association should any of them get caught might be enough for Uther to punish her.

"Merlin, just lead the way." Arwen said in a tone of finality. It was the tone that often-times made Merlin wonder which one of them was really the older sibling, because every time she used it he found himself feeling like he's lost a battle.

And just like always, he listened. The three made their way through the castle silently, wary of any guard that crossed their path. But luckily, Merlin managed to lead the two to the boy's hiding place with no obstacles and once they found themselves stopping in front of the door so he could knock Arwen sent him a wide eyed look.

"You have got to be kidding me." Arwen mumbled to herself as Merlin told those inside it was just him and there was no reason to panic.

She couldn't help but think back to the time she had debated going to look for her friends and brother, but in the end was distracted by her conversation with Arthur. As it turned out, had she gone to find either one she would have not only found the other but the boy.

Morgana's eyes widened as soon as she opened the door and spotted Arwen alongside the two men standing in front of it. But she didn't have time to question it as the three rushed into the room.

"I thought you didn't want to involve her Merlin?" Morgana whispered to the boy curiously.

"Yes, well… Let's just say it was out of his control." Arwen stated simply, not feeling like it was the right time to go into a full explanation of how she had managed to connect all the dots. "Where is he?" Arwen turned back to the reason they were all here, her eyes scanning through the room that held no evidence of the boy hiding within its walls.

"Over here." Morgana said, quickly leading them over to the screen, pulling the cloth back to reveal the boy lying in a makeshift bed made up of blankets and pillows. Just one look at him indicated to his terrible state and both Gaius and Arwen quickly leaned down next to him, Arwen's hand reaching out to touch his forehead.

"He's burning up." She mumbled worriedly, already reaching into her bags in search of the potion which would bring his temperature down.

"We will treat the boy, but as soon as he's well, you must get him out of Camelot. And woe betide anyone caught helping him." Gaius instructed, looking at all those involved to make it clear there would be no debate about that. And as they all nodded in agreement, he moved on to remove the bandages covering the wound the poor boy had sustained during his attempted escape.

"Well one thing we know for certain." Gaius announced as he and Arwen looked at the exposed wound, Arwen shaking her head at the sight.

"What's that?" Merlin asked eagerly.

"You're no physician."
"You're an idiot."

With the help of Gaius and Arwen, proper help, the Druid boy was making a quick recovery and by the time night fell upon the city, the group had decided it was time to put their plan in motion and get the boy out of the city. The pieces had all been put in place as best they could.

Morgana was to be the one to take the boy out of the city, claiming the consequences she would face if they were to be caught would be lesser than those either Gwen, Merlin or Arwen would receive. And with Merlin's help, they had managed to obtain the key for a secret door within the armoury. With the guards patrolling every exit out of the town, they had to resort to secret doors and passages.

And now, while Gwen helped Morgana dress in some of the clothes she had provided for the Lady, knowing that her silk gowns were not only too eye-catching but also not proper attire for a trek through the woods, Arwen was fastening the boy's green cloak around his shoulders.

"It's going to be okay, you'll see." She whispered reassuring words to him, a smile on her face as she tied the knot and looked up into his blue eyes. She was happy to see the colour had returned to his cheek, and aside from his permanent silence (which she had learned seemed to be normal) he seemed to be in fine health now.

A knock on the door made Arwen rise from the kneeling position she had been in, letting Morgana now take her place. Arwen moved to stand beside Gwen while Merlin made his way into the room. He offered her all a small nod, confirming he had managed to get the keys.

"Are you ready?" Merlin asked the Lady.

"Did you get the key?" Morgana inquired hopefully.

"Yeah. Er, the door is behind the shield at the far end of the armoury." Merlin explained to her, ensuring there would be no issues when they left the palace and went out into the Camelot streets.

"We'll pack you some food and water for the journey." Gwen announced as she and Arwen started to make their way to the door.

"Be careful." Arwen added on, praying that their plan succeeded. They needed it to.

She and Guinevere made haste on their way to the kitchens. Working together made their job pass much quicker and it wasn't long before they were catching up with Merlin and rushing to meet Morgana at Gwen's house.

"I hope they're okay. Morgana really cares about the boy. I've never seen her this way with anyone." Gwen spoke in a worried tone as they waited. The minutes seeming like hours the longer Morgana and the boy did not appear.

"I'm sure she just wants to protect him." Merlin stated, after all, it was what all of them wished to do.

However, as if some higher power wanted their nerves to consume them completely, the sound of the warning bells echoing through the air made all three of them jump in surprise as soon as the first ring sounded.

Worriedly, Merlin rushed to the window, checking the streets for any sign of Morgana and the boy, or worse the Camelot guard.

"They're coming." His announcement made Arwen's shoulders relax. They weren't out of the woods yet, but at least nobody had been caught right away. Morgana rushed into the house, pushing the boy in front of her lightly before Merlin slammed the door closed behind them.

"There's enough food for three days." Gwen stated as she handed the bag to Morgana who accepted it in a rush.

"Your horse is fed and watered. I'll take you to it." Merlin continued on, ready to head out back into the streets with the raven haired lady, but she quickly stopped him.

"No. There's no point in all of us risking our lives." Morgana rejected the offer making all three send her dubious looks.

"What about you?" Merlin pointed out. Whoever was with the boy was risking their life, it felt wrong to all of them to let Morgana take all the risk onto herself.

"I'm the King's ward. I'll take my chances."

"Morgana!" Gwen didn't hold back in showing her displeasure, taking hold of Morgana's hand before she had a chance to rush out of the door again. Morgana turned to them quickly, determination burning in her eyes.

"I couldn't live with myself if anything happened to any one of you." Morgana explained. They knew she was right. Uther was more likely to be lenient with Morgana than anyone else. He would be furious, and do god knows what, but he wouldn't kill her as he would anyone else caught with the boy. "We must go." Morgana announced taking hold of the boy's hand and before either of the three could say anything else she was out of the door, leaving them to hope and pray it all went well as they listened to the sound of the warning bells scream through the silent night. It didn't.

The plan failed.

Morgana and the boy had been caught.

All hope seemed to be lost.

But Arwen was never one to just give up. Not without trying her best to make things right. And so she walked with Merlin through the halls silently. She knew Morgana had lost the power she had over Uther. There was nothing that the King's Ward could do to persuade him to show mercy to the boy. Not after her betrayal. But Arwen knew there may be one more chance. One more option they had to try. And Merlin agreed that they had nothing to lose.

Walking towards Arthur's chambers, Arwen tried to come up with the best speech to give the Prince. Choosing her words carefully might be what helps them persuade him into talking to his father, try to make him spare the innocent boy. She was so stuck in her thoughts that she didn't even notice Merlin didn't knock when they came to Arthur's door, but instead just pushed it open. Were it any other situation, she would have scolded him for it.

"Sorry. Were we interrupting something?" Merlin questioned quietly, both him and Arwen coming to a stop as they noticed Morgana and Arthur talking at his table, their faces full of concentration.

"Nothing you need concern yourself with. Go make yourself useful, muck out my horses, and-" Arthur's tone was brisk as he barked instructions at Merlin, ready to find a way to make Arwen leave as well when Morgana suddenly interrupted him.

"I trust Merlin. And Arwen-" Morgana went to speak on their behalf, stopping short as Arthur gave out a heavy sigh.

"Has been helping you for who knows how long. Yes, I'm aware." Arthur stated as he motioned to them to come inside, his eyes turning to Arwen to see whether she'd deny it, but she made no effort to do so. "You're lucky my father sees no reason to tend to the boy's wounds."

"I don't regret what I did." Arwen said in a firm voice, and Arthur, of course, already knew that. So he didn't pressure it any further, instead, simply stating what they were doing here.

"We're going to break the Druid boy out of the dungeons."

"You can't do that!"

Merlin's exclamation made all three turn to him with confused looks in their eyes. Arwen and Morgana more so than Arthur as they knew he had been all for saving the boy up until now.

"We have to! Uther is going to execute him at dawn!" Morgana exclaimed impatiently. Less than an hour before Merlin had promised her he would help save the boy.

"I mean…" Merlin hesitated as he searched for a way to explain his sudden change. It wasn't like he could tell them all that he knew about the boy now. "It's too dangerous. You've already been caught once, and if the King catches you a second time he'll never forgive you." He attempted to convince Morgana, but she wouldn't hear any of it.

"I'm not worried for myself." She scoffed dismissively, but Arthur did not share that opinion.

"Merlin's right. When my father finds out the boy's escaped, he will suspect you being involved." Arthur thought it over. They needed Morgana to seem as far away from this as possible; for her own safety.

"It's suicide." Merlin added on.

"They're right. The King must believe you had nothing to do with it. But how do we ensure that?" Arwen turned to Arthur. He would be the one to know the best way to convince the King surely.

"You must go to my father and apologise. Dine with him, he cannot hold you responsible if you're with him when the boy escapes." Arthur quickly thought of a way. It would require Morgana to swallow her pride, but it was a small sacrifice to make.

"You need me if the plan's to work. You can't do this on your own." Morgana pointed out in a knowing tone, turning to Arthur with a questioning look in her eyes. But the Prince seemed to find an answer for everything.

"Merlin will take your place."

"Me?" Merlin looked up in surprise while Arwen stepped towards Arthur.

"I can do it." She volunteered. Just like Merlin had been trying to protect her from the moment he found the boy, now Arwen tried to do the same. But Arthur was determined.

"No it will be Merlin. It's a minimal risk job, and if all goes well he won't be seen with us." Arthur reassured her before turning to Merlin to continue with an explanation of a plan. "I'm going to take the boy out through the burial vaults. There's a tunnel that leads beyond the city walls. Get my horse from the stables and meet me there. There's a grate that covers the entrance to the tunnel. Bring a rope and a grappling hook to pull it off."

Merlin tried once more to protest, making Arwen's brow furrow in confusion. Why was he so against this all of a sudden? Arthur was right, it wasn't nearly as risky of a job as Arthur was taking upon himself. And she knew Merlin would always do whatever he could to help Arthur. So why was he resisting it now?

"Merlin. Do you understand? If you're not there to meet us, we'll surely be caught." Arthur spoke in a grave voice, trying to make Merlin understand that this was the only way.

He didn't want to have Arwen do it, there was too much that could go wrong. A man leaving the castle grounds as night wouldn't nearly rise as much questions as a woman doing so would. If Arwen was stopped or delayed by the guards, the chance of them getting caught were exponentially higher. They couldn't take the risk. And it seemed as if Merlin was coming around and starting to understand the severity of the situation. He needed to be there to help his friends. And so he finally nodded his head.

Her job in the plan was to stay back. She had no job. No part to play. But it didn't sit well with Arwen. She couldn't do that. She couldn't just sit back and do nothing while everyone risks getting caught. No, she needed to help. And so she was going to do just that.

"What do you think you're doing?!" Arthur silently snapped at her as he noticed her fall into step beside him, her sword hanging of the belt she wore over her tunic. They didn't stop, but continued on their way through the halls in the direction of the dungeons.

"I'm helping. You're doing all of this alone and with a child to look after as you do, you might need someone to watch your back. So before you start arguing me, ask yourself whether it's worth the waste of time?" She rushed out. Now this part she had most certainly planned in advance, and by the look on Arthur's face, she knew she had him beat.

"Does Merlin know you're here?" Arthur questioned. Prince or not, Arthur was sure Merlin would kill him if he put Arwen in danger.

"Nope, he thinks I'm with Gwen." Arwen said simply. She'd let her brother kill her for it later. Arthur shook his head in disapproval but as they came upon the door there was no time to protest any further.

"Make sure to cover your nose and mouth." Arthur warned her as he started to rummage through the bag he carried on his shoulder once they came to a stop atop the staircase. For a moment Arwen wondered what he could possibly mean but as he pulled out a white sack, just one inhale of the pungent smell made her feel all dizzy. With a nod of her head Arwen did as he told her and Arthur  lowered the sack down among the guards keeping watch over the dungeons. It took mere seconds for the guards to be knocked out cold allowing the pair to make their way down the staircase and run to the Druid boy's cell.

"It's alright." Arwen instantly whispered to the boy as she watched him jump in surprise once they appeared before him.

"Don't be scared. I've sent word to your people, we're taking you to them. You must come with us." Arthur spoke to the boy as he worked to unlock the door of his cell. Surprisingly, he asked no questions and ran to the door, ready to let them rescue him. Arthur suspected that were it only him, he might've been hesitant. But knowing Arwen reassured him. It truly was good that she came with him.

"I'll take the lead, if anyone comes across us you'll have time to hide with the boy while I distract them." Arthur instructed once the Druid boy was out of his cell, his hand instantly reaching out for Arwen's which she accepted in a heartbeat.

Following Arthur's instructions, the two walked behind him, their rushed footsteps as silent as possible as they made their way through the narrow tunnels and halls. Arwen knew it was best for Arthur to be in the lead considering she didn't actually know where the grate by which they were to meet Merlin. Luckily it wasn't too long of a journey to reach it. The problem rose once they did.

"Merlin! Merlin!" Arthur called out in a whisper. But there was no reply. Merlin wasn't there. Arwen's mind instantly flashed with worry. When she left the Physician's Chambers he was still there, but had told her he'd be leaving shortly after her. If he had done so he should have been here by now.

Their time was running out, she could feel the boy’s hold on her hand tighten with each time Arthur tried to call out to Merlin. And every time he did, there was no reply. Only silence stretched over them. Until… Once more the sound of the warning bell made Arwen jump in surprise. Her eyes met Arthur's in the darkness and even despite it, she could see the flash of worry pass through them.

"Come on Merlin, where are you?" Arwen whispered worriedly, her own eyes scanning the surroundings beyond the grate in hopes of seeing brother breaching the tree-line at any moment. But sooner than that happened, the sound of echoing footsteps reached their ears, the mutters of the guards who searched for them starting to scream against the former silence.

A hand wrapping around Arwen's wrist made the redhead look towards Arthur. "You need to go." He told her instantly making Arwen's brows furrow while she watched him pull out his sword.

"Arthur?" The sound of his name falling from her lips made the Prince look back to her, watching as she pushed the boy to stand behind them before pulling out her own weapon. "Shut up."

"You're completely and utterly infuriating." He grumbled, more to himself than to her, but hearing it still brought a smile to Arwen's face. But neither said anything else and instead turned to the front, ready to face what was coming their way.

"Hey!" The loud whisper made Arwen and Arthur's heads snap back to find Merlin's hands gripping the grate from the other side.

"Where the hell have you been?" Both the Prince and the apprentice whisper yelled at him, more than relieved for his arrival at last.

"Arwen? What are you-" Merlin was about to question his sister's presence. He believed her to be with Guinevere. Had he known she was with Arthur instead there would have been no debate in his mind about coming to save the boy. He would have done it in an instant if it meant saving her.

"Merlin just get the damn grate off!" Arwen whispered to him quite loudly making him snap into action and push back the questions in his mind. The sound of footsteps nearing Arthur and Arwen's position made it clear now was not the right time.

"It's a good thing I chose to bring two horses." He mumbled to himself. He initially thought of one being for Arthur and one for the boy. But since it seemed Arwen had chosen to accompany Arthur in this. And he knew he wouldn't get a chance to dissuade her from it. Soon enough, the grate snapped away from the wall and faster than they thought possible Arwen and Arthur ran for the horses, Merlin helping lift the boy to sit in front of Arthur in the saddle.

"If my father asks where I am, I've gone on a hunting trip." Arthur instructed to his manservant and Merlin gave him a nod of understanding.

"Merlin you must go. Now." Arwen whispered as she caught sight of fire light nearing the edge of the tunnel where they had been.

"They'll execute you in his place. Go!" Arthur barked the instruction before looking to Arwen and sending a nod towards her. Without another word spoken, they both pushed their horses forwards, forcing them to run as fast as they could into the woods beyond the castle, allowing them to disappear from view and evade the threat of being discovered that was dangerously approaching only moments before.

Arwen didn't know for how long they rode in silence. Even after they had slowed down once Arthur deemed they were far enough they still took a while before their horses came upon a group of three men standing in the middle of their path. Arthur was first to dismount his horse, helping the boy do the same while Arwen jumped down from her own steed. With slow steps, not wanting to intimidate the Druids the three made their way over. It wasn't long before the boy was running towards what Arwen assumed were familiar faces as she saw the smile which spread over his own.

"We are forever indebted to you, Arthur Pendragon and Arwen Ambrosius, for returning the boy to us." One of the Druids spoke in a calm tone, smiling towards the two, a gleam in his eyes as if seeing them gave him some knowledge nobody else had deciphered.

"You must not let it be known that it was us who brought him to you." Arthur asked of the Druids, knowing that should the information be spread they would both face terrible consequences. Arwen would most likely face death as well.

"We will tell no one. You have my word." The leader of the Druids reassured them before he and the rest of his party turned to leave.

"Wait!" Arthur called out one last time, hoping to ask one thing before the boy left and he most likely never saw him again. "I don't even know your name, at least tell me your name." The boy looked up at the older Druids as if asking if it was alright if he did what Arthur asked of him and as the leader reassured him, his blue eyes turned back to Arthur and Arwen.

"My name is Mordred."

Arwen smiled, happy to finally hear the young boy speak after all this time.

"Good luck, Mordred." Arthur smiled a tiny smile as he watched the Druids leave once and for all. His eyes now turned to Arwen to find her already looking at him, a proud and relieved smile adorning her features.

"We did it." She exhaled making Arthur finally let out a relief that was most likely fuelled by a great sense of relief he too felt in that moment as they mounted their horses once more.

Setting off, they let their horses move at their own pace now. There was no rush to get to Camelot. Arthur had told Merlin what excuse to give his father and Arwen was certain that by now Gaius knew the truth of where she was. She was in a scolding from both the physician and her brother but as she looked back over her shoulder to the spot where the Druids previously stood, Arwen thought it was worth it.

"Tell me something." Arthur's voice broke the silence and made her green eyes turn back to him curious to hear what he wanted to know. "You could have stayed back, let me and Merlin take care of it and all would have been fine. Why did you want to help so much?"

Arwen took a moment, her eyes looking back to the path in front of them, wondering what she would give as an answer. She couldn't really tell Arthur that it was her hope someone would do the same for Merlin, that she wanted to protect the boy, Mordred because she saw her brother within him. But she saw something else too, and that is what she spoke of when answering the Prince's question.

"I suppose I saw a part of myself in him, or at least in the situation. My guardian died while I was a child, alone and in an unfamiliar place. I too would have died in those woods were it not for the people of Ealdor. They saved me. I thought he deserved to be saved too." Arwen's answer made Arthur nod in understanding. Although, he doubted he'd ever understand fully, for all his life he had the security of Camelot and his father to lean on.

"Thank you, for coming to help." He finally said after some time of more silence, making her turn her head to him as she smiled.

"You're welcome."

Chapter Text

The corridors of the Palace were abuzz, filled with all kinds of people running around trying to do all they had to in preparation for tomorrow's big day. With Arthur's name day marking his coming of age it was time for the Prince to officially take up the title of heir apparent, and all were excited beyond measure for the ceremony and celebration which were to take place tomorrow.

People had come from all over the land, some even from beyond Camelot's borders to participate in the momentous occasion and express their well wishes to Arthur. Lords, Ladies, servants, guards, cooks and many others moved through the castle all at the same time.

It brought a smile to Arwen's face as she watched it all, moving through the crowds herself. Some people preferred a peaceful and calm life which could be gained through life in small villages and further away from big cities. Arwen was the opposite. She enjoyed the bustle of life which was everpresent in Camelot. It gave her a sense of being a part of something big and important, no matter how small her duty within it may be.

Her eyes stuck to a group of unfamiliar serving girls who seemed to be gossipping about their Ladies amongst themselves. However, it would prove to be a mistake as she let herself be distracted and as a result crashed into another body once she rounded a corner. Sometimes, her good knowledge of the palace's corridors and halls seemed to work to her disadvantage.

"I am so sorry, I wasn't looking where I was going." Arwen quickly started to apologise, her grasp on her medical bag tightening to ensure nothing spilled out as she stumbled backwards. Her eyes looked up to the person to check whether she had caused any harm. The man was unfamiliar, but by his polished jacket and formal appearance it was not hard to conclude he must be one of the visiting Lords.

"It is quite alright. You are not the first, nor I suspect the last person to stumble around in this sea of people." The Lord reassured her with a kind smile making relief wash over Arwen, grateful that he did not fault her for the collision as she was sure some others would in his place. The Lord looked to Arwen, a curious gaze appearing in his brown eyes as he took her in, making the girl wonder what may be going through his mind. "Have we met before? You seem familiar?" He asked once he realized he was taking to long trying to remember such an encounter himself.

"I believe not my Lord." Arwen's brows furrowed. She doubted she had ever made the man's acquaintance, but hoped that if she had and in the meantime managed to forget of it, it wouldn't cause too much offence.

"Have you ever been to Nemeth perhaps?" He continued, sounding so convinced in his belief that they had to have met before. She was too familiar to him for it not to be true.

"I'm afraid not, I lived most of my life in Ealdor, in Essetir before coming here, my Lord." Arwen replied truthfully. She didn't remember much of her travels before coming to Ealdor, but doubted that whoever she had met at that time would be able to recognize or remember her so well today.

"Perhaps I am mistaken after all." The Lord mumbled to himself, his brow furrowing together in confusion as he ran a hand through his greying dark hair. "Well then at least tell me your name, so that in the future there is no doubt we know each other now. I myself am Lord Geoffrey Warren, pleased to make your acquaintance." He added on jokingly, making Arwen laugh as well as she smiled his way.

"Arwen, my Lord." She did not expect the shift his demeanour would undertake once she spoke, but his smile was quickly wiped off.

"Arwen...?" He asked, as if inquiring for a last name. Worried that in fact they have met before after all, and she was now being disrespectful Arwen did not hesitate in giving it.

"Ambrosius, my Lord."

"Arwen Ambrosius..." He muttered, more to himself than to anyone else, but whatever was on his mind he dismissed it as he once more smiled. "Well it was a pleasure to meet you Arwen, now I will let you return to your duties as I am sure I have kept you long enough."

"It was nice to meet you too, my Lord, I hope you enjoy your stay in Camelot." Arwen curtsied respectfully, before taking her leave and moving through the corridors once more, unaware of the man's inquisitive eyes following after her. And she in no way could have imagined the reason for the odd shifts in his behaviour. For they were far out of what she considered to be the realm of possibility.

The ceremony hall was veiled in a tense silence, the crowd watching patiently as Arthur knelt before the King and spoke his path, accepting his duties and pledging his loyalty as Crown Prince of Camelot and Heir Apparent. Arwen stood beside Gwen and Merlin, who once more wore his ceremonial robes. Although, much to Arwen's displeasure he chose to neglect the marvellous hat that came with them. In truth, she suspected he had it destroyed long ago.

"Now being of age and heir apparent, from henceforth, you shall be Crown Prince of Camelot." Uther announced and with the words spoken, Arthur stood back to his feet turning to face the applauding crowd gathered around him, accepting the congratulations those closest to him started to offer.

"So how does it feel to be servant to the Crown Prince of Camelot?" Gwen turned to Merlin with a smile.

"Washing his royal socks will be even more of a privilege." Merlin replied in a sarcastic tone making Arwen stifle her laughter behind her hand while Gwen looked at her brother with a knowing spark in her eyes.

"You're proud of him, really. Even though you complain about him constantly." Gwen knew as well as Arwen that Merlin would never say the words aloud, but it was how he felt in truth.

"I am not." He instantly denied as they expected him to do so.

"You are. I can see it in your face." Gwen informed him making Merlin frown as he pretended to mind her words.

"And as you often choose to forget Merlin, you are a terrible liar." Arwen added on making Guinevere giggle as she nodded her head in confirmation of Arwen's words.

"Those socks are very clean! Of course I'm proud of them." Merlin exclaimed defensively, causing the two women to laugh in amusement, grateful for all the conversations in the hall masking their laughter and preventing too much attention from being turned towards them. "And why are we so focused on me, perhaps Arwen has something to share too?"

"Unlike you Merlin, I am not ashamed to admit I am proud of Arthur." Arwen knew that while sometimes she did disagree with his methods, Arthur would make a good Prince and one day in the future, a good King too. After all that she had seen of him, beyond the arrogant prat she was introduced to in the beginning, she truly believed he had what it took to be a King. Certainly a better one than his father was.

"That's not what I'm talking about. I am more curious about the admirer you seem to have?" Merlin's question made Gwen turn to Arwen with curious eyes, while all the redhead could do was stare at Merlin in a confused manner, completely unaware of what her brother was referring to.

However, before she could ask, a sudden crash made gasps and screams echo through the hall of ceremonies. Merlin pulled both Guinevere and Arwen closer towards him as the three turned their eyes to glance upon the Black Knight that had crashed through the window and sat on his horse which stood before the King and Prince. Arthur and his knights were quick to draw out their swords, ready to face the intruder if the situation called for it.

However, the masked man made no movement to even dismount his horse. Instead, he merely took off his gauntlet, throwing it at the ground in front of Arthur's feet. Putting away his sword, Arthur moved to pick it up, but one of his knights proved to be quicker.

"I, Sir Owain, accept your challenge." The Knight stood before the dark horse confidently, his voice firm as he spoke for all of the hall to hear him. Although, in the silence, even if he had whispered the words, all would have still caught them.

"Single combat. Noon tomorrow. Till the death." The Black Knight spoke simply, his voice deep and clear, almost as if he did not wear a helmet. He did not wait around any further, but instead turned his horse, and sped out of the hall, leaving behind a mass of worried and curious people.

"Well at least our guests are getting the full Camelot experience." Arwen grumbled with a shake of her head. She was starting to worry about the fact that she was not surprised that yet another moment of joy was interrupted by what seemed to be a new threat. Although, at least it was just a challenge to a duel. It wasn't like someone cast a spell or enchantment to cause chaos.

"Come on, I think there will be no festivities tonight." Merlin said with a shake of his head as he started to lead Arwen out of the hall of ceremonies while Guinevere left them to join Morgana's side. As they made their way through the large open doors, Arwen and her brother came to a stop as a person approached them.

"Lord Warren." Arwen greeted the man as he came up to them while Merlin regarded him with curious eyes. The man seemed to be older than either he or Arwen, perhaps a mere few years younger than Uther. Merlin wondered why he seemed to be showing such an interest in his sister. He didn't like it, not one bit.

"Arwen, I must say, of all the things I expected tonight that was not one. Are you and your friend alright?" The Lord asked kindly, and Arwen offered him a smile in return.

"We are. Thank you for your concern my Lord. This is my brother Merlin." Arwen politely introduced the boy by her side and Merlin nodded the man's way. Lord Warren did not miss the suspicious eyes with which Merlin regarded him.

"It is good to meet you Merlin." He said, in an attempt to gain the boy's favour but it didn't seem to yield the results he wished to accomplish.

"Well, we should be going. I'm sure Gaius will wonder where we are." Merlin said in a rushed voice, already pushing Arwen forward by her shoulders at a quick step. "Goodbye Lord Warren." He called back and before either the Lord or Arwen had a chance to say much more Merlin had stirred her back into the crowd.

"You know Merlin, one day someone isn't going to be as understanding of your lack of manners as much as Arthur is." Arwen frowned at her brother, unable to understand why he brushed off Lord Warren with such carelessness.

"He's been staring at you during the whole ceremony and is now making sure you're alright. I don't like it." Merlin answered simply, making Arwen's face sour as she sent him a bored look.

"Is it so hard to believe someone may just be kind?" She questioned as they walked in the direction of the Physician's Chambers, suspecting that Merlin might be embellishing the situation just a bit as he was prone to do.

"Well why did he check on you? Why not for example our cook?" Merlin pointed out and instead of letting him have the last word Arwen replied with ease.

"Because any man with half a mind would be terrified to even approach that woman." Arwen stated as she pushed open the door to the Chambers, happy to find Gaius was already inside leaning over one of his beloved books.

"What poor soul chose to approach Gertrude this time?" Gaius asked as he overheard the last of their conversation, calling one of Camelot's best cooks by her name. The question made Arwen send Merlin a pointed look, trying to silently tell him Gaius' question only further proved her point.

"It is who chose to approach Arwen instead that we are talking about." Merlin announced to Gaius making Arwen let out a sigh, especially once Gaius sent her a highly interested look.

"Merlin has himself convinced that one of our visiting Lords has shown an interest. You know how big of an imagination he has." Arwen told Gaius with a shake of her head, making the elderly man give out a small chuckle.

"Tell me Gaius, what do you know of Lord Warren?" Merlin asked as he made his way into the Chambers.

"Lord Geoffrey Warren?" Gaius sounded highly surprised as he heard the name making Arwen's eyes turn to him curiously.

"He's old enough to be her father isn't he?" Merlin pretended to gag leaving Arwen with no other choice but to slap him over the head, growing highly irritated by his constant teasing.

"I didn't know Lord Warren has come to visit Camelot..." Gaius mumbled to himself. He worried that if Geoffrey has shown an interest in Arwen, the reason for it would be quite clear. He could only hope it was a simple interaction and Merlin truly was overreacting.

"Can we stop talking about this already? He was merely being kind to someone he's met during his visit. Nothing more." Arwen begged them in an exasperated tone after which she turned to Gaius in hope of changing the topic. "Say Gaius, have you ever seen this Black Knight before? The one who interrupted the celebration?"

The question seemed to spark Merlin's interests as well, and luckily for Arwen, her brother forgot all about Lord Warren and turned his focus to the big event of the night instead.

"I don't believe so." Gaius was once more hiding his true feelings from the two as yet another question he couldn't answer was posed.

"You didn't recognise his crest?" Merlin wondered out loud. It was hard to imagine Gaius not knowing something.

"Crest?"

"It was on his shield. A white phoenix I think, but I didn't see it that well." Arwen described it from the memory she had as she watched the Knight ride through the people on his horse.

"Which house is it?" Merlin added on eagerly.

"I'm not sure, I didn't see it clearly either." Gaius spoke in a dismissive tone. Arwen suspected him to be tired. After all, even they had been quite busy in the last few days.

"But he's not someone you'd forget in a hurry, is he?" Merlin thought aloud.

"If he always favours such grand entrances as he did tonight, I don't doubt it." Arwen replied. The entrance was quite dramatic. But then again, if you were going to challenge the Crown Prince of Camelot to a duel to the death, a grand entrance such as crashing in through a stained glass window didn't seem too drastic in comparison.

"So you don't think he's from around here?" Merlin's curiosity seemed to be endless.

"That would seem likely." Came Gaius' short reply.

"Then what's he doing here?" Merlin continued on and this time even Arwen gave out a groan. He was reminding them of the time when they were children and he would ask Hunith a string of questions, her every reply being followed up with a simple "Why?" It was infuriating even then.

"Merlin, your faith in my all-seeing knowledge is both touching and wholly misplaced. Maybe if you've finished your work, you could go to bed and leave me to finish mine." Gaius pointed out, hoping to end Merlin's incessant questions he seemed to have no answers for.

"Okay. I'm going." Merlin rose his hands into the air in a sign of surrender as he and Arwen started to retreat to their own room to get some sleep for the rest of the night before tomorrow brought new adventures, or troubles. However, Merlin turned back with one more question. "Gaius?"

"Merlin?"

"Do you think Owain can beat him?" Merlin asked.

"We'll find out soon enough." Gaius let out a breath. It wasn't hard to assume that all three hoped that Sir Owain could defeat this Black Knight for, while he was a stranger, one thing was clear. He was no friend of Camelot.

Standing on the edge of the tournament grounds beside Gaius and Merlin, Arwen looked on along with the crowd. Two knights stood before the King. Sir Owain adorned in the red colours of Camelot while the unfamiliar Knight looked as black as the midnight sky. Arthur remained beside Owain, most likely whispering advice into his ear before stepping back and calling out the rules.

"The fight shall be to the knight's rules! To the death!" The Prince announced to the crowd before moving over to take his seat in the stands beside his father. While he did, Sir Owain and the Black Knight took their weapons, bracing themselves for the beginning of the fight. And so Arthur called for it: "Let the battle commence!"

The Black Knight attacked as soon as the words were spoken, his sword instantly clashing with Owain's shield, the sound resonating through the grounds. In the beginning, his blows were endless, Owain on a constant defence, rarely managing to send a blow of his own and even when he did, the Knight dodged it with ease.

Arwen flinched back as yet another blow from the Black Knight hit Owain's shield, the force of it bringing Owain to stumble back as he almost lost his footing. But luckily he managed to recover in time, continuing to defend himself from the Black Knight's merciless blows. Finally there was a small pause in his attacks, giving Owain a chance to go in for a blow of his own. But as if he had seen it coming, the Black Knight skilfully parried the blow while with his foot he pushed against Owain's shield, this time successfully knocking him to the floor.

"Get up, get up..." Arwen's hands clutched onto Merlin's arm as she watched. Jumping in relief as he did and the fight continued on.

"One well aimed blow!" Arwen could hear Arthur's loud voice guiding his knight as Owain was brought to his knees by the strength of the Black Knight's sword smashing against his shield. And Owain listened.

"Yes!" Merlin exclaimed happily, a large smile appearing on Arwen's face as they saw Owain's blade pierce through the Black Knight's stomach.

But nothing happened...

The Black Knight merely spun his sword in his hands, completely unaffected by the stab as if it never happened. And using Owain's surprise, the Black Knight continued his assault, harder and more brutal than ever.

"No, no, no..." Arwen whispered in worry as she watched the Black Knight bring Owain to the ground, hitting his head with enough force to throw his helmet off and surely knock him out. He raised his sword high into the air, and Arwen couldn't watch. She buried her head in Merlin's shoulder, unable to keep her eyes on the Black Knight as he brought the sword down, piercing through Owain's heart and killing him on the spot. The reaction of the crowd echoed through the training grounds, plunging it into silence right after. Owain was dead.

The sound of footsteps against the gravel made Arwen look back to the Black Knight as he came to stand before the King and Prince once more.

"Who will take up my challenge?" The Knight asked and threw down the gauntlet to the ground before the royals' seats. Arthur stood from his seat in determination, ready to accept the challenge, however Uther taking hold of him before he could have done so gave another knight the chance to do so himself.

"I, Sir Pellinor, take up the challenge."

"So be it." The Black Knight's deep voice sounded, and the challenge was sealed. With nothing more left to say, he picked up his sword and made his way from the training grounds.

As he walked towards them, Arwen found her eyes looking down to his stomach. And even though the colour of his tunic would have made it hard to distinguish whether there was any blood, Arwen was experienced enough to see there was none. There was no sign of him being stabbed.

"Should we tend to his wounds?" Merlin asked.

"Owain didn't land a blow." Gaius pointed out in a confused voice.

"No, I saw it. The sword definitely pierced him." Merlin said, and were it not for his words Arwen would have thought she had imagined seeing it herself.

"Are you sure?" Gaius asked in wonder.

"I did too." Arwen confirmed.

"And my eyes are quicker than yours. He should be dead." Merlin reminded, stating the fact he was completely certain in.

"Perhaps he already is." Gaius mumbled in a grave tone.

Arwen feared what it would mean if he was right. But they needed to be sure before deciding what to do next.

"Are you sure we should be doing this?"

"You're not scared, are you?"

"No, I love old crypts. I wouldn't be seen dead anywhere else."

The conversation between Gaius and Merlin was cut short as the door leading them down towards the burial vaults slammed closed behind them. The sound made Arwen jump in surprise as they were plunged into darkness so thick she couldn't see her own hand in front of her face.

"Must've been a gust of wind." Gaius whispered in an attempt of reassurance.

"Sure, let's go with that. Because there's no chance of something wicked and scary hiding among dead bodies." Arwen whispered with a shake of her head, her hands reaching around her in an attempt to find the wall beside her.

"Ow!" Merlin exclaimed in surprise as he felt Arwen's hand collide with his face. "We should've brought a torch." He muttered, letting his eyes adjust to his surroundings before he took hold of the put out torch hanging off the wall right beside him. With a simple enchantment falling from his lips, their surroundings were finally lit up again as the tip of the torch caught fire.

"Huh... Handy." Gaius watched the flames for a couple of moments, Arwen letting out an amused giggle before Merlin motioned for them to start moving again. Walking through the tunnel, Arwen's eyes kept darting around as shadows danced along the walls. It wasn't like she had ever wondered, but this little excursion made her certain that dark and creepy crypts were not her favourite place in the world.

"What are we looking for?" Merlin asked as they found themselves standing in a room filled with graves and tombs. The eerie way in which his voice echoed against the walls, made Arwen step closer to her brother.

"Bring your torch over here." Gaius instructed him as he approached one of the graves, knowing what he was searching for as he didn't even glance at the others which surrounded them.

"We're breaking into someone's grave?" Merlin asked incredulously as he followed after Gaius.

"Well, I suppose it-" Arwen was about to crack another joke, once again a poorly timed one, but stopped short as she looked upon the grave Gaius stood by. "Is that supposed to be like that?"

"No. We're too late. I think someone's already broken out." Gaius informed them, his words making Merlin and Arwen share a wide eyed look. What in God's name were they dealing with?

After their discovery in the burial vaults, the three did not stick around for long and instead made their way back to the Physician's Chambers. Merlin and Arwen's minds consumed by all kinds of questions they weren't sure they could ask while in the halls where anyone could overhear them.

"Tristan de Bois was the brother of Ygraine, Uther's wife." Gaius announced once he, Merlin and Arwen were back in the privacy of their chambers.

"Arthur's mother?" Merlin asked to make sure. He had never really heard much of the former Queen, but it did not surprise him. Neither Uther nor Arthur were the 'share their feelings' types.

"Ygraine died in childbirth. He blamed Uther and came to the gates of Camelot and challenged him." Arwen frowned as she listened to the story, unable to imagine what experiencing something like that must've felt like. She couldn't deny the fact that there were moments which made her understand how their King had become such a cold man.

"That sounds horrible." Arwen shook her head while taking a seat on the bench as they listened to Gaius continue.

"Uther won. But in his dying breath, Tristan cursed Camelot to one day suffer his return. I thought it was the ramblings of a dying man." Gaius spoke, his hands rustling through the pages of a book he had brought to the table.

"Men don't just rise up from the dead, though, no matter how angry they are." Merlin knew enough about science to know that. And Arwen knew it too, it was what made her worry. Merlin was right, dead men do not just rise. Unless they do so with the aid of magic.

"It's my guess we're dealing with a Wraith." Gaius stated, finally finding what he was looking for in the book. Arwen reached for it, turning it so that she too could glance over the pages and read what it said about such a creature. Merlin, unlike her, didn't even bother with that.

"A Wraith?"

"The spirit of a dead man, conjured from the grave." Gaius explained in less detail what was written in the book Arwen continued to read.

"So this is the work of a sorcerer?" Merlin asked, although, in a way it did not sound like a question at all, more like a statement. By now, it was becoming quite clear that he was correct in his assumptions.

"Does it ever end?" She grumbled silently, wishing for all the evil magic plaguing Camelot to go away. By now she would be pleased if there were still trouble, just not trouble caused by evil and vengeful sorcerers that put Merlin at risk every time as he had to be the one to stop them.

"Powerful magic can harness the grief and rage of a demented soul and make it live again." Gaius stated knowingly. It was clear that not only was this the work of a sorcerer, but a powerful one too.

"How do we stop it?" Merlin asked, he too now leaning over the book in search of the answer that was most important. Because they needed to stop it, before the Wraith obviously got its wish; to fight Arthur.

"We can't." Gaius' words made both Arwen and Merlin's eyes snap towards him in disbelief. There had to be something. "Because it's not alive, no mortal weapon can kill it."

"Surely there must be something." Merlin wasn't willing to give up so easily.

"Exactly! Where can we find an immortal weapon? What even is an immortal weapon? Please, oh please, tell me one exists." Arwen slightly lost control of her questions for a moment before regaining her composure.

"Nothing can stop it until it has achieved what it came for." Gaius spoke in a grim tone, making the two siblings share a worried look amongst themselves.

"And what's that?" Merlin asked the question warily, unsure of whether he really wanted an answer to it.

"Revenge." Gaius stated simply, and Arwen did her best to hold back a groan. One moment she'd feel sympathy for Uther, even in the smallest measure, the next she'd hate him for all the chaos he'd caused that is now coming back to haunt him, and in turn, all of his kingdom.

"Can't the knights just... Not pick up the gauntlet? If they don't pick it up, there is no fight, there is no chance for the Knight, the Wraith, to kill anyone else." Arwen suggested. It was a question on how they'd get all the Knights to refuse to take up the challenge, but if it could work, it was the least they could try.

"I'm afraid it wouldn't matter. It would just find another way to exact its revenge." Gaius explained with a forlorn look on his face, watching Arwen shake her head in disappointment.

"What does all this mean for Sir Pellinor?" Merlin asked in concern, making Gaius and Arwen share a look between themselves. Right now, stopping the Wraith seemed impossible, even if they searched for a way, it was doubtful they'd find it in time to save the man.

"I'm afraid it doesn't look good."

Another Knight of Camelot lost. And Arwen had gotten so hopeful when it seemed that Sir Pellinor would win, when he landed a blow evident for all the crowd to see. But the hope was useless. Their suspicion of the Black Knight being a Wraith were confirmed that day. There was no weapon they knew of that could defeat the creature.

And to make matters worse, this time it was not the Black Knight who had thrown his gauntlet. He hadn't been the one to issue the challenge. It was Arthur. He had done it before Uther or any of the Knights had a chance to stop him. And tomorrow, it would be their Prince fighting the un-killable enemy. Now more than ever, they needed to find a way. Or by this time tomorrow, all of Camelot would be doomed and the Wraith, along with the sorcerer who had conjured it, would have its revenge.

However, as she stared out of one of the windows in the halls of the palace, looking over the grounds where the Black Knight stood, motionless as if he were a decorative statue adorning the place, Arwen had no clue as to where they should even start looking. The sound of footsteps made her snap out of her own thoughts, her green eyes glancing over to see who it was that approached her.

"Arwen." Lord Warren greeted her with a nod of his head, coming to a stop by the window to look at what it was that had grasped her attention so efficiently. "You're worried about tomorrow?" It was not a hard thing to conclude, Arwen believed all of Camelot was feeling some form of the emotion.

"You were there my Lord, you saw the way he fought, the blow Sir Pellinor landed. And yet the Knight stands, as if nothing happened. Arthur may be skilled, but if this Knight cannot be killed then I fear what tomorrow holds." Arwen admitted openly. There was no reason to hide the truth of her thoughts, it was the thoughts many in the castle shared.

"I worry you may be right. The hand of magic often-times isn't hard to spot." Lord Warren admitted, making Arwen's curious eyes turn towards him.

"Do you know of any way in which this Knight can be defeated?" Arwen questioned, feeling a small sliver of hope. From what Merlin had managed to drag out of Gaius, Arwen now knew that Lord Warren used to live in Prairene, where magic once reigned free before Uther conquered it. There was a chance he might know something.

"I'm afraid not. If I may speak the truth, it was but a matter of time before one of Uther's old foes evoked a thing that cannot be defeated. He has made many enemies through his reign." The words Lord Warren spoke made Arwen's brows furrow as she glanced back up at him. His eyes were fixed on the Wraith and she couldn't distinguish the look which roamed through them for a mere second before it was gone.

"Despite all that the King has done he is still our King, and the Prince should not die because of his actions either." She couldn't stop herself from saying, believing her own words. There may be times when she disagreed with the King, times when she wished she could just... Smack some sense into him. But she did not wish for him to die, knowing all the chaos it would bring. Knowing the pain Arthur would have to deal with if such a thing were to happen.

"You truly think so highly of the Pendragons?" Lord Warren seemed surprised as he asked the question, turning to her with analytical eyes. Subconsciously, Arwen took a step back, finding herself wary of the questions he was asking and their nature. In her mind, everything he was suggesting bordered on treason. She could not understand how someone who was presented to the people as a friend of the crown could ask such things.

"Uther is King, and Arthur will be too one day. I am a subject of Camelot and as such I am loyal to them." She made it clear all the while searching for an excuse to take her leave without seeming rude. And it seemed that some higher power was listening to her as the sound of footsteps rushing by caught both of their attentions, making them look towards the intersection between the halls just in time to see Merlin rush by, not even aware of their presence.

"Excuse me my Lord, I think I should check on my brother." She announced, taking a small bow and walking away soon after, not giving the Lord much of a chance to say anything before she rushed off. She ran as fast as she could without causing too much of a ruckus, knowing calling out to Merlin could disturb the people occupying the chambers which they ran past.

Luckily, while he was fast, so was she and soon enough she could reach out far enough for her hand to grasp his shoulder and make him come to a stop. He spun around with the speed of light, wide eyes looking at her in surprise. He only relaxed once he realized it was her and not someone else.

"Where are you off to in such a hurry?" She questioned him with furrowed brows, eyeing the way he fidgeted in his spot as if he couldn't wait to rush off once again, bothered by her interruption in his rushing.

"I need to speak with Arthur. He cannot fight that thing tomorrow." Merlin stated in an urgent tone making Arwen send him a sympathetic look. She understood his need to try, but...

"Do you think you can make him listen? You know Arthur when he sets his mind to something." Arwen pointed out, she thought it was impossible. They'd have better luck finding something to defeat the Wraith before they managed to persuade Arthur.

"I have to try. My magic doesn't work on it. I can't do anything." Merlin's words made a chill pass down Arwen's spine. If Merlin couldn't do anything, then they needed to do their best. And so she nodded her head.

"I'll come with you. Maybe together we could have more luck." She said, and soon enough the Ambrosius siblings were moving through the halls together again, unaware of the prying ears that were listening in on their conversation. It didn't take the pair too long to get to the Prince's chambers and Merlin didn't even stop as he reached the door and instead just burst in without bothering to knock.

"Well, I guess propriety is out the door now." Arwen mumbled to herself before making her way into the room, a bit more calmly than Merlin had, giving the two time to kick her out if they had by any chance walked in while they most certainly shouldn't have.

"Merlin, you know that conversation we had about knocking?" Arthur attempted to joke as he lowered the sword with which he had been practising. And if they were in there for any other reason, Arwen suspected she might've laughed. But this was not the time for jokes.

"You have to pull out." Merlin announced without hesitation, not caring for the joke or scolding or whatever Arthur intended it to be. Unlike him, Arwen stood behind her brother, waiting to see how his forceful approach would turn out. She doubted it'd have much effect.

"And why is that?" Arthur was unsurprised, making Arwen suspect this wasn't the first time he was hearing something along the same lines of what Merlin had said.

"Because he'll kill you!" Merlin exclaimed as if it were the most obvious thing. Arwen could only shake her head, knowing this wasn't the way to reach Arthur's sense of reason.

"Why does everybody think that?" Arthur turned to Merlin, his voice rising as he seemed to get irritated by the constant suggestion of such a thing. He then turned to Arwen as he spoke again. "I take it you're here to say the same?"

"It's because we've all seen this Knight fight, Arthur. This isn't due to a lack of faith in you, but it's about him. Everyone saw what happened during his fight with Sir Pellinor." Arwen spoke calmly, trying to make him see their true intentions behind this.

"It's because they're right! You're the Crown Prince. No one wants to see you die over some stupid challenge." Merlin gave his own answer to the Prince's question. Arwen knew speaking to Arthur as if they were so certain he would die would blow down his pride, something Arthur was of course very sensitive about.

"I'm not a coward." Arthur stated, examining his sword, acting much calmer than Arwen had expected him to be.

"I know that. I've stood there and I've watched you overcome every fear you've ever faced." Merlin stated, remembering all the things they've already been through together. Surely, some of that would make Arthur think it wise to listen to him.

"That's what's required of me." Arthur pointed out. As Prince it was his duty to put aside his fears for the sake of his people and his kingdom. He couldn't make a good ruler one day if he stumbled in the face of his own fears.

"And it is brave of you, to be so willing to face this so no more of your knights have to die, but Arthur, the price of it should not be your own life." Arwen said, and for a moment Arthur was surprised, having expected her to tell him off about doing this for pride just as she had when he insisted on fighting Knight Valiant. But this time Arwen understood his motives, she knew he wanted to spare the other Knights when the challenges were aimed at him.

"I'm not backing down." The blonde got over his surprise quickly enough, and it did not deter him one bit. He still stood by his decision to fight tomorrow, no matter the cost.

"Please, Arthur, listen to me. This is no ordinary knight. Look at him. He doesn't eat, he doesn't sleep. He just stands there, in complete silence. Doesn't that tell you something?" Merlin questioned, moving over to the window from which he could see the Black Knight, standing in the same spot where he had left him. All Arthur did was continue his practising, making Arwen move away to give him room, knowing she couldn't stop him from doing so.

"No one is unbeatable." The way Arthur spoke, keeping calm and saying the bare minimum, made Arwen wonder whether he even believed what he was saying, or whether he was saying it just to hide the fact that he too was afraid of what would happen when he faced the Black Knight.

"That may be true, but do you know how to beat him? Because the normal way doesn't seem to work." Arwen tried to make him see sense again. She knew he too had seen Sir Pellinor striking the Knight, she was looking at him when it happened. He had seen it, and yet he still insisted on fighting something he obviously could not beat.

"If you fight him tomorrow, you will die." Merlin pointed out, still remaining in his spot by the widow, while Arthur moved swiftly with his sword in hand.

"I'm not listening to this." The Prince finally exhaled, lowering his weapon as he hoped to walk away from the conversation. But his words made Merlin snap, his quick steps bringing him back as he now stood beside his sister once more, Arthur's back turned to the both of them.

"I'm trying to warn you, Arthur!" Merlin exclaimed, trying whatever he could to make the Prince listen. But instead, he seemed to push him over the edge.

"And I'm trying to warn you, Merlin!" Arthur yelled out, the anger bursting out of him as he turned on his servant, the sword once more swinging through the air, but this time it was aimed at a target.

Fear forced Arwen to move as she quickly pulled on Merlin's arm, pushing him behind her while she herself now stood in the path of Arthur's sword. Whether the sword was meant to strike or merely scare Merlin, she didn't care. She wouldn't let her brother be harmed. Luckily, Arthur's sword stopped only inches away from her, surprise flashing in his eyes as he realized what he had done when his blue eyes met her green ones, ones that burned with anger after what he had done.

"Come on Merlin. There's nothing we can do here. If he wishes to die, then so be it." Arwen's voice was cold, and something akin to guilt flashed through Arthur's eyes, but Arwen didn't stick around to see whether she was right about that. Instead she pulled on her brother's arm, leading them both out of the room and letting it slam behind her.

"Arwen, we can't just let him face that thing tomorrow." Merlin protested once they were out of the room, refusing to give up as easily as she seemingly had. But the truth was, Arwen hadn't given up. Was she angry with Arthur for what he had just done? Yes. But if anything, the action showed her just how afraid the Prince was. And her anger wasn't reason enough to let him die.

"No we can't. I suggest we start in the library, we have a long night ahead of us." Arwen let out a small sigh, and the two walked away from the Prince's chambers, both praying to whoever could hear them that they would be able to find something in time. If they didn't, all would be lost.

Merlin and Arwen were the only two people moving through the Hall of Records late into the night, trying to remain as quiet as possible since they weren't supposed to be in here at this time. Each sibling searched through the shelves, their eyes scanning over the multitude of titles adorning each corner of the large space, hoping to find something, anything that would provide them with answers on how to defeat the Wraith. How to save Arthur's life.

The sudden slam behind her made Arwen jump in surprise. She spun on her heels, searching for the source until her eyes fell upon the fallen book that Merlin had dropped. She couldn't stop herself from sending a glare towards him, not only for scaring her, but also for his mistreatment of the books. However, before she could use her words to scold him, another voice startled both of them.

"How did you get in here?" The keeper of the library looked at the two with suspicious eyes while Merlin and Arwen shared a look amongst themselves. They knew how they got inside, but they couldn't really tell him the truth.

"The door was open." Merlin lied and Arwen did her best not to roll her eyes. Out of the two of them he was certainly the worse liar, but of course, when put on the spot he didn't let her handle it. Instead he lied, badly, as she expected.

"No, I locked it." The elderly man sounded quite confident. He may be old, but he wasn't yet that senile to believe he hadn't locked the door to one of the most important rooms within Camelot.

"Well, someone else must've opened it, then." Merlin stated, almost sounding dumb while this time Arwen really did roll her eyes. Yes, someone opened it. He did, with his magic.

"And you thought you'd come in and help yourself?" Geoffrey asked, a certain accusatory tone laced through his words. Arwen really hoped Merlin would find a way to get out of the trouble which seemed to be headed their way. But perhaps, if Geoffrey knew why they were in here and what they needed, maybe then he'd be willing not to punish them for their trespassing.

"I was looking for a book. For Gaius. He thinks the Black Knight is a wraith." Merlin explained in a pleading tone. They may have broken the rules, but they needed to, it was the only way to try their best to save the Prince.

"Then Arthur is in grave peril." Geoffrey's tone now changed as she looked at the two with wary eyes.

"Which is why the two of us are here. We need to find a weapon that will kill something that's already dead." Merlin stated, making it sound as if it was the easiest thing in the world. Their long search through the shelves and books seemed to prove otherwise. However, Geoffrey knew this place better than either she or Merlin could ever.

"Do you know where we might find something? We haven't had much luck yet." She asked the man, hoping that now that he knew why they were there, perhaps he'd help them in their search. If anyone could know which of these books may contain the answers, it would be him.

"Well, I've read of such things in the ancient chronicles." Geoffrey said in a thoughtful tone, Merlin and Arwen sharing a look of hope between themselves. So there was something after all!

"Really? What did they say?" Merlin asked, his tone showing the urgency they felt to get their hands on these chronicles and the answers they may hold. Even if it were the smallest of clues.

"Well, several fables speak of ancient swords." Geoffrey relayed from memory, but at the moment, without the book in front of him, he couldn't remember the whole story exactly.

"That can kill the dead?" Merlin's series of questions continued on. They needed to be certain, if they made one mistake, then Arthur would die. And the future of Camelot would die along with him.

"The swords the fables speak of could destroy anything, alive or dead." Geoffrey said, but Arwen's brows furrowed at that.

"A sword? But the books say no mortal weapon has the ability to kill a Wraith?" She couldn't help but ask. Swords were considered to be mortal weapons, they had seen as much when Sir Pellinor and Sir Owain fought against the Black Knight.

"That is correct, but these swords weren't such as those you see every day." Geoffrey announced. As someone who had an interest in swords, Arwen found herself curious about such a weapon. Not because of its power, but she was wondering how such a sword could be made.

"Could we see these fables?" Arwen couldn't help but ask, and Geoffrey took a moment to think before finally nodding his head in confirmation, turning his back to them as he started to scan over one of the shelves.

"Well, let me think. Yes. Mmmm..." He mumbled to himself as his eyes scanned over the tables while behind him, Merlin fidgeted impatiently.

"We're sort of in a hurry." The warlock announced, hoping to speed up the search for the book. They didn't have much time left, and if there was one thing they could be sure of, it was that such a sword that Geoffrey spoke of surely won't be easy to find. They needed all the time they could get to obtain one. Hopefully it wouldn't prove to be impossible.

"Yes, you young people always are." The librarian commented dismissively. But luckily he seemed to pull a book from the shelf just as he said those words, bringing it to rest upon one of the tables. Arwen and Merlin walked closer, Merlin leaning his arms and head on one of the book stacks, while Arwen stood closer so she could look into the book as Geoffrey flipped through the pages before finally settling on one.

"This is the Chronicle of Beltain. Now then... Ah, here we are." Geoffrey spoke, more to himself than to them as he searched for a particular passage on the pages. And once he found it, he read the words aloud so both Arwen and Merlin could hear. "Sir Marhaus looked upon the great sword, begotten in the dragon's breath and found it passing good."

A sword forged in a dragon's breath. As she heard the words, Arwen once more lost hope. There was no chance they could find such a thing by noon tomorrow. If it existed somewhere in Camelot they would know of it surely.

"What did you say?" Unlike her, Merlin sparked up in his spot, making Arwen send him a questioning look. How could he possibly think this could be helpful information? Perhaps he knew more than she did about the things that were hidden in the palace. Who knows what secrets he may be exposed to while working for Arthur? Although she believed he would have told her if there was such a unique weapon somewhere.

"Sir Marhaus..." Geoffrey started to read the passage again, Arwen looking down at the book to read the words herself too, perhaps to see what had caught Merlin's attention that she may have missed. As she did so, Merlin was quick to interrupt, quite impolitely too.

"No. No, no. No, no. Not about him. The dragon."

"The great sword begotten in the dragon's breath, and found it passing good." Geoffrey read again, and as he finished both he and Arwen looked back to Merlin, only to find the spot he had previously occupied now empty. Arwen couldn't help but groan, pondering how hard would it be to kill Merlin for just disappearing like that constantly.

"I'm sorry about him, he's a bit..." She turned to Geoffrey, apologizing in her brother's name and trying to find an excuse for his behaviour, but not even she could understand it at times, much less explain it. "Thank you for your help." She finished with a show of gratitude instead before she too was rushing out of the room.

"Merlin! Will you stop for a second? What are you doing?" She called after her brother who hadn't yet fully disappeared before she caught up with him in the halls of the palace. She wasn't sure where they were going, but followed after him nonetheless, his walk full of purpose telling her he must have an idea.

"I know how to kill the Wraith." Merlin announced, making Arwen spare a glance at him as she rose an inquisitive eyebrow.

"Well, I gathered as much. But how? You know of a sword forged in dragon's breath just laying around?" She questioned, the sarcasm in her voice making it obvious that she thought the answer to her questions may be 'Yes'. And, as she expected, it wasn't.

"No." But even though he didn't know of the location of such a sword, Merlin's determination did not waver. Arwen was starting to suspect he may have gone mad.

"Then how do you intend to get your hands on one?" She was slowly starting to lose her patience with his lack of answers, unsure why now, of all times Merlin wasn't willing to share his idea with her. They always shared these things.

"All I need is a sword."

Would smacking some sense into him work in a situation like this?

"And the dragon's breath? You plan on creating that from thin air?" She inquired impatiently, but as she said the words her eyes widened. "Wait... Can you?"

"No." Merlin's short reply made Arwen give a huff as she shook her head, her eyes going up to the ceiling above them. Because of that, she almost crashed into her brother's back as he suddenly came to a stop.

"Then how do you-?" Arwen was about to ask another question, unwilling to let go of this, especially since he obviously wanted her to. However, before she could get the whole question out, Merlin interrupted her.

"Arwen, just stay quiet and wait here." He commanded, making the redhead's eyebrows shoot up as she gave him an incredulous look. He did not just tell her to shut up. That was her job, to tell him that. But she didn't protest as her brother knocked on the door by which they had stopped.

And as it opened and Arwen heard Gwen's voice, only then did she become aware of that all this time Merlin had been leading them towards the Lady Morgana's chambers. At least that part made sense, ask the blacksmith's daughter for a sword.

From the side, Arwen listened to the two talk, rolling her eyes as they stumbled over their words awkwardly in the beginning. Could they be any more obvious? Arwen wished they'd just get past their awkward phase and see what was right in front of them. Finally, once Merlin made his request, their conversation turned more serious, and as Gwen became aware that Merlin was asking this of her for the Prince's sake, she was quick to agree to help them.

As Gwen made her way out of Morgana's chambers quietly, Merlin took a moment to turn to his sister once more as he spoke. "You can go back to the Physician's Chambers, I can handle this on my own." Now Arwen really wanted to smack him.

"Are you serious right now?" She questioned, giving him a chance to admit that he was just making a very bad joke. But as he remained silent, she sent him a sharp glare. "Merlin you are the biggest idiot alive if you think I'm just going to leave you to it and... What? Go to sleep?"

"Arwen, this could be dangerous." Merlin pointed out. What he was about to do, he didn't know how it would go. The dragon beneath Camelot was unpredictable, and there was a reason he had kept his presence in the caves under the palace secret from his sister.

"All the more reason to come with you then." Arwen stood her ground stubbornly. Why was this time being dangerous different from all the other times they had to do something dangerous to save the Prince, the King, Camelot or whoever else?

"You're not giving up, are you?" Merlin knew his sister well enough to be able to see when arguing with her would be futile. He wanted to keep her out of this, but it seemed impossible to do so. He wouldn't put it past her to just follow him. And she only confirmed it further a she shook her head in denial.

"Fine, then meet me down in the basement." He grumbled out, if she was really insisting, then he couldn't stop her. From the way the dragon spoke of Arwen, as the light which must shine upon both himself and Arthur for them to succeed, Merlin hoped taking her down into the cave wouldn't end terribly.

"You're really not going to tell me what we're looking for down here?" Arwen asked her brother, trying to keep her voice as quiet as possible, not wanting it to echo against the stone walls which surrounded them as they made their way through a narrow passage hidden way down beneath the palace.

"You'd think I'm crazy. Better you see it yourself." Merlin said simply, the sword which he had gotten from Gwen now clutched in his hand, wrapped in a red cloth while in the other he carried a torch to light their way.

"Oh Merlin, I already think you're crazy, so it wouldn't be too-" Arwen was about to tease, but as they reached the end of the narrow path and walked out into a large cave, she found herself completely mute as hey eyes looked towards the space in front of them. She blinked once... twice... three times, trying to see whether her eyes were deceiving her. But after every time it was still there. Large, gold scales covering its whole body and shining in the light as its head rose to look at them.

"What the... How the... Where..." She couldn't get one sentence out as her eyes remained glued to the creature in front of her. A creature she thought long ago ceased to exist.

"Merlin! I see you've brought your Light with you this time." And then it spoke. It actually spoke! And Arwen understood it! She wasn't sure if the squeal, it being the only thing she could think up in the moment, passed only through her mind or if she had accidentally let the sound out in reality.

"T-here's a... There's a dragon beneath Camelot? Am I the one going crazy?" Arwen's questions slipped past her lips, her wide eyes turning to Merlin as if she were trying to deduce whether he was seeing the same thing as her. Although, considering they were here because they needed a sword forged in a dragon's breath, he probably was. This was what he was keeping from her! A bloody dragon!

"I assure you Arwen, I am as real as you. And it is a pleasure to make your acquaintance, my Lady." The dragon's eyes focused on her, and Arwen gaped in surprise for a moment. He knew who she was. Had Merlin told him?

"I'm not a-"She spoke after a couple of moments, the dragon's words finally registering in her mind. She couldn't help but notice how often she had to correct people on the matter of her stature, especially in the last few days. She was used to men using the term to flatter her, but not to those who actually made the mistake of assuming her to be noble. However, before Arwen could even correct the dragon, Merlin interrupted... Again.

"Do you know why we're here?" The warlock asked the dragon, his voice determined and strong. Arwen noticed from the way the two regarded each other, this did not seem to be their first interaction.

"It may surprise you, Merlin, but my knowledge of your life is not universal." The dragon replied, and Arwen though she saw amusement in his eyes. But she wasn't really an expert at reading emotion from the facial expressions of dragons.

"It's to do with Arthur. His life's in danger. He will die, unless I can make a weapon that will kill the dead." Merlin explained as quickly as he could, the dragon's curious eyes focusing on the dark haired Ambrosius as he asked his next question.

"So what do you come to ask of me?"

In response, Merlin revealed the sword, using his magic to make it float up into the air and so that the dragon could see it. Arwen couldn't help but notice how the sword looked like a mere tiny needle as it floated in front of the dragon's face.

"Will you burnish it? To save Arthur?" Merlin asked hopefully, after all, the dragon had so far always helped him fulfil his destiny to protect Arthur. In his own ways...

"The dead do not return without reason. Who has he come for?" The dragon knew better than to just accept. Arwen suspected that he knew a lot more about magic than any of them could imagine. After all, he himself was a creature of magic. And a magnificent one at that.

"Uther." Merlin admitted, a bit hesitantly. For a moment, Arwen did not understand why it mattered, but then, as her eyes took in the dragon for the thousandth time, she realized. She caught sight of the chains clasped around the creature's legs and it did not take much more to realize that was Uther's doing. The dragon was trapped down here, because of Uther.

"Then let him take his vengeance and the wraith will die without my aid." The dragon's resentment for their current King did not surprise Arwen, if anything, it made sense. The dragon, like all those other sorcerers, hated Uther for all the horrors he had done to his kind. But despite it all, Arwen knew they had to push on. They had to persuade the dragon to help them, it was the only way.

"Arthur has challenged the Wraith to a duel to the death, tomorrow. For its vengeance to come to pass, it must first kill Arthur before it can get to Uther." Arwen pointed out, because as the dragon said, he did not know everything that went on above him. He couldn't know that it was Arthur's own life which now stood between the Wraith and its vengeance.

"You have to save him." Merlin pleaded desperately.

"That is your destiny, young warlock, not mine." And as the dragon said those words, a lot of Merlin's words about his destiny and Arthur's as well made sense. This was where he had heard them.

"There is no time to find another solution. It may be Merlin's destiny, but sometimes we all need help to fulfil our destinies." Arwen spoke in a calm tone, knowing that the dragon would understand, after all, if her suspicion was right, he was the one who kept telling Merlin that he and Arthur needed each other for their destinies to come to pass.

'I am only one side of the coin... The other is Arthur... for both sides to be seen they need a Light to shine upon them...'

The words Merlin had once said flashed through Arwen's mind, and she couldn't help but connect them to what was being said. But she had a hard time grasping that she may have a role to play in the future Arthur and Merlin were meant to build. She wasn't anyone special, she wasn't a Light as the dragon had called her. She couldn't be.

"But if Arthur fights the wraith and dies, Camelot will have no heir. I will have no destiny." Merlin's voice brought Arwen back to the present and snapped her out of her own thoughts. Now was not the time to ponder the words of the past or the future that in her mind was yet unclear.

"Please, from what we know you are the only one who can help." She spoke, focusing on what they needed now. The time to ask questions would come later.

"A weapon forged with my assistance will have great power." The dragon sounded as if he were warning them as he spoke, and Arwen couldn't guess whether he was saying that because he was going to agree or because he intended to refuse their request. "You have not seen what I have seen. If you had, perhaps you would not ask this of me."

"What do you mean?" Merlin asked, unable to grasp what the dragon spoke of.

"In the wrong hands, this sword could do great evil. It must be wielded by Arthur and him alone." The dragon warned, and Arwen didn't want to think of what could happen should someone else wield the sword. She was too scared to even ask.

"I understand." Merlin nodded his head, but to the dragon, that wasn't enough. Instead he made Merlin promise that only Arthur would be the one to use the sword, that it would never be anyone else. "I promise."

And with those words, the dragon did as he was asked. Merlin and Arwen were forced to take a step back as the heat of a blazing fire brushed against their skin, the flames making Arwen squint as she watched them consume the blade. It didn't last for long, and once the dragon's fire ceased, the sword flew back into Merlin's hands.

"Heed my words. The sword was forged for Arthur, and him alone." The dragon warned one last time, making sure both remembered the promise that had been made that night. Merlin sent the dragon a grateful nod, while Arwen went to speak her thanks, but found herself stumbling around awkwardly once more.

"Thank you... Uh... Do you...?" She wasn't sure if dragons had names. All creatures had names, didn't they? Seeing what she wanted to ask, the dragon answered before she went any further.

"My name is Kilgharrah."

"Thank you Kilgharrah." Arwen finally said, a smile on her face a she looked at the beautiful creature one last time before she and Merlin started to make their way out of the cave and back to the surface above. And as she walked away, Arwen heard the last words the dragon spoke.

"It was a pleasure to meet you, Arwen."

There was something in her meeting with the dragon that consumed Arwen's mind as she followed after her brother through the stone passageways in silence. It was in the way he regarded her, as he knew her better than she knew herself. As if he knew something about her that not even she did. She couldn't help but wonder whether it was her over-excited mind playing tricks on her, whether she was just imagining it. But something inside of her told her she wasn't. There was something going on, she just didn't know what.

But now was not the time to ask about it either. Not with tomorrow so close. Not with so much uncertainty still looming over them. They had to focus on Arthur. On ensuring he would win tomorrow. Because while they had the sword that could kill the Wraith now, Arthur still needed to risk his life by fighting the thing. There was still so much that could go wrong. And Arwen could only pray it wouldn't.

To say Arwen wasn't worried would be a bold faced lie. Even saying she was worried and admitting to it still felt like an understatement in her mind. As she paced by the entrance of the battlegrounds, waiting for her brother who was currently helping the Prince get ready for his fight with the Black Knight, Arwen's mind continued to conjure up all the things that could go wrong today.

Yes, Arthur now had a sword forged in the Dragon's breath, a sword capable of defeating both the living and the dead, but they couldn't rely only on the sword itself. The Wraith was an aggressive and skilled opponent, that much had been seen already. Arthur still needed to overpower him. She did not doubt that the Prince had the skill to do so, but her worry still managed to get the best of her. And Arwen truly thought it couldn't go any higher. Until she saw the man approaching the battle grounds.

"What the bloody hell?" She whispered, more to herself than Gaius beside her, or worse the King as he approached. In his hand, the sword was held in a firm grip. A sword that was meant for Arthur. A sword they had promised would only be wielded by Arthur. Arwen feared to think of what may happen should Uther somehow come to know of the power the sword possessed. She watched with fear and worry, trying to conceal them from her face, as Uther came to stand before the Wraith.

While Arwen had only one encounter with the Dragon beneath Camelot, one thing was more than clear. The creature hated Uther, it hated him with a burning passion. And now Arwen did not only fear for the outcome of this duel, but also for what may happen once Kilgharrah discovered Merlin's promise was broken.

"You can have what you came for. The father, not the son." Uther spoke to the Wraith, obviously aware of the secret behind the appearance of the Dark Knight and his presence in the last days. Arwen looked to Gaius, sure she did not have to ask to confirm he was the one who had told him.

"What is he doing?" She still questioned, looking back towards the palace, her mind running a mile a minute. Where was Merlin? And where was Arthur? She doubted he would just sit back while his father fought a duel he had challenged. Arthur's will to fight this day was quite clear.

"He has decided to fight in Arthur's place. He knows that the Knight is a Wraith, he is willing to make that sacrifice." Gaius explained in short, not answering all of her questions, but still enough.

"No, no, no..." She whispered to herself, wishing she could somehow stop all of this from happening. However, as she watched a knight take off Uther's cloak, and as the King placed his helmet upon his head, Arwen knew there was nothing she could do. Not anymore.

And only seconds later, their swords started to swing. The clash of metal echoed around the grounds. The Black Knight was quick to attack, wasting no time on hesitation or mind games. He went right for the kill. Arwen's eyes were stuck watching the fight, but once she spotted movement on her other side, her head turned, a questioning look in her eyes mixed with scolding as she spoke.

"Merlin, what the hell happened?" She asked in a sharp whisper, unwilling to risk anyone overhearing what they both had to say.

"He insisted, there was nothing I could do." Merlin was quick to explain, his own tone worried and desperate as his eyes refused to move away from the battle for more than a second.

"Merlin, you promised." Arwen couldn't hold back the worry from seeping into her voice this time. If there was one creature they should not make an enemy of, it most certainly was the Dragon. Even chained beneath the castle, Arwen feared what it may do when angered.

"I know." There was nothing he could say, nothing he could do. He knew his mistake, but he swore to himself that he would be the one to bear its consequences. Whatever they may be. Arwen would not get dragged into the outcome of what may happen today.

With nothing left to do or say, they could only watch. And so the siblings' eyes turned back to the King and the Wraith as they fought, their swords clashing in the air as Uther's own attacks became much more ferocious and offensive. It was a fight that Arwen could not predict the outcome of. Usually one proved to be more skilled than the other, but the King and his opponent were almost equally matched. For one moment it seemed that Uther was able to gain the upper hand, but by the next the Black Knight had regained it.

And then it happened, Uther smashed his shield into the Dark Knight's helmet, the force of the impact throwing the metal to the ground. The face of the Wraith, terrifying and sinister, was now out in the open for all to see. For all to know and be sure this was no ordinary man but a creature of magic. But Uther did not let his shock by the sight deter him. Their battle continued, and the Wraith, now angrier than ever before, managed to attack with such force that Uther was brought to the ground. His sword flung out of his hand, leaving the King with only a shield to protect him.

However, that shield was what proved to be his most useful aid. As the Wraith continued its assault, it wasn't long before the creature's sword got stuck within Uther's shield. Tearing the clasps from Uther's arm, the Knight rose the shield into the air, trying to release the sword from its hold. And Uther used it as a chance to strike. With quick movements, while the Wraith was distracted, Uther grabbed the sword from where it had fallen, rising to his feet before he stabbed his sword at the Wraith. And the result was almost instant.

Pierced with the blade of the magical sword, the Wraith dropped Uther's shield, and his own weapon along with it. Steam and smoke started to surge from where the blade had cut it, his body trashing through the air as a fire started to emerge from within its body. And within seconds, the Wraith exploded, a gust of wind spreading across the battlegrounds, the force of it making Arwen take a step back as she rose her hand to shield her eyes as pieces of the Black Knight's armour and cloth flew through the air.

The crowd remained silent, their minds trying to wrap around what had happened. However, once Uther stood back to his feet, removing his helmet to reveal a victorious smile etched on his face. And that was when the cheers started. Their King had won, managing to defeat the newest foe that had threatened Camelot. All rejoiced, however, it was then that Arwen sent a worried look to her brother, curious to know what they'd do now.

"I'll take care of it. Everything will be alright, I promise." Merlin stated, and instead of pointing out that he was making a promise right after he'd broken another, Arwen chose to believe him. She'd hope for the best.

Arwen paced up and down the length of the narrow hallway as she waited for her brother. Merlin had insisted on going down to speak with the dragon alone, wanting his sister away from the creature once it got enraged as he suspected it would. However, Arwen herself didn't want to be too far. So a compromise was struck. She accompanied him as far as she could, remaining back as she waited for his return.

She hoped Merlin wouldn't get hurt. After all, the dragon seemed to believe in his destiny being an important one. He'd need to be alive and well for it to happen, wouldn't he? Arwen was brought out of her mind as the sound of footsteps reached her ears. At first, she quickly turned her eyes towards the door from which Merlin was bound to appear, only to hear someone speak from behind her.

"Arwen? What are you doing here?"

"My lord, I was just.... I just went for a walk. It has been a long day." She spun on her heel, turning to face the Prince who now stood behind her in the hall, regarding her with curious eyes. Not many people ventured down here. And the fact that his curiosity did not disappear made Arwen believe he doubted her excuse to be true. But he did not pry.

"Well, it's good that I found you here. I've been meaning to speak with you." Arthur instead moved on to what he truly wanted to say to the red headed woman, however, she interrupted him before he could continue.

"If this is about yesterday Sire, I'm sorry about what I..." Arwen started to apologize for the way it all happened, knowing it was what she should do, it was the right thing to do. But in her mind, it didn't feel right. "You know what? I'm actually not sorry."

"And you have nothing to be sorry for." While she agreed with his words, they still came as a surprise to Arwen. "You were merely trying to protect me, both you and Merlin. I should not have acted the way I did. I wanted to apologize myself, and tell you that despite how it looked, I never would have hurt Merlin or you."

"It's alright. I understand you were just scared. No matter how much you tried not to show it." Arwen spoke in an understanding tone. She knew she was right, as much as she knew he would try to deny it. But once more, the man surprised her.

"I was." This time it took a bit of time for her to realize she had, in fact, heard him right. Once she did, Arwen couldn't help but admire the fact that he was being honest about it.

"My Lord, showing fear does not make you a coward, or any less brave than I know you to be. Than we all do. Sometimes, it's better to show it, to lean on someone than to keep it all to yourself." Arwen said, hoping he would not consider her words to be a step too far. After all, she only had good intentions as she spoke.

"Thank you, Arwen." Arthur couldn't promise he would start doing just that, but he knew he should take her words to heart. He was taught to be brave in face of whatever situation he found himself, and while it took its burden, that did not mean he had a right to be cruel.

"And I shall apologize to Merlin too, the next I see him." He added on, knowing Arwen was bound to tell her brother of their encounter sooner rather than later. But once his apologies were over, Arthur knew he had to move on. He had duties to tend to still, when he had run into her and got distracted.

"Have a good night, my Lord." Arwen nodded her head respectfully as she bid him farewell for the night, Arthur returning the favour before he once more disappeared within the halls of the palace, leaving Arwen on her own as she continued her wait.

Luckily, the wait did not last much longer as by the next time she heard someone approaching her, she was sure the sound was coming from the right direction for it to be her brother. As he came through the door, Arwen first took in his face, which while slightly grim, gave no indication that something terrible had happened. The next, she noticed the sword still wrapped in its cloth as he carried it.

"How did it go?" She asked curiously. There was no fire or burning within the palace so she suspected at least some of her initial worry may have been misplaced.

"I have to get rid of the sword." Merlin announced, a small trace of disappointment evident in his voice. But despite his fascination with the sword, he knew it was the right thing to do. He's seen how easy is for someone other than Arthur to take and wield it. It was a risk he could not take.

"Do you need me to come with you?" She questioned. Even though it was already late, she was more than willing to accompany him, even if she did not yet know where exactly he planned to dispose of the sword.

"No. It's alright. I can do it alone, it won't take too long." Merlin assured. It wasn't a hard or dangerous task, and it would take no longer than a couple of hours.

"I'll wait for you."

Arwen kept her promise and as the morning came, she could be found standing high upon the walls overlooking the entrance to Camelot as she awaited her brother's return. Knowing he planned on throwing the sword into the lake, she knew it was not yet time to start worrying as it hadn't been too long. And he should be coming through the gate at any moment.

Her eyes only turned away from the gate once she noticed someone come up to stand beside her. "Lord Warren, I'm surprised to see you're still in Camelot. The trouble has been solved, most of the guests have left by now." Arwen addressed the lord, surprised to find him still within Camelot's walls. And while her tone was polite, her mind screamed with hesitation as she remembered their last conversation.

"I am leaving today, my party is preparing for our departure. I merely wished to come speak with you one last time... Arwen." Lord Warren explained, this time stopping himself before he once called her a title that she continued to remind him was not one to be bestowed upon her.

"What about, my Lord?" Arwen questioned, wary of whatever he may have to say this time. However, she was in for a surprise as she listened to what he said next.

"I wished to apologize for my behaviour the previous night. I did not mean to unsettle you, it was mere ramblings of a tired man." Lord Warren said, his words seeming genuine enough for Arwen to believe in them.

"It is alright my lord, sometimes it is easy to over-share our opinions, no matter how improper they may be. I understand." Arwen said, after all, there had been many times when she herself spoke of both Pendragon men in way that would be quite frowned upon. She could not judge him for what she herself had done as well.

"You are a kind woman Arwen, I believe there is a great future ahead of you." The words that left Lord Warren's mouth made the red head let out a small laugh of amusement.

"Oh I doubt that, my Lord. And even if such a thing were to be true, I don't need some amazing future, it's not what I yearn." She stated honestly. It was true. She didn't seek glory or fame or riches, all she wanted was happiness. To be with her family, all of them safe and healthy, and to do the job she loved.

"Sometimes our destiny is inescapable, I believe yours may come knocking on your door one day." And yet Lord Warren seemed convinced in his belief. And had Arwen been paying more attention to his tone, perhaps she would have taken note of how it sounded as if he knew something she did not. "But I've come to learn that day is not today."

"Well, if we ever see each other again my lord, perhaps you can tell me when it'll be here then." Arwen joked light-heartedly, taking his words as mere attempts at flattery.

"I promise to do so. The next time we see each other. Until then, I hope life treats you kindly, my Lady." Lord Warren bid her farewell, his back bending just a bit. Arwen opened her mouth, ready to correct him once again, but she got no chance as his quick movements soon had him walking away from her.

Her green eyes watched him go, her brows furrowed just a bit as she struggled to understand the man. All that he said, all that he was trying to get across, sounded like completely impossible ramblings. She could not understand how he could so strongly believe in her destiny after knowing her for just a few days. With a shake of her head, Arwen turned back to the gate, choosing to push thought of Lord Warren and his far off tales to the back of her mind. After all, she doubted there to be much truth or reality in them. And only later would she learn just how wrong she was... Only once her great destiny came knocking on her door. Because that truly was, inevitable.

Chapter Text

That particular morning, free from her duties for just a bit, Arwen found herself sitting on a chair in Lady Morgana's chambers, sending Gwen a dubious look as she listened to her speak complete falsehoods.

"I think you're just exaggerating, he's not that bad." The handmaiden tried to defend the person in question, but Arwen only shook her head in denial. And during all of this Morgana could only watch her friends as the debate continued.

"You believe that just because you haven't been around him for almost fifteen years. My brother is the most dramatic idiot you'll ever meet." Arwen stood her ground, continuing on as many examples came to her mind. "You should have seen him when we were young and I was practising with my sword on him. One time I just gave his hand a small smack and he was instantly running to mother claiming I broke his hand."

"Did you?" Morgana chose this moment to interject, because while she did not doubt Merlin had his dramatic moments, she had been a witness to plenty of Arwen's own.

"I didn't break his hand, I just dislocated a finger." Arwen stated simply, a small shrug of her shoulders following her words while Gwen and Morgana burst out laughing.

"Poor Merlin, growing up with you." Morgana teased as her laughter slowed down enough for the raven haired woman to get the words out. Arwen turned to her, a small glare in her eyes, but before she could come up with a defence, a knock at the door interrupted their conversation.

Morgana gave out a call, allowing the guard to enter the room and address the lady. "My lady, pardon my interruption. I've been tasked with coming to inform you that the King is holding an audience and requests your presence. Yours as well Arwen." The guard announced and the three women shared a curious look amongst themselves.

Although, it wasn't uncommon for Arwen to be present on certain occasions, the curiosity within her still rose every time. And every time she wondered what new trouble was it that they were forced to face this time. As they walked through the corridors towards the throne room, Arwen couldn't help but play a game with herself as she debated what it would be this time and wondering why it could never be something pretty and happy.

"What do you think it's about?" Gwen questioned, unable to hold back her own curiosity. All that the guard had told them was that a villager has come to seek an audience. Many people did not yet know what it regarded.

"Perhaps someone's fallen ill? Or there is some kind of disease? It would explain why you've been specifically called for Arwen." Morgana suggested but Arwen instantly wished for that not to be the story. She really didn't want another deadly disease spreading through Camelot. The last was enough.

"Well whatever it is, I hope it's easily handled and over in no time. I don't want another magical issue we can't find a solution to for days." Arwen grumbled in distaste, the other two women nodding their heads in agreement. Nobody was eager to face yet another danger.

"I think that might be her, with Merlin and Arthur." Gwen said, her voice lowering, as they entered the throne room. Many of the council, and the King himself, had not yet arrived, leaving those who had scattered around as they waited.

Both Morgana and Arwen looked over to where the Prince and his manservant spoke with a woman who had her back turned to them. It was Merlin who noticed them first, and to their surprise, continued to specifically point out their arrival to the villager. For a moment, Arwen was confused, however, as the woman turned realization struck her.

Her eyes widened as noticed the familiar face and she gave no hesitation before running towards them. In that moment, Arwen didn't really care for what seemed proper etiquette when surrounded by lords, ladies and the Prince himself. All she felt was happiness as she realized her mother was there in Camelot.

"I've missed you so much." She exclaimed as soon as she found herself in her mother's arms, a wide smile on her face. She hadn't hugged her mother in so long, having missed the feeling of safety that Hunith's hugs always provided her with.

"And I you." Hunith replied as she squeezed her daughter's shoulders tightly. While the circumstances weren't ideal, Hunith was happy that coming to Camelot meant seeing her children once more after many long months.

"Why are you here? Are you-"Arwen started to question as she pulled out of the hug, her eyes starting to scan over her mother properly, but as they fell upon her face the words were cut short, her curiosity now replaced with flaming anger. "Who did that to you? What the bloody hell happened?" As she asked the last question, Arwen's eyes turned to Merlin and Arthur as if they'd have the answer. The fire within them made Arthur hold back a small wince.

While he himself had expected the woman to be angry once she saw her mother's face, he himself would be if something like that happened to someone he cared for, and he had even been warned by both Merlin and Hunith that Arwen's fire would come out in full force, seeing that anger on her usually kind face still managed to surprise the Prince.

"I'm alright my dear." Hunith tried to calm her daughter, but Arwen wasn't ready to just let it go. Even though in the back of her mind she began to suspect that whatever happened was why Hunith had come to speak with the King of Camelot, and as such, she'd discover the answer soon enough, she couldn't wait. Her anger burning hot within her she was ready to march back to Ealdor and make the person pay without even knowing who it was yet.

"A warlord and his men are terrorising the village." Merlin hesitantly told his sister the short version of it, knowing she'd soon her it fully, and he really didn't wish to be the messenger in this situation, even when he knew his sister wasn't really angry with him. But sometimes, when she didn't have a direct target for her anger, Arwen tended to take it out elsewhere.

"Arwen, they killed Dariol." Hunith broke the news, and Arwen could feel her heart sink. The man who had brought her to Ealdor in the first place. The one who had found her in the woods after the bandits attacked and protected her. The closest thing she had to a father. At the same time she felt her heart break while her anger steamed even more.

Luckily for all those around her, this time they didn't get a chance to see what her reaction would be. The conversations around them came to a sudden stop, making all aware of the arrival of the King. Followed by a set of guards, Uther made his way to the throne, all of the others taking their places within the room that was now quiet as they awaited the beginning of the audience.

About to walk to stand by his father's side, Arthur spared one last glance at the three members of the Ambrosius family. Arwen giving her mother's hand a squeeze before she was led away by Morgana and Gwen, Merlin going to stand by Gaius' side, and Hunith preparing herself to speak to the King and ask for help in the name of their village. And Arthur hoped with all of his being there was something they could do.

Once everyone was in their place, and the throne room was completely silent, Hunith took a moment to bow to the King in respect but was soon told to stand once more.

"What is it that brings you here?" Uther questioned, wanting to get the issue straight away and see how, if in any way, he could solve it.

And so Hunith's story begun. She told all about Kanen and his men, about their continuous attacks and their demands. His demand for them to give up their food and provisions, independent of what the villagers themselves needed. She told the King about their merciless treatment of those who dared stand up to them.

The more she listened, the more Arwen's anger bubbled. This was her village, each person within it a part of her family. They had taken her in and all treated her as a part of theirs. And hearing about the ruthless warlords terrorising her people, Arwen was fuming. Her fists were clenched tightly as she suppressed her commentary and held in her emotions, knowing right now was not the right time to display them. She felt Gwen's hand take hold of her own, providing silent support as they continued to listen.

"The winters are harsh in Ealdor, and there are many children. Some of them just won't be strong enough to survive. We barely have enough food as it is, and if Kanen takes our harvest, our children won't live to see another summer. Please, we need your help." Hunith pleaded with the King as her speech came to an end, many around her hoping Uther would be willing to help.

"Ealdor is in Cenred's kingdom. Your safety is his responsibility." Uther pointed out, knowing that while very close to the border, the village was not a part of Camelot and his own kingdom.

"We've appealed to our King, but he cares little for the outlying regions. You're our only hope." Hunith explained, and sadly Arwen was not surprised by the information. Throughout all her time in Ealdor, complaints about their King and his carelessness were frequently heard in all corners.

"I have the deepest sympathy for you and would have this barbarian wiped off the face of the earth." Uther's words spared hope within Arwen. If he sent help then taking care of Kanen and his men would be easy. It would mean Ealdor would be safe and its people able to survive.

"You'll help us?" Hunith's own hope shone through. Behind her Merlin and Arwen shared a look between themselves. They knew the King, and something within them told them it couldn't possibly be that easy. And it was only proven as Uther spoke again.

"I wish I could."

Arwen's face fell, disappointment written all across it. If Uther couldn't help them, if Camelot couldn't, then she saw little hope.

"Surely we can spare a few men?" Arthur questioned his father openly. He knew their assets and he knew sending a handful of men would be enough to take of the problem. It was well in their realm of possibility to do so.

"Resources are not the problem." Uther announced, and Arwen had to do her best to stop herself from questioning the King. It was not her place. And she did not know enough about politics and ruling, she wasn't the right one to do so. Luckily, she wasn't the only one who wanted to do it.

"Then what is?" Morgana's sharp voice sounded, making eyes turn to her. Uther too looked towards his ward as he started to explain his reasons. If he should have expected anyone questioning his decision, he knew it would be Morgana, always willing to help anyone in spite of the consequences it may lead to.

"Ealdor lies beyond the Ridge of Essetir. For an army of Camelot to enter it would be an act of war." Uther stated. Arwen couldn't help but wonder whether some kind of an agreement could be struck. After all, how could Cenred be angered by Camelot helping him solve a problem?

In one last act of pleading, Hunith dropped to her knees before the King. "I know you're a good king, a caring man. I'm begging you, help us, please." Arwen's vision blurred slightly as she watched her mother. This was Ealdor's last hope.

"The accord we've struck with Cenred was years in the making. I cannot risk hundreds of lives for the sake of one village. I'm afraid Camelot cannot help." It was Uther's final response, the tone of his voice making it clear there was nothing he could do.

Arwen felt the disappointment spread over her, her eyes moving down to the floor as she gave out a heavy sigh. There was nobody that was going to help them. Ealdor was on its own, forced to face a group of cruel raiders on their own. And while it all seemed more than hopeless, Arwen knew what she had to do. It wasn't a hard decision to make.

And so her back straightened, the path clear in her mind. She followed after Morgana who helped Hunith to her feet before starting to lead her out of the throne room, the audience evidently having reached its end. Arwen followed after them, not even bothering to spare one last glance towards the front of the room. If she had, perhaps she would have seen the regretful look within the Prince's eyes. But instead, her attention shifted elsewhere as she noticed Merlin fall into step beside her.

Arwen didn't hesitate in speaking up, her voice quiet as she did not yet want to worry her mother who surely needed some rest and relaxing before Arwen announced her intentions openly. But she knew she couldn't hold it back from her brother.

"Merlin, I'm-"She started to say, but as he looked down at her face, Merlin didn't even need her to finish. He knew where her mind was before he even approached her. His own taking him to the same decision.

"I know. Me too."

And with those simple words both had made up their mind. They were going back home. Back to Ealdor and leaving Camelot behind. This was more important than anything else. This was family.

The plan was made up. Everything was being organized. And they would ride out to Ealdor as soon as they could. Merlin had even gone to Gwen's to gather some weapons and armour while Arwen stayed back to pack provisions for the journey and whatever else they may need for their trip. And it didn't take too long. Some clothes were packed, blankets and cloaks for the cold night, and only one thing remained.

Arwen let her feet carry her over to the chest in her corner of the room. Atop it, in its usual place, lay her sheathed sword. So far, Arwen hadn't had much use of it during her time in Camelot. However, that didn't mean she didn't still take care of it. The blade made a sharp sound as she pulled it out of the sheath, checking whether it needed sharpening before fastening it around her waist.

"I wish you wouldn't be so eager to fight." The voice of her mother alerted Arwen to the fact that the woman had entered the room without her noticing. Spinning on her heel, Arwen sent her mother a look that clearly said she could not be talked out of this.

"You, and all of the people of Ealdor saved my life. What kind of person would it make me if I now left you to face this on your own?" She spoke in a determined voice. She couldn't sit back. She couldn't ignore it. No matter how dangerous going back may be.

"You have a future here Arwen, Gaius has already told me how good you're doing. You could make something of yourself." Hunith started, because despite her daughter's determination, she still had to try. "There are people who need you, how much you don't even know yet. This isn't what you're meant to do Arwen."

Arwen believed her mother's words to be those any mother would say in an attempt to protect her child. But right now, Arwen cared more about protecting her family, not herself. "I cannot stay here while both you and Merlin go. My place is with you two, with my family."

"My you've grown into such an amazing woman. I am so proud of you my darling." Hunith knew that once Arwen had her mind set, there was not much she, or anyone else could do to change it. She could only hope for the best outcome. For Arwen to be safe and for everything to turn out as it should. As has been planned.

"You rest up some more while I go collect the food and drink for the journey. I'll meet with you and Merlin when I'm done." Arwen announced, not wanting to leave any more chance for her mother to try and talk her out of going again. She was determined, yes, but she did not want to risk it getting between them as they headed off.

And so she headed out of the room, sending Gaius a small look as she passed by him in the Physician's Chambers. It was hard, telling him that she'd no longer be working for him. Although he demanded to call it a mere vacation, claiming she'd be back in no time. Arwen wished the optimism could be contagious, but at the moment, she accepted the uncertainty of the future. She knew being realistic was the best course, it would keep her mind clear and sharp; focused on the problem instead of fantasies they have not yet forged a path towards.

Heading towards the kitchens, Arwen had no intention of stopping. It would only delay them and their plan in the long run. However, as she saw a head of blonde hair moving beyond the corner she had passed, Arwen did come to a pause. Taking a few steps back, she called out, hoping he'd hear her. And he did, blue eyes rising from the ground to meet her green ones.

"I was hoping to see you before you go." Arthur announced as he approached where she stood, Arwen doing the same so that they could meet in the middle. For a moment she wondered how he knew they were leaving before her thoughts caught up.

"You've already spoken with Merlin." She said, not really posing it as a question and yet Arthur gave a small nod. "I hope Camelot will be able to survive without the two of us here." She joked, hoping to lift the mood as she looked at Arthur's sullen face.

"Without Merlin? I don't doubt it." Arthur gave out a small chuckle, but looking into his eyes gave Arwen a small window into what the Prince was truly feeling about all of this. He would miss Merlin. His next words, which Arwen admittedly found slightly surprising, it appeared he'd miss her too. "Without you... Wish us well."

"You'll be fine, I know you will." Arwen spoke in a reassuring tone, sending him a small smile. As she stood before him, Arwen realized that while she hadn't thought of it, she was lucky to have ran into him now. "Arthur, I just want to thank you, for everything you've done since we came to Camelot."

Arwen couldn't deny that they butted heads more often than not, but he had also helped, both of them, at times when they needed it the most. And that was what mattered. Thinking about all that had happened in these last months, Arwen realized that she'd miss Arthur too, maybe just a little.

"I'm sorry I cannot do more." Arthur admitted. It weighed on him, ever since the audience in the throne room, knowing that there was nothing he could do. He had even tried talking to his father after it, in an attempt to sway his mind, but Uther stood firmly by his decision.

"I may be angry with your father, but I also understand. Saving Ealdor that way now, would only result in it being plunged into the centre of a war later. I do not wish to know what may happen to my village then." Arwen stated, and it was the truth. As a bordering village, Ealdor would be one of the most affected should a war start between Camelot and Cenred's kingdom.

"And I just want you to know, your job will always be available if you decide to come back." Arthur added on, bringing the smile back to Arwen's face.

"Thank you." She said, looking back up into his eyes. It seemed as if there was nothing more to say, a silence falling over them as their eyes met. However, the silence was broken by the sound of a door slamming somewhere nearby.

"Well... I... Uh... I have to..." Arthur started to stumble over his words as he returned to reality, realizing that before they had run into each other he was bound for his chambers to go over some papers which needed tending to.

"As should I." Arwen agreed. She had lost enough time and still hadn't completed everything she needed to for their upcoming travels to begin. But before they both started to move, Arwen said one last thing. "Goodbye, Arthur."

"I'll see you soon, Arwen." Arthur, unable to say goodbye, a part of him knowing this certainly wasn't the last they were seeing of each other, chose a different set of words, making Arwen let out a small laugh before she turned away from him and walked off, leaving the Prince to do the same.

Walking through the halls of the palace, Arwen hoped that the words of all those who were saying they'd see each other again were true. Ealdor was her home, but in her time here, she had also grown to love Camelot, despite its constant trouble. And while she was determined to help and protect her village no matter the cost, a new determination sparked within Arwen simultaneously. She was determined to come back to Camelot as well once all was well again.

Her thoughts were broken as, for whatever reason she did not know, her attention was drawn to the sound of neighing horses. The sound came through one of the open windows, and Arwen took a short stop to look out into the street. However, once her eyes fell on the horses, a small frown overcame her face. She watched as Gwen and Morgana helped her brother saddle and prepare the horses to leave Camelot. Not three horses, as was the plan, but five. And the sight was what made Arwen turn away from her path towards the kitchen and head towards the stables instead.

"I'll kill them."

Arwen had protested, quite tirelessly too. However, nothing she said had any effect on either of the women determined to join Merlin and his sister as they went back to help their village. Morgana and Gwen were determined, and Arwen knew it was hard to fight against them when they got that way. She only hoped it wouldn’t cost them all.

“They shouldn't be here. Especially the Lady Morgana. Isn't she the King's ward?” Arwen heard her mother’s voice. Hunith and Merlin still sat by the fire, talking in hushed voices. But, unlike Morgana and Gwen, Arwen couldn’t sleep. And so instead, she listened to the sound of her mother’s voice.

“Not that you'd know it. She's the only person I know who isn't frightened of him.” Merlin said to his mother in a soft whisper. Arwen could easily overhear the admiration he had in his voice at the fact.

“It won't make any difference to Kanen that they're women.” Hunith, however, remained worried, her mind thinking of possible consequences which could rise from something happening to the beloved ward of Camelot’s King.

“I know. But we couldn't talk them out of coming.” Merlin explained, remembering walking up to his sister almost scolding the Lady and her maid by the stables once he was done with saying his goodbyes to Gaius.

“Arwen was the same. She wouldn’t hear it at the suggestion of staying behind.” Hunith said in a somewhat defeated voice, but Arwen still recognized the tone, knowing it came with the proud smile Hunith often reserved for her children.

“I could have told you that would happen and spared you the time.” Merlin gave out a small laugh before continuing. “You know how she is. She’ll never turn her back anyone in Ealdor. Not after everything.”

“I fear as much.” There was something in her mother’s voice, a soft note which made it seem she spoke of more than just her worry for the danger that waited ahead. But Arwen, laying on her side with her back turned, couldn’t see Hunith and Merlin’s faces. She couldn’t be sure if her brother had caught on to it too, but the longer he remained silent, Arwen understood that he wasn’t about to question it either way.

And he didn’t. “I want to make him pay for what he did to you.”

“Promise me you'll be careful. No one can find out about you.” Hunith’s voice went back to the worry it held before, and Arwen could entirely relate. Just as Merlin has said she herself wouldn’t abandon Ealdor in its time of need, she knew he wouldn’t either. But she worried of how far he may take it, and what it might lead to.

“They won't. They never do.” And his confidence in it only brought his sister more worry rather than relief.

“Get some rest.” Hunith did not argue with him on it, and instead, her words were followed by the sound of rustling leaves as she abandoned the fire and instead moved to her spot in their makeshift camp.

For a couple of moments, the only sounds anyone made were Gwen and Morgana’s soft breathing as they slept. And then her brother’s simple whisper. “Draca.” Arwen smiled, knowing the spell well by now, but her head still turned, glancing over her shoulder as she looked at the embers floating in front of Merlin’s face, shaped as a dragon. Arwen smiled and then turned back, closing her eyes and finally letting sleep consume her.

In the morning, Arwen woke to someone gently shaking her shoulder. For a moment she wanted to groan and grumble, thinking it was Merlin and they were still in their room back in Gaius’ chambers. However, as she shifted in her spot, Arwen felt the soft earth beneath her and remembered where she truly was. Eyes opening, she smiled at Gwen as the woman told her they were ready to pack up and continue on with their travels. Arwen didn’t have to be told twice, rising into a sitting position as Gwen went on to help Morgana pack up their things.

The first thing that caught Arwen’s attention was the blankets which covered her. She knew full well that when she went to sleep there was only one. Standing up, she started to fold the soft material as she looked around the camp, trying to locate who was missing one of their own so she could return it. But at first glance, she couldn’t guess who the owner was. And then she realized something else. Merlin packing up another sleeping spot, one that hadn’t been there the night before. There had been only five, now there were six. At least when she went to sleep.

“Pick up the pace, would you Merlin?” The scolding voice was unmistakable, its sound making Arwen’s head snap in the other direction. Her eyes widened in surprise as she watched the Prince of Camelot preparing the horses. As if he could feel her eyes on him, Arthur looked to her next. “You too, Arwen. We’ve got no time to waste.”

And he was right.

It wasn’t long before the whole group had their things packed and stored away, ready to start riding towards the village again. They mostly rode in silence, horses going as fast as possible without tiring them out. The journey was close to its end, and Arwen felt her emotions bubbling up inside of her as she started to recognize her surroundings. However, they still had a short time before reaching Ealdor, and Arwen used it to push her horse ahead, bringing it to ride beside Arthur’s.

“You came.” Some surprise still laced her tone as she spoke up, but it wasn’t posed as a question. Rather an observation. The gratitude could be seen on her face even before she had a chance to say the words to express it.

“Well, I couldn’t leave it to Merlin to protect the four of you.” Arthur tried to brush off what he knew was coming with a joke. And for a moment, it seemed to work.

“Who says we need a man to protect us?” She raised a questioning eyebrow at the prince, the look on her face somewhat challenging, but by the smile he could tell she wasn’t truly offended by the statement. And then it returned to its previous serious expression. “Thank you for coming, Arthur.”

Arthur’s blue eyes glanced towards her and he contained a heavy sigh threatening to escape him. He knew they were walking into  a fight which would be very hard to win. “Thank me when your village is safe again, and Kanen and his men gone.” Arthur didn’t want to give her too much hope, not yet.

Arwen nodded her head in acceptance before trying to change the subject. “Ealdor’s just beyond-” She was about to say how close they were to her childhood home, not only to Arthur, but all of their party. However, the sound of a scream in the distance cut her short.

None of them needed any other sign or instruction before speeding up their horses, Arwen and Arthur right at the front as they rushed out of the woods, Ealdor quickly coming into their sights. Kanen’s men could be seen as they stood in the village. From the distance Arwen could spot who she assumed to be Kanen himself, slamming the back of his weapon onto someone’s back. The sight reignited her fury, which only increased as she heard her mother’s gaps from behind.

“No, not Matthew.”

“Definitely not.” Arwen sounded furious as she mumbled to herself, urging her horse to go faster. She rushed past Arthur, drawing her sword as she made her way to the village.

The Prince was close behind her, but as he watched the scene in the village unfold, he could see Arwen would not reach the man in time to save him. And so he sprung into action, pulling out one of his daggers and throwing it at the man as he drew closer. It missed the man himself, but served well enough as a distraction as the two jumped down from their horses, swords engaging with the enemy as soon as they were on their feet.

At first, Arthur tried to watch her as they fought, but soon enough he realized she truly was right when she said she didn’t need someone to protect her. Arwen took down man after man, her sword slashing with ease and speed which he realized could rival some of his own men.

He focused on his own opponent while Arwen slashed at the man she was facing, bringing him to his knees within seconds and allowing herself to focus on another. For a moment, she let her eyes scan their group, watching Morgana who was handling herself perfectly well and Merlin who managed to rid himself of his own attacker. But then she spotted Arthur, one of the bandits headed right for him while his back was turned.

And without a thought Arwen rushed at him, her sword intercepting the bandit’s seconds before it could have cut Arthur’s back. She used his surprise to her advantage, pulling her sword away and slashing it at his stomach before he could even start his own attack or defend himself. As he fell to the ground, Arwen turned to look at Arthur, catching the shocked gleam in his eyes.

“You’re welcome.”

That certainly sobered him up, the surprise replaced with a small scowl. “I had that handled.” He grumbled, but the words only made Arwen let out a small laugh. But the mirth didn’t last long, Kanen’s voice breaking the small moment and making all eyes turn to him.

“You'll pay for this with your lives! All of you!” He threatened, enraged as he and his men pulled back, riding away from the village and leaving them in peace. For now.

Soon enough, people started coming out of their hiding spots, holding onto each other tightly as they took in both familiar and strange faces now standing among them. Arwen looked around, checking everyone over from a distance, searching for injuries but luckily she seemed to find none. All she was met was smiling faces and waves as people silently welcomed her back.

“Are you both alright?” Hunith questioned as she, along with Morgana and Gwen, walked up to Arthur and Arwen, all four checking each other over to make sure none were harmed during the attack. Arthur nodded his head in response, his own eyes scanning the village with a thoughtful look on his face.

 “Not a scratch on anyone, mother.” Arwen took one of her mother’s hands into her own, sending Hunith a reassuring smile. Her eyes turned to her side as another voice joined the conversation.

“Thank you, all of you. If you hadn’t come when you did…” Matthew hugged Hunith, welcoming her back to the village before turning to Arwen with a happy smile.

“You need not think of that now. We fought them off.” Arwen smiled back, about to question the man on how he was feeling after the beating he took, the physician in her coming out to replace the fighter now that the threat was gone.

However, before she could, Arthur ruined the reassuring moment. “For now, but they’ll be back. I need to speak to everyone.” The Prince’s eyes started to scan the crowd in search of someone in particular until he found him. “Merlin! Gather the villagers, I need to talk to them.”

“Yeah, in a minute. I'm just talking…” Merlin tried to protest for a moment, but Arthur wouldn’t have it, obviously on edge.

“Now, Merlin. There isn't much time.”

Arthur’s words made Arwen shake her head. She knew he was right, but he could at least give them a moment to reunite with everyone. She turned towards Merlin whose voice had come from behind her, sending him an apologetic look. Until she saw who he was standing with.

“Will!” She called his name happily, the widest smile yet spreading over her face as she abandoned the group she was standing with so she could rush at him. Arms wrapping around his neck, she laughed happily as he held her tight, her feet lifting off the ground for a moment.

Merlin hesitated for a moment, smiling as he watched the two before finally getting to work and gathering the villagers as Arthur said. It wasn’t too bad of a job considering it gave him a chance to say hello to everyone. What he didn’t notice, and neither did Arwen, too preoccupied with her reunion, was the inquisitive look on the faces of their friends from Camelot as they watched the hugging pair.

“It’s good to see you too, Spitfire.” Will said to Arwen as he finally released her, a thrilled smile on his face. “How’s Camelot been treating you? Already a revered physician?” He questioned eagerly.

“It’s been wonderful, and I’ll tell you all of it. But later, alright? Come on.” She promised, pulling on his arm and guiding him towards the crowd of villagers which had quickly massed together with Merlin’s help. It wasn’t  a big village after all.

As they joined the crowd, Arwen parted from Will, going to join her brother and the rest of the group at the front just as Arthur climbed up to stand on top of a crate so all could see and hear him as he spoke. “I know Kanen's kind. He'll be back. And when he is, you must be ready for him. First of all, we have to prepare for…”Arthur was soon interrupted.

“Am I the only one wondering who the hell this is?” It was Will’s voice that sounded from the crowd. He pushed his way to the font, eyes scanning over Arthur in a questioning manner before going to the faces of his two friends who seemed to loyally stand by the stranger’s side.

“I’m Prince Arthur of Camelot.” He made his introduction swift and easy, hoping to move on from it as quickly as possible.

“Yeah, and, er, I'm Prince William of Ealdor.” Will scoffed, entirely unimpressed with the title. The confusion was evident on Arthur’s face, not used to such a reaction, especially from those to whom he was offering aid. But those who knew Will weren’t as surprised as the Prince.

“Here we go.” Arwen heaved a sigh, shaking her head as she started to predict how this would go.

“Keep quiet! He’s here to help us.” It was Hunith who scolded Will. They didn’t need him putting doubt into the minds of the villagers. Not now when Arthur had the thrill of momentary victory to inspire hope within them.

“He’s made things worse.” Will did not agree with Hunith’s belief. “Kanen will be back, and when he is, he'll be looking for revenge. You've just signed our death warrants.”

“He saved Matthew’s life!” Arwen was the one to speak this time, squaring Will with an unimpressed look, hoping it would get him to shut up as it had many times in the past. She knew why he was so eager to see the worst of any royal, but now was not the time for it.

“That's alright, Arwen.” Arthur reassured her. He knew not all may be willing to rush into a fight, and he was willing to listen to all ideas. “This is his village. What would you have us do?”

“We can't fight against Kanen. He has too many men.” Will pointed out their bleak chances. All were aware of them, of course, but it felt different when someone blatantly points them out.

“So what's the alternative?” Arthur asked.

“Give him what he wants.” Will suggested, but to Arwen’s relief, his words were met with mostly disagreement. The people around them shook their heads in disapproval. They wanted this to end.

“Then what? Those of you who don't starve to death will face him again next harvest! And the harvest after that.” Arthur called out to the crowd, silencing their grumbles which rose after Will spoke. The worry on their faces as he spoke became clear.

“We’ll manage. We’ll survive.” Will tried to be reassuring, believing they could do it. They didn’t need some Prince in search of glory to rescue them. Once again, many questioned him.

“Will, you know this village as well as I. You won’t be able to produce enough to survive. Kanen’s demands will only increase as time passes if we don’t end this as soon as possible.” Arwen pointed out in a gentler tone than the rest of the villagers, hoping to make him see sense and stop arguing with Arthur simply because he disliked his title.

“The only way he can be stopped is if you stand up to him.” Arthur added on to Arwen’s words.

“No. You just want the honour and glory of battle! That's what drives men like you! Look, if you want to fight, then go home and risk the lives of your own people, not ours!” Will seemed to only grow more aggravated as both Arthur and Arwen shot down his ideas. And he wasn’t about to stick around for the rest of it.

“Will!” Merlin called out to his friend as he started to walk away, and with a light push from his sister, it wasn’t long before he followed after him. As the two walked away from the crowd, a short silence spread over them. One that was soon broken as Hunith spoke up.

“I'll follow you. If I'm to die, then I want to go out fighting.” She was the first to voice her support for Arthur, but it wasn’t long before people started joining in, all saying that they too were ready and willing to fight.

Arwen couldn’t hold back a small smile as she watched them. At first glance, the villagers may not seem like much. And while she knew rare few even knew how to hold a weapon, she was sure when it came to putting her faith in them. She had come to know their bravery from the moment she met them, and she knew it remained and grew since that time. She was proud to see it now too.

It wasn’t long before the crowd started to disperse after some more words from Arthur. And as they all started to head back to their homes, Hunith too as she insisted on preparing the home for all the people who’d be staying in it, the group from Camelot remained together for a little bit longer.

“I don’t think your friend likes me very much.” Arthur grumbled, a somewhat displeased look on his face as he looked in the direction in which Merlin and Will had left.

“Don’t fault him too much for it, please. Will’s got complicated feelings when it comes to royals.” Arwen explained shortly, not going into too much detail about Will or the story of what happened to his father.

“You seem to know him very well.” Gwen couldn’t help but comment, sending a curious look to Arwen. The red head couldn’t help the small smile that appeared on her face as she realized what Gwen was really asking.

“Had I chosen to stay here in Ealdor, he would have been my future.” Arwen said, once again choosing not to go into too much detail, and instead changing the subject as she offered to take them to the house.

But she remembered that time as it wasn’t too long ago. The night Merlin came home late after being out with Will. The way in which he excitedly spoke to his mother while he thought Arwen was asleep, telling Hunith about Will asking him for permission to ask for Arwen’s hand and the way Hunith was hesitant. And then shortly after, their mother suggested the siblings head off to Camelot.

Arwen didn’t understand it then, and she still had some trouble trying to grasp why her mother seemed to disapprove. But it was something she wouldn’t understand for some time still. Not until she discovered the truth.

The next morning when she woke, Arwen was reminded of just how much Camelot has been spoiling her. For as long as she could remember, she and Merlin had always slept on the floor in Ealdor, but she’d gotten so used to her bed in Camelot that she couldn’t ignore the soft aching of her body after a night back to how it was.

Luckily, Arwen had prepared for just that and after some quick work, she had prepared a potion of turmeric and cloves to ease the aching bones and paired it with some rosemary for an extra boost of energy. Arwen made sure there was enough to go around the group, knowing that some might even be in more need of it than she as they all prepared for the day ahead.

“Have you still not learned how to dress yourself?” Morgana’s question to Arthur had Arwen holding back a small laugh as she knelt on the ground to tie up the laces of her boots.

“You don’t have a dog and fetch the stick yourself.” Arthur said matter-of-factly, earning himself a subtle glare from the redhead. One that he didn’t notice as he continued to add. “No offence, Merlin.”

“None taken.” The manservant was, of course, more than used to Arthur and his off-handed comments that they no longer bothered him. Especially not at a time like this, when there was no reason for Arthur to be here and capable of making them, and yet he was.

“Prince Arthur, you didn’t finish your breakfast.” Hunith came forward, handing the bowl still full of food to the Prince with a kind smile on her face.

“Didn’t I?” Arthur pretended to be surprised as he took the bowl, but from the look on his face it was clear he had no wish to eat any more of it.

“Come on, eat up.” Morgana taunted, able to read the look on the Prince’s face just as well as Arwen could. However, while the Ward taunted him, Arwen stood in her spot and walked to the door with quick steps, wanting to get out of the house before Arthur did something even more stupid and she snapped at him.

“I’ll go start gathering the people.” She announced, walking past Arthur and rolling her eyes at the poor act of pretending to eat and enjoy the food as she made her way out into the village.

However, she did not manage to get far before she found herself surrounded. With everything going on the day before, Gwen hadn’t had much time to properly say hello to everyone she wanted to. And some seemed to have taken it upon themselves, growing impatient. But then again, at their age it was hard to have much patience.

“Wen, you didn’t come say hi last night.” Arwen’s eyes instantly glanced down to the little girl, her blonde hair tied up in two small pigtails and her brown eyes staring up at the Ambrosius woman until she knelt down to be level with her.

“I am so sorry, Maris, but I promise to make it up to you, alright? How about tonight I come by and tell you a story, like I used to before?” Arwen smiled at the five year old girl that she often took care of while her parents found themselves too busy with working in the fields.

“Can we come too? We’ve missed your stories.” Two more children came up, the sight of Arwen kneeling down with Maris basically an invitation for more to come, Johanna and Taryn. Of course, Arwen wouldn’t have said no to any of the children, but especially not to Dariol’s twins.

“Of course, my sweets. It’ll be just like old times.” Arwen said, gently brushing some of Taryn’s messy hair out of her face. She could see the sadness in their eyes, and wished there was something she could do. However, before any of them had a chance to say anything, a soft cough interrupted them. Looking up, Arwen’s eyes met with Arthur’s, unsure of how long he’d been standing there and watching her interact with the children.

“Go on, I’ll come find you later, alright?” Arwen instructed the children gently as she rose to her feet, ready to see what the Prince needed. At a time like this, she knew it was unwise to let the children stay around to hear it.  She watched them run off for a moment before turning back to Arthur.

“They really love you here, don’t they?” Arthur observed, watching the children go for a moment longer than she, and nearly missing the fond smile that appeared on Arwen’s face at his words. “Are they alright? The twins, they seemed… Sad?” Arthur questioned as he and Arwen started to move through the village to tell the men where to gather so they could begin training.

“They just lost their father.” Arwen’s smile was replaced with a sad expression of her own as she was reminded of the man and his passing. She was hopeful that no one else in Ealdor would lose their lives to Kanen. But she knew that was something she couldn’t ensure.

“The man Kanen killed.” Arthur’s words weren’t a question, he connected the pieces on his own. “You were close with him?”

“Before I came to Ealdor I was travelling with a woman who took care of me. We moved around a lot and when I was four we were on our way to one of the bigger cities in the Kingdom, passing through the woods nearby when we were attacked by bandits.” Arwen started to tell him the story of how she came to live in Camelot, unsure of how much Merlin may have already told him on his own.

“Dariol, Matthew, and a handful of other men were out hunting in the woods when they heard the struggle. They may not be fighters, but their numbers were larger than the bandits’ and they managed to scare them off.” Arthur didn’t interrupt Arwen as she spoke, instead, he focused on picking up wood and items they could use for training, Arwen doing the same. So far, he could understand Arwen’s need to protect the people of the village coming as a result of it being her childhood home, but as he listened to her speak, he could see it was about so much more.

“However, by the time they came, it was too late for my guardian. She was dead, killed by the bandits. I was so scared, and I knew that without her I couldn’t continue on my own. Dariol was the first to approach me, to comfort me. They managed to convince me to let them take me to Ealdor where I’d be safe.” Arwen’s face shaped into a small smile as she thought back to the kindness of the people as they welcomed her. “And that’s where I stayed for nearly fifteen years.”

“I’m sorry for what happened.” Arthur couldn’t think of what else to say. He couldn’t imagine being that young and scared, thinking you’re all alone. For a moment, he wanted to ask about Arwen’s parents, but as she sent him a happy smile, he chose not to. He didn’t want bringing up any further bad memories, not when she was smiling at him like that.

“I’m not. Yes, it was hard at the time, but my life… I wouldn’t change it for the world. Merlin, Hunith, all of Ealdor, they’re my family.” Arwen said. And while the veiled message wasn’t intended to be there, Arthur knew Arwen well enough to be able to read it. Arwen would do anything to protect her family.

“So, tell me,” Arthur spoke up after a couple of moments passed in silence, his tone much more upbeat this time. “Who was it that taught you how to fight?” He asked. Knowing that Arwen was only four when she arrived to Ealdor, Arthur suspected it was someone from the village. And after having seen Arwen fight, he hoped he could seek help in training the rest of the men from the person who trained her.

However, what he wasn’t expecting was Arwen to laugh at the question. The reaction elicited a small frown from him, but before he could ask what was it that she found funny, Arwen explained on her own. “Nobody, my lord. I trained myself.” She revealed.

For a moment the Prince was once again surprised, but quickly he recovered and spoke. “Then it is you I’m looking for. I could use your help in training the men, if you would be willing?” He asked, and luckily didn’t have to request any further before Arwen nodded her head in acceptance.

“Let’s get to it then. We have a long road ahead, and not nearly enough time.”

The men of the village all trained long into the day, heeding every suggestion and example provided by Arthur and Arwen, any piece of advice either of the two could give. And they made quite a team of teachers. However, all felt some relief when Arthur finally decided it was time for a break. Many of the women, who had spent their day preparing the village and the weapons, came to join them out in the fields where they’d been training, bringing food with them.

“Harry might be clumsy with a sword, but he’s a good archer, as are Alwyn and Frederick. We could use that to our advantage.” Arwen spoke as she and Arthur distanced themselves from the rest of the men, both worried at the slow progression they were making.

“We could post them on the roofs. Even taking down a handful of men before they truly reach the village could be helpful.” Arthur agreed with her suggestion. Throughout the day, he found Arwen’s help much more valuable than he’d expected it to be. Not only did she make for a good teacher, but she also knew the people. She knew what their strengths and weaknesses were, and had good suggestions on how to help them.

“Looks like the battle's already fought and lost.” Morgana’s voice sounded as she and Gwen approached the two, having been watching the training from afar as they themselves worked.

“They'll toughen up.” Arthur chose to maintain some hope, glancing towards the exhausted men as he poured himself some water. Odds were against them, but giving up hope would only make it worse. Especially if the people sensed it.

“They’ll have to.” Gwen didn’t seem to have as much faith.

“They’re already strong. They just need to learn how to use it.” Arwen said, showing just how much she believed in her people.

“How are we doing for weapons?” Arthur changed the course of the conversation, eyes turning back to the working station where Gwen and Morgana had been sharpening any blade they could get their hands on.

“There isn't much, but we should be able to scrape together what you need.” Morgana nodded her head. She knew the weapons wouldn’t be the problem, and that became even more evident as she and Gwen shared a look between themselves.

“It's not the weapons that worry us. It's having enough people to use them.” It was Gwen who brought up what was on the minds of both women. “We think the women should be allowed to fight.”Arwen started to nod her head in agreement. The thought had occurred to her already, as well, but she hadn’t brought it up yet.

“You haven’t enough men. If they were trained soldiers, maybe you’d stand a chance. But they’re not.” Morgana spoke in a gentle tone, hoping to convince Arthur that it was a good idea.

But it seemed to yield no result. “It’s too dangerous.” Arthur said simply before turning back, leaving no room for further discussion as he called the men back to action. The three women watched him go, sharing disappointed looks between themselves.

“I’ll try to make him change his mind.” Arwen promised the two before she too picked up her sword and went to rejoin the training. She knew there was strength in numbers, and if the women were willing to join them, perhaps it could turn the tide. She hoped it would.

Arwen returned home late the night before, having spent much of her night moving between the houses in the village, providing people with medicine, potions and ointments to ease their aching muscles after a hard day of training they weren’t used to. But that did not deter her or make her incapable of working the morning after. While Arthur and Merlin worked on devising a plan with the men, she’d joined the women as they prepared more weapons.

They worked in silence for the most part. And that is what made the scream which spread through the village that much more deafening. Arwen instantly dropped the dagger which she’d been working on, not caring as it fell to the ground. Her legs carried her to its source, speeding up even more if it were possible as she heard Arthur call out her name.

She rushed onto the scene just in time to see two men lowering a body from a horse, an arrow sticking out of his back. It wasn’t hard to conclude who it was and why she’d been called specifically. Arwen ran over, dropping to her knees by Matthew’s side, her eyes quickly scanning the arrow in his back. She noticed the note attached to it, but it wasn’t her priority. Her hands grabbed for his wrist, looking for a heartbeat. But as she looked into his eyes, still wide with the fear he’d experienced in his last moments, Arwen knew she wouldn’t find one.

She leaned back, releasing his wrist as her shoulders sagged in defeat. It was enough sign to those who looked on from behind her. She couldn’t turn towards them, her own eyes pooling with tears as she took in his face again. Arwen couldn’t bare the look in his eyes, forcing herself to bring her hands up and close them.

“What does it say?” It was only as the question was posed did Arwen notice Arthur kneeling opposite of her, reading the note which had been notched on the arrow.

“Make the most of this day, it will be your last.” Arthur read the words aloud, his tone grave and low.

“Matthew! No!” The screams of Matthew’s wife as she pushed her way through the crowd were unmistakable.

Arwen was quick to stand as the woman appeared, moving to Arthur’s side as Alina took her place, her wails piercing through the air. Arwen covered her mouth, holding back as sob as she watched the scene, wishing there was something she could have done. It was her and Arthur who’d chosen Matthew to be a lookout, and now he was dead.

She felt a hand settle on her shoulder, Arthur providing a small sense of comfort as he remained by her side. But before he could say anything, not that he even knew what he could say, another voice sounded from the crowd.

“You did this! Look what you've done! You've killed him!” Will called out in anger, pushing his way through the gathered crowd, an accusatory look directed straight at Arthur.

“It wasn't his fault.” Merlin tried to calm his friend, but Will, just as the rest of them, felt the loss and it clouded his judgement.

“If he hadn't been strutting around, treating us like his own personal army, this would never have happened!” Will continued to place the blame on the Prince, and it made Arwen want to speak out, make it clear that if anyone wanted to blame Arthur she bore as much of it as he. But the Prince spoke before she could.

“These men are brave enough to fight for what they believe in, even if you aren't!”

“You're sending them to their graves! You killed one man. How many more need to die before you realise this a battle that can't be won? When Kanen comes, you haven't got a chance. You're gonna be slaughtered.” Will accused.

Looking up at Arthur’s face, Arwen could see that, even though he was trying to hide it, the words were getting to him. She let her hand reach up, settling on Arthur’s own which still held on to her shoulder. A silent comfort.

By the time night fell, most of the villagers had gathered in the common building. They were all shaken and scared, but none seemed to want to give up. If Matthew’s death proved anything it was they they needed to fight. Because this couldn’t continue.

“Tomorrow morning, the women and children should gather what belongings they can carry and go to the woods.” Arthur walked among them as he spoke, the final pieces of the plan starting to form in the wake of tomorrow’s oncoming threat.

“We’re not going anywhere.” Arwen had made no headway with Arthur on the matter, despite how hard she tried. But Gwen wasn’t about to just take it. While she was the one who spoke out, it was obvious many of the women in the room would be just as ferocious in standing their ground.

“I know you want to help, but the women can’t stay here. It’s too dangerous.” Arthur tried to reason again, believing he was right, but he was fighting a losing battle. That much was quickly becoming clear.

“The women have as much right to fight for their lives as the men do.” Gwen pointed out.

“None of you know how to fight.” Arthur didn’t want to put any more lives at risk than he had to.

“Have you learned nothing from the story I told you?” This time it was Arwen who spoke, stepping up to stand next to Gwen as all eyes turned to her. “There is strength in numbers, one that is just as important as everything else. We already have a good plan, and with all of us together, it can work even better.”

As Arwen spoke, the rest of the women started to step forward, showing they wanted this just as much as the two who spoke on their behalf. Arthur’s blue eyes looked around the room, taking in the determined faces of each man and woman. And seeing them, he made his decision.

“This is your home. If you want to fight to defend it, that's your choice. I'd be honoured to stand alongside you.” He finally said, addressing every woman in the room until his eyes settled on Arwen, watching her as she gave him a small smile, nodding her head in approval.

And then Arthur continued. “Kanen attacks tomorrow. Kanen's brutal. He fights only to kill, which is why he will never defeat us. Look around. In this circle, we're all equals. You're not fighting because someone's ordering you to, you're fighting for so much more than that. You fight for your homes. You fight for your family. You fight for your friends. You fight for the right to grow crops in peace.” As he spoke, his voice continued to grow more confident and the effect it was having was evident. Hope started to blossom on the faces of the villagers, belief that they could truly do this and win.

“And if you fall, you fall fighting for the noblest of causes: fighting for your very right to survive! And when you're old and grey, you'll look back on this day, and you'll know you earned the right to live every day in between! So you fight! For your family! For your friends! For Ealdor!”

“For Ealdor!” The rest of the people stood, chanting the words together, the unison of voices booming through the building.

For a moment, Arwen remained silent, watching the Prince with a new look in her eyes that he was unable to catch due to the people obscuring his view. There were many times before where Arwen started to believe he would make a good King. That he wouldn’t be like his father.

But it was in that moment that it wasn’t just a passing thought or a belief that she couldn’t be sure of. It was in that moment that she knew it for certain. As he stood among them, a Prince in a Kingdom that was not his own, defending a village and the people to whom he owed nothing. Arthur Pendragon would one day make a great King, and Arwen wasn’t going to let anyone try and tell her otherwise.

Arwen lay in a grassy field, eyes staring up at the sky and the stars littered throughout it. She could feel the cold night air creeping over her, but she didn’t care for it too much. Instead, she focused on her small moment of peace. In the days since their arrival, everyone had been so busy, so focused, that she hadn’t had much time to appreciate being back home.

“You shouldn’t be out here. It’s not safe.” The familiar voice had a small smile appearing on Arwen’s face. She shouldn’t be surprised by his presence, after all, before she left Ealdor, the two often liked to sneak away to this exact field.

“I was wondering if I’d see you again. Merlin said you’re leaving?” Arwen rose into a sitting position, green eyes turning towards Will with a questioning look.

“I am.” Will announced, trying to sound confident, but she easily caught the sliver of doubt spreading across his face as he said it. Either way, Arwen wasn’t about to try and talk him out of it. They’d given everyone equal chance to fight, or to leave. It was Will’s choice on which he wanted to do.

She could see his face, the look telling her he wanted to ask something else of her. And she knew what it would be. He had the same look on his face when she told him she was leaving for Camelot. He wanted to ask her to leave with him. “You know the answer.” She told him, sparing them both the possibility of the question being posed.

“You really think you can do this?” Will asked in disbelief, moving over to sit next to her in the grass. Arwen looked away from his face, eyes turning back to the sky as she spoke.

“I know we can.” Arwen said firmly. She believed in their chances. Now was not the time to give up, not before the battle’s even begun. Giving up hope would be the first thing to lead to their downfall.

“You trust him that much? His plan?” Will asked, having a hard time grasping the faith his friends seemed to put in the Prince of Camelot. Will couldn’t understand it, not at all.

“He didn’t make the plan alone.” Arwen reminded. She knew Will’s anger with any royal clouded his mind and made it easy for him to put blame on Arthur for whatever may go wrong, thinking he didn’t care for any of their lives.

“And he just let you? A low-born helping him make decisions about battle?” Will asked in surprise. He, of course, knew Arwen had been helping train the men, but that part wasn’t too unbelievable. They did not only trust her, but all from the village knew she was the best fighter among them.

“Arthur isn’t like other royals. I know it’s easy to believe he is. At first, so did I.” Arwen explained. “When my mother came to seek an audience with the King, Uther said no to sending us aid. But Arthur still came, knowing the danger that awaits him here, and knowing the wrath of his father he’d be facing upon our return home. But he still chose to do what he thought was right. Not for glory, not for fame or gratitude, but for us; Merlin and myself.”

Arwen knew that if anyone said it in front of him, or asked, Arthur would deny it. But she also knew this wasn’t the first time someone had come to Uther for aid he could not afford to give. Before, Arthur would have respected his father’s wishes, but this time… He came.

“I should head back before anyone starts to worry about where I am.” Arwen finally spoke after receiving no reply from Will to her words. She knew he still might not believe her, but also she knew that she couldn’t convince him to change his mind if he didn’t want to. “I hope I get to see you again some day, Will.” She said, placing a soft kiss on his cheek before she rose to her feet and walked away, leaving him sitting in the field alone.

Walking through the village, Arwen could see many of the houses still had their candles lit and light spreading through them. People were spending what may be their last nights, surrounded by family and friends, soaking in any moment they could together.

Coming up to the home where they’d all been staying, Arwen spotted Arthur, Gwen and Morgana, sitting outside as they ate their dinner. Even Arthur seemed to be cleaning out his bowl without hesitation this time. Arwen sent the three a small smile, but did not linger. Instead, she made her way inside, finding her brother and mother sitting together as they spoke.

“Come, join us my sweet.” Hunith spoke to her daughter softly, a hand extending towards Arwen and pulling her down in the seat on her other side once Arwen took it. “I am so proud of the people you’re both becoming.”

“Don’t worry, mother. Everything will go well tomorrow, you’ll see.” Arwen wasn’t ready to sit here and start saying goodbye as she thought her mother was about to. She wouldn’t lose either one of them tomorrow, she wouldn’t let it happen.

“I believe that too, but we can’t know for sure.” Hunith said softly, catching her son’s face as he glanced down to the ground.

Merlin hadn’t mentioned anything to Arwen about his intention to use magic tomorrow if necessary. He knew she’d just worry too much about him to focus on the fight, and he didn’t want to put her in danger of that.

“But if anything happens, there’s something I need you to know, Arwen. Something I never told you before.” Now this had Merlin looking up, confused by what his mother might have to say. He glanced at Arwen, only to find her peaceful and understanding, not at all curious.

“I know about the letter.” His sister said. Hunith’s eyes widened in surprise, thinking Arwen already knew of its contents too. “There was a time when Gaius thought he might be leaving Camelot and wasn’t sure when he’d come back.” Arwen started to explain, simplifying the story of Gaius’ firing and the complications which led to it. “He gave me the letter then, but I didn’t read it. And when he stayed, I gave it back to him. So he can give it to me as you two planned.”

Merlin couldn’t deny that he was somewhat disappointed at that. He was curious to know what his mother had to say, what she possibly could have been hiding, but Arwen obviously didn’t think it mattered. And for the life of him, he couldn’t understand why.

“Promise me you’ll be safe tomorrow. There are so many people out there who still need you.” Hunith asked of her daughter before her eyes turned to Merlin too. “I need you both to promise it.”

Arwen and Merlin shared a look between themselves. They both knew neither could plan for what’s to come, but they also knew they had each other, and they’d do anything to keep one another safe. “We promise.” He finally said. And he meant it, more than Arwen could know.

Arwen stood in a line of people, all waiting to take their positions once word of Kanen’s mean approaching reached them. They were all ready as Arthur made their way by them, shaking their hands one last time and sharing a couple of reassuring words with some before he came to a stop in front of Gwen.

“Are you frightened?” He asked as the two shook hands.

“Not in the slightest.” Gwen breathed out, and she didn’t sound doubtful of the words in any way. Arthur gave her a small nod, Gwen taking it as a sign to go to her post. As she walked away the Prince turned to the Ambrosius siblings who were last in line.

“Lead the way, Sire.” Arwen told him, a determined spark in her eyes as her hand held her sword tightly. She was ready for the fight, any who looked could see it. And it was obvious the villagers drew their own strength from her confidence. She was one of them, if she was ready, so were they.

Arthur nodded his head, clapping Merlin on the shoulder and motioning him forward, signalling to the rest to follow after them as they made their way to their hiding spot. All the traps were set, everyone was in place, and now all they needed to do was wait.

And they didn’t have to do so long. Kanen and his men breached the tree line in full force, riding on their horses straight for the village as Kanen yelled out an angry battle cry. But none of the villagers moved as the riders made their way into the village.

“Hold.” Arthur instructed, eyes peeled to the horses as they all piled into the muddied streets. Their attack was perfectly timed, they couldn’t be rash with it. “No one moves until I give the signal.” He said as more and more of Kanen’s men started to look through the streets, in search of the people they thought were hiding from them in fear.

Arthur repeated his instructions a couple of times more, ensuring no one gave away their position too soon. Even as Kanen taunted for them to come out, none did so. They waited. And then things started to shift. The man-made gate was pulled up, blocking Kanen’s way out of the village. Just as the fire was supposed to, planned to follow the gate. But nothing happened.

“Now, Morgana. What are you waiting for?” Arthur questioned, getting more anxious as time passed and nothing happened. “Something’s gone wrong.” He concluded, and it was enough for Merlin to leave Arwen’s side, her green eyes watching him go as he rushed off to help Morgana. Arthur tried to call out to him, to get him to stop, but Merlin was too fast, and they couldn’t risk running after him and exposing their position.

Arwen bit her lip, holding her breath as she listened to Kanen give an order to kill Merlin as soon as he’d been spotted. She couldn’t see Merlin, but by the sounds of running, it was easy to assume Kanen’s men were still after him. She could only hope he reached Morgana in time.

But she couldn’t know that, not until the fire started to spread, forming a line which blocked the path of their enemies, leaving them to go in only one other direction. Towards the men and women lying in wait.

“Now!”

Arthur’s call came fierce and loud, able to be heard by all. And none hesitated. The people rushed out of their hiding spots, fearlessly charging at Kanen and his men. Some grouped together, bringing riders down from the horses while others fought those on the ground. Sounds of battle cries filled the village along with those of clashing swords.

Arwen swung her sword through the air, blocking a blow aimed at her by one of the men. She didn’t focus on defensive moves for much longer, but rather attacking him with her own blows which he tried to block. But he was only left surprised as the woman didn’t relent, not until she delivered the final blow.

With a moment to spare, Arwen’s eyes glanced around the fight, eyes glancing at her friends to ensure they were all alright. Many of the people were fighting with weapons fashioned from wood. With the women joining the fight weapons were scarce, more so than the initial plan was.

“Pick up the swords from the fallen! Use them!” Arwen called out to those closest to her, knowing they’d stand a much better chance with blades rather than wooden spears.

Her call brought her to the attention of more opponents, and it wasn’t long before Arwen was facing a pair of Kanen’s men, forced to fight on two sides. It made it harder, but nothing she couldn’t handle. She spun on her heel, avoiding a blow from one of them and defending from the other, the action making her lose focus for a moment as she saw a man charging at Morgana while she was unaware.

The men used her momentary distraction, forcing Arwen to return to her own fight, bringing her sword up to block both of theirs. The force of the blow made her waver for a moment before she used all of her strength to push them back. And the momentum of that went to her advantage, giving her time to duck down as they tried to slash at her again.

Her own sword attacked from below while they aimed high, slashing along the stomach of one of the men while her other reached for a dagger hanging off his waist. She ignored the sting in her arm as one of their swords came across it. Instead, he eyes focused elsewhere.

Her aim had never been perfect when throwing daggers, but she knew she was still close enough as she aimed at her mark instantly. While the dagger was meant for his chest, it embedded itself in the man’s thigh. But the scream of pain as his leg buckled was enough to make Morgana aware of the danger at her back, allowing Arwen to return to the single opponent she now faced.

And then a sudden wind started to pick up. It’s force was enough to make Arwen believe it could blow her away as both she and the man before her were distracted from their fight as they tried to regain their footing. However, she was the first to manage. And she didn’t waste the opportunity. Her sword stabbed at the man, unable to protect himself as he fought against the wind, he was down in an instant.

“Keep fighting!” She yelled out, voice reaching over the harsh wind and reaching the people of the village who, just like her, started to use it to their advantage. The battle was starting to turn in their favour, Kanen’s men flailing around as they tried to fight back but couldn’t. Not when facing against both people and nature.

But Arwen herself knew enough about nature to know these winds weren’t its product. They were something else. Her eyes scanned over the people, searching for the face of her brother in particular. And then she spotted him, and the man standing beside him. The sight of Will joining the fight, wearing his fathers armour, would have brought a smile to Arwen’s face. Had she not spotted who was behind them, watching them and the small blizzard of wind at their feet.

And by the look on Arthur’s face, it was easy to assume Arwen wasn’t the only one aware of the fact that the wind wasn’t a natural occurrence. Unsure of what would happen, Arwen started to make her way over, ready to fight as many men who may try to intercept her. However, she soon discovered it wouldn’t be necessary. Those of Kanen’s men who weren’t already defeated, did not stick around to meet the end of a blade intended for them. Instead, many started to retreat, running for the safety of the woods and leaving the villagers to rejoice in their victory as they ran them out.

Arwen quickly reached Merlin’s side, grabbing hold of his arm and making him aware of her presence as he looked over at her with a happy smile. But then he took note of the concern on her face. He feared what it may mean, but before he could question her on it, a call from behind them had Merlin, Arwen and Will turning around to look at Kanen as he made his way for Arthur. Who’d been standing right there, with them in full view. Now Merlin understood his sister’s concern.

But it was pushed to the back of their minds as they watched Arthur engage Kanen in a battle of their own. The two fought, and Kanen was merciless in his attacks. On more than one occasion, he managed to deliver a blow which made Arthur stumble back. While she winced with each, Arwen still knew it would take much more to defeat the Prince. And she was right. It wasn’t long before Arthur managed to stab his sword through Kanen’s chest, bringing the man to the ground as he endured defeat.

“Who did that?” Arthur stalked towards the trio. With Kanen’s momentary distraction handled, Arthur was once again focused on what he’d seen, the anger burning behind his eyes as he looked at Merlin and Will.

“What?” Merlin tried to play dumb, but Arthur wasn’t believing it for a second.

“Wind like that doesn't just appear from nowhere. I know magic when I see it. One of you made that happen.” Arthur accused as he came to stand in front of them, analysing their faces as he tried to deduce which one it was.

Seeing her brother’s face, realizing he was about to speak up, Arwen pinched Merlin’s hand, making him shut up as she spoke instead. “Arthur, I-” However, she was instantly silenced by a pointed look he sent her, rendering her quiet for a moment.

Arthur had seen Arwen too, knowing where she was throughout the battle and it was not nearly close enough for the magic to be her doing. He wasn’t about to let her try and claim the blame as he thought she was planning.

Before Arwen’s courage returned and prompted her to speak up again, it was Will who jumped forward, pushing Arthur aside as he called out a warning. He’d been the  only one to see Kanen move as he lifted a crossbow, as he pointed it at Arthur and let the bolt fly. Will reacted just in time to push Arthur to the side, but not to save himself as well.

“Will!” Merlin screamed out in a panic as blood started to pool at Will’s chest, the bolt sticking out of it much too close to his heart. His knees gave out beneath him, Arwen and Merlin working together to catch him and lower him to the ground gently.

“You saved my life.” Arthur muttered in surprise as he knelt down with them.

“Yeah, don’t know what I was thinking.” Will struggled to speak, grunting in pain, his hand clutching on to Arwen’s.

“Shhh, don’t speak.” Arwen instructed him, looking over at the people gathering around them with worried looks on their faces. “Get him inside! Now!” She called out to them, stepping away so the men could carry Will into one of the houses. “Careful with the bolt, don’t let it move!” The redhead instructed sharply as she followed after them.

As soon as he was placed on the table, the men cleared away, making space for Arwen as she rushed over, hands going to Will’s chest as she started to evaluate the damage.

“That's twice I've saved you.” Will grunted out, his eyes moving away from Arwen’s focused face as he turned to Arthur instead. He know how this would go even before Arwen did, her hope remaining in her for a few moments more. Before she too realized there was nothing she could do to stop this.

“Twice?” Arthur asked in a confused manner.

“Yeah, it was me. I'm the one that used the magic.” Will spoke out, his breath coming out in laboured pants as he took the blame Arthur had been so eager to place. Merlin tried to protest, but with one glance at Arwen’s teary eyes, Will knew this was the right thing to do.

“It's alright, Merlin. I won't be alive long enough for anyone to do anything to me. No need to sugar-coat it, Spitfire.” Will’s words had both men standing by his sides turning to Arwen, wanting to see if she thought the same. And by the sadness on her face, it was clear she did as Will continued. “I did it. I saw how desperate things were becoming and I had to do something.”

“You're a sorcerer?” Arthur asked in disbelief. He was too focused on Will to notice the looks passing amongst the members of the Ambrosius family, all knowing Will was lying to protect one of them instead.

“Yeah. What are you gonna do? Kill me?” Will tried to laugh, but grabbed on to Arwen’s hand as it only brought him more pain. Arwen returned the grip, wishing there was something she could do to prevent this, but there wasn’t enough time.

“No. Of course not.” Arthur denied. The surprise was still in his eyes, paired with a trace of confusion, but he knew it didn’t matter. Not anymore. “Do what you can for him.” He said to Merlin and Arwen, giving Will’s shoulder a last squeeze before he started to make his way out of the house, Morgana, Gwen and Hunith following after him, leaving the three childhood friends to say goodbye.

“I was right about him. I told you he was going to get me killed.” Will continued to joke, trying to ease the situation and ignore his own pain, but it was impossible not to see it.

“You're not going to die.” Merlin tried to comfort his friend as he leaned over him, but all three of them knew it was a lie. There was nothing anyone could do. Nothing at all…

“You're a good man, Merlin. A great man. And one day, you're going to be servant to a great king. Now you can still make that happen.” Will said, making sure Merlin would know he did not regret his decision. Merlin’s future was important to him, and Will was happy to know his final act would ensure it can continue.

“Thanks to you.” Merlin whispered.

Will’s face turned towards Arwen who stood on his other side, her hand still holding on to him tightly as tears started to stream down her face long ago. “It’s a good thing you left. I know that now. You became even more amazing in the time you’ve been gone.”

Arwen gave out a sad laugh at that as she brushed some of the hair out of his face gently. “It would have been amazing if I stayed too.” She said, and meant it too. Maybe her life wouldn’t have been as exciting or full of adventure if she hadn’t left Ealdor, but she knew she’d have been happy if she stayed too. Stayed with him.

“This place has been boring without you. It was good to see you both again.” Will admitted, looking between the faces of the siblings, thinking back to all the trouble they got up to together while they were children.

“Yeah, you too.” Merlin smiled sadly at his friend.

“Merlin, Wen, I'm scared.” Will grunted out, the jokes and smiles slipping away as the pain continued to increase, his contorting as his body shook. The words made Gwen choke back a sob.

“Don't be. It's going to be alright.” Merlin tried to comfort his friend.

“We’re here with you, and we’re not going anywhere.” Arwen whispered gently, giving Will a sad smile that barely found its way onto her face. But it was still her smile, and it was the last thing he’d see as his body relaxed, giving out its last breath before he stopped moving. Eyes staring off into the distance, looking at nothing.

With him gone, Arwen finally let her sobs come out. It wasn’t long before Merlin was at her side, pulling his sister into his arms as they cried over the loss of their friend together.

Many people gathered together on the outskirts of the village for Will’s funeral. Merlin and Arwen stood together, their hands intertwined as brother and sister leaned on each other for support as they watched the pyre in silence. Until Arthur stepped up to stand next to them.

“I'm sorry. I know he was a close friend.” Arthur spoke and broke the silence between them. Neither Arwen nor Merlin looked his way, they knew condolences weren’t all Arthur had to say.

“He still is.” Merlin shared. Just because he was gone didn’t make Will any less their friend. He’d always be that.

“You knew he was a sorcerer, didn't you? That's what you were going to tell me?” Arthur questioned. Arwen didn’t know which conversation he was referring to, but Arwen couldn’t help but feel grateful that Merlin never said what he truly intended to.

“Yes. It was.” Her brother lied.

Arwen didn’t have to look at he Prince to know his eyes moved to her next. She never gave him any indication she knew or wanted to tell him, but he was still looking for answers from her.

“I knew.” She said simply. She knew it would have been smarter to say she didn’t, based on the look she could see Merlin sending her from the corner of her eye, it was clear he thought the same. It would give her some chance to throw suspicion off herself if Merlin’s powers ever came to light before the time was right. But Arwen knew she wouldn’t need it.

“You know how dangerous magic is. You shouldn't've kept this from me, both of you.” Arthur said in a disappointed voice. But this time it wasn’t Merlin who responded, but Arwen instead.

“Magic is made dangerous by those who wield it with ill intent.” She spoke up, not about to sit there and let Arthur diminish what ‘Will’ had done simply because it was magic. “You’ve heard and seen it be used only for bad. Now you’ve seen it be used for something good. Will used it for something good. He used it to save our lives. Don’t make little of that simply because it goes against what you’ve been taught to believe.”

Arwen sent Arthur a pointed look, not caring for whatever he may have to say in return as she turned away from them, separating from Merlin as she started to walk away. The battle was over, they had won. And now it was time to head back home.

Chapter Text

As of late, Gaius had made a firm decision to start exposing Arwen to more and more of the duties which came along with the position of Court Physician. And, of course, she was thrilled at the thought of taking the next step in her apprenticeship. The thrill did not last long. Because the first thing Gaius wanted to teach her was how to maintain an interested look on her face while she was dying of boredom.

As Uther’s physician, Gaius was a member of the King’s council as well, and as such, took part in all of their meetings. And this time, Arwen had been invited to come along. She could believe that at times it could be interesting. However, as Uther and the rest of the men discussed patrols and other trivial matters, ones which she wasn’t allowed to comment on anyways, Arwen found it hard to pay attention.

Luckily, the dreadful drawl of the Lords came to a stop as a guard pushed the door open, interrupting the meeting to announce the return of the Prince who’d gone off on a hunt. And apparently, he had something to present his father with right upon his return. Arwen suspected this might not be much more entertaining, but at least it wasn’t going through a directory of crop fields in all of the Kingdom.

“Father, a unicorn’s horn to grace the walls of Camelot.” Arthur’s voice boomed through the room proudly, eyes turning towards him as he and some of his men entered the chambers. Merlin walked right behind Arthur, carrying a red velvet pillow placing the horn on full display for the council.

A smile came over Uther’s face as he dropped some of the papers he’d been holding to walk closer and get a better look. “Magnificent. It’s the first one I’ve seen.” He commented, taking the horn from the pillow and into his hands, the smile never leaving his face as he showed it off to the council. “Gaius, look at this.”

Arwen did her best to hold back a frown as she glanced back at the horn. She remembered herself as a young girl, wishing and dreaming she could one day ride a unicorn, and pet it. Heavens, even just see one at least. She couldn’t understand how someone could draw pleasure from killing one. Of course, she’d never understood hunting in the first place either. She was the type who constantly brought animals home. There was a reason so many cats resided in Ealdor.

“It’s very impressive, my lord.” Gaius said, although his voice did not seem as enthusiastic as it should be for the words he spoke. Or for the King’s liking either.

“What is it, Gaius? Speak your mind.” Uther prompted, holding in his annoyance as much as possible as he turned to the physician.

“Unicorns are rare and mystical creatures. There is a legend that says that bad fortune will come to anyone who slays one.” Gaius explained what he knew, and it made a small frown come over Arwen’s face. She truly hoped it was just an old tale with no truth to it.

Sparing a look at Arthur’s face, the smirk on his face made it clear that he didn’t share her worries. He didn’t believe in legends and stories. None of the council seemed to be too concerned by what Gaius had said. And Uther, of course, dismissed it without another thought.

“Nonsense.” The King smiled as if he were amused. Returning the horn to the pillow in Merlin’s hands, he continued. “We will be the envy of every kingdom.” He said proudly and confidently, clapping Arthur on the shoulder in a congratulatory manner.

“I’m pleased you like it.” Arthur’s smile widened as he soaked in his father’s approval. Arwen’s eyes caught those of her brother, and he didn’t have to say anything for her to see that they shared the same opinion on the matter. They shouldn’t be brushing this off so lightly.

While Arwen didn’t like thinking of the death of a unicorn, and even less did she enjoy thinking there might be consequences to it, there was one consequence she did not mind. Eager to hear more stories from his son’s hunt, Uther dismissed the rest of the council, bringing to an end the torturous meeting and releasing both Arwen and Gaius to join Merlin as the trio headed back to their own chambers.

“I don't understand how Arthur can have taken any pleasure from killing the unicorn.” Merlin spoke as they walked along the cobbled square, the troubled expression on his face making Arwen reach out and grasp his hand, giving him a sympathetic look.

“Arthur is a hunter. It's in his blood. Whereas you are something entirely different.” Gaius explained. He didn’t like it either, but he could understand Arthur’s motives. To a hunter, a unicorn was like gold to a thief.

“It was the most beautiful creature I have ever seen.” Merlin spoke, coming to a stop as he thought back to it, a distant look in his eyes before he turned his head to look down at Arwen. “I wish you'd been there.” She was one of the first people he’d thought of when seeing the unicorn in the woods, knowing how much she would have liked it.

“It's a rare privilege. Alas, there are few unicorns still alive.” Gaius said in a saddened tone. Even before, unicorns had been hard creatures to find. Now, with their numbers growing smaller and smaller, it was near impossible.

“You try telling that to Arthur.” Merlin commented sardonically.

“I can imagine it would be difficult.” Gaius sighed, but there was nothing more they could do about it.

“Don’t worry Merlin, one day Arthur will give you a day off and the two of us will go to the woods and find another one.” Arwen announced confidently, making a laugh escape Merlin.

“You’d sooner find a field with a dozen unicorns than Arthur will give me a day off.” He commented, making Arwen laugh as well. But his words weren’t the only reason. She was also happy to see the smile on his face too, glad she could have cheered him up at least a little as they continued on their way.

“We’ll need to replenish our rosemary too.” Arwen announced as she put the bottle back on its designated shelf. She and Gaius were hard at work, using some of their time free of doing rounds to check on how their supplies were doing.

“Rosemary.” Gaius slowly dragged out the syllables of the word as he wrote it down on the list they’d been keeping. Once they were done, Arwen was planning on getting to work on getting everything on it. However, soon enough, their plans were interrupted.

“Gaius, Arwen, the King has requested your presence in the council chambers.” A guard appeared at their door, making the two share curious looks between themselves. There were no planned meetings, meaning something must’ve happened. “It’s a matter of urgency.” The addition did not make it sound like it was anything good.

As quickly as possible, the two made their way to meet with Uther. Arwen’s mind was running a mile a minute, holding bets with herself on what the problem would be this time. Magic? Assassin? Both at the same time? They did seem to come in pairs.

Walking into the chambers, Arwen and Gaius were met with the King and his son, both seeming to scan through some documents and letters which must’ve arrived not to long ago if they had anything to do with the reason the physicians had been called.

“You called for us, Sire?” Gaius announced their presence as they walked towards the two, making them look up from the paper.

“We’ve received reports from across all of the Kingdom, the crop seems to be dying at an alarming rate.” Uther announced, making Gaius and Arwen share looks between themselves. There were many possible explanations, many diseases which could have caused such a thing to happen. “We’ll need your knowledge, Gaius, to help solve this.”

“And it is at your service, Sire, but I’ll need to do some tests and research, samples must be gathered before we determine the cause. Only one I know that can I find a solution to it.” Gaius explained.

“We will be riding out to the fields just beyond the city walls with some men. They can bring you what you need.” Arthur spoke, his father nodding his head in understanding. Uther was usually an impatient man, but even he understood Gaius couldn’t solve this on blind idealism alone.

“If you would permit, my Lord, I’d suggest Arwen come as well. There is much knowledge, often detrimental, which can be gathered from seeing the surroundings as well as gathering samples.” Gaius suggested, making Arwen’s eyes momentarily widen in surprise. But then she schooled her expression. She knew Gaius was starting to accumulate her into court much more, but she wasn’t expecting him to make such a suggestion so soon.

“If you believe her skilled enough for the task, she may come.” Uther nodded his head. He spoke as if she weren’t even in the room. Arwen didn’t mind, not really expecting much more from the King anyways. She also wasn’t expecting a formal goodbye, which was good, because they didn’t get one before he made his way out of the council chambers.

“Gather what you need, I’ll have Merlin prepare our horses.” Arthur told Arwen before he too made his leave, Arwen and Gaius following closely behind him.

“I’ll need samples of the soil. And the water which the farmers use. And of course,-” Gaius started to list off, but Arwen interrupted him with a reassuring smile.

“And the crop itself.” She finished for him. “Remember Gaius, I come from a village of farmers, I was healing plants before I was healing people.” She added, making the physician smile.

“Then I do not doubt we’re in good hands.”

Arwen knelt on the ground, her hands trying to gather some samples of the wheat without crushing it. It was as if every stem had completely dried out like it hadn’t been watered in months. The wind didn’t make her job any easier, but she managed to gather some and place them in her basket. Grateful to have tied her hair into a braid before leaving, Rising back into a standing position, Arwen looked around the field again, observing many things at once.

“Every single ear has died.” Uther spoke, pointing out the most obvious one of all. “We’ve received reports that it’s the same through the entire Kingdom.”

Arwen remained silent, but took notes in her mind. Something like this happening all over the land at such a quick rate made no sense. Different areas had different soil, and different water. Even the grain had different origins. That could either make it impossible to narrow down the possible cause, or perhaps easier.

“I rode through this valley only yesterday. The crop looked healthy enough then.” Arthur spoke in a confused tone. Yes, he didn’t really busy himself with evaluating the state of the fields when he rode by on his travels, but if something were wrong, he would have noticed.

“It happened overnight. Farmers are at a loss to explain it.” Uther said.

“Is it a disease of some kind?” Arthur questioned, and it took Arwen a moment to realize he wasn’t looking at his father but her instead. Uther’s own eyes turning to her.

“Do you have any preliminary ideas on what the cause may be?” The King asked.

“It could be a disease, but…” Arwen searched for the right words to phrase what was on her mind. While she had her own mental notes, she couldn’t ignore the direction in which they were leading her. She couldn’t let Uther’s do the same, not until she spoke with Gaius and they were both certain.

“Go on.” Uther prompted impatiently.

Finally finding the words, Arwen spoke again. “There aren’t many which could act so fast, and affect only the crop, not all of the nature surrounding it.” She said, hand pointing towards the perfectly healthy trees, bushes and and any other plants which surrounded the field. The truth was, she herself didn’t know of any such diseases. She could only hope it was a lack of knowledge on her part, and Gaius would have some answers.

“Well, then it’ll be easier to narrow down the cause.” Uther said, choosing to find optimism in Arwen’s words as he started to walk away from the field and back to the horses. “Until then, we must ration what little food we have left.”

Arwen gave out a sigh, hoping Uther’s optimism wasn’t misplaced. But even if he was right, and Gaius and she didn’t struggle in finding the cause of all of this, the state of this field let her know it wouldn’t be followed by a simple solution. The crops were entirely dead already, very likely beyond saving.

“You look concerned.” Arthur walked to stand by Arwen’s side, observing her face and trying to figure out what she was thinking. But he didn’t have enough knowledge to make assumptions.

With Uther, Arwen knew better than to say everything on her mind, but with Arthur it was easier to be open. “Even if we do quickly find a solution to whatever’s causing this, crops cannot regrow over night.” She pointed out, and the Prince gave out a heavy sigh, knowing she was right.

“We’ll manage.” He said a couple of moments later. Arwen looked up to his face, watching as he scanned the field one last time before turning back to her. “Come on, we should head back.

Arwen leaned over a table in the physicians chambers, grounding up some of the wheat she’d gathered in the field so she could use it in one of the tests Gaius had planned out while she was away. They’d been through a couple by now already, but so far, hadn’t found any answers.

“Any ideas what caused the crops to die?” Merlin asked curiously, sitting on the bench as he watched them work. With his lack of knowledge, there wasn’t much he could do. And neither Gaius nor Arwen trusted him enough to let him conduct one of the tests.

“We’re here to complete all the tests.” Gaius said vaguely, but seeing the curious looks on both Arwen and Merlin’s faces, he chose to add more. “No disease I have heard of could spread through the entire kingdom in a single night.”

“I couldn’t think of any myself. I was hoping you’d have an idea.” Arwen gave out a defeated sigh. On the way back, she’d chosen to pick up some optimism from the Pendragons, but Gaius’ words slowly diminished it once again.

“What could kill all the plants other than a disease?” Merlin questioned.

“It is not killing all the plants.” Gaius pointed out, remembering everything Arwen told him about what she’d seen at the field. “The trees and hedges around the crop fields are unharmed.”

“Anything around the fields really, even the flowers right at it’s edges.” Arwen added on, remembering the simple white petals blooming happily so close to the field.

“Unfortunately, you can't eat trees, flowers, and hedges.” Gaius added. The more they spoke and discussed it, the more Arwen’s suspicions started to rise. She hated that it wasn’t even insane anymore, that magic was her first assumption and seemingly the most likely explanation.

“It's only killing plants we can eat?” Merlin was surprised as he connected the dots of what they were saying.

“It appears so.” Gaius didn’t deny it. He couldn’t.

“If it's not a disease, it must be magic.” It wasn’t long before Merlin’s own mind jumped to the same conclusion as Arwen’s had. It made her happy she’d filtered her words around the royals. Uther’s paranoid mind would have led him to the assumption much sooner.

“I fear the same.” But here she could say it freely.

“We can't assume that.” Gaius scolded, quickly turning to look at Arwen, a momentary look of concern spreading over his features. “Please tell me it’s not what you told Uther?”

“Of course not.” The redhead instantly denied. She knew better than that. And she’d been around Gaius enough times when he had to give explanations for something to the King to know that even in times when the presence of magic was highly unlikely, one must still tread carefully until you’ve confirmed your answers.

“What else could it be?” Merlin questioned with furrowed brows, having a hard time believing there was something out there that neither Arwen nor Gaius knew existed.

“Perhaps there is something in the soil and water that can explain it. We can't tell the King it's caused by sorcery until we’re completely certain.” Gaius said, his tone somewhat warning, making it clear that there was a long way to go before they could comfortably say the current troubles were caused by sorcery. Arwen still hoped, despite all odds, that the long way truly did lead to another answer.

The food was quickly running out across all of the Kingdom. Arwen’s eyes scanned the people who started to arrive to Camelot in search of food and aid, wishing there was more that could be done for them. But she knew there wasn’t, not until they found a solution to this.

And that was why she was very curious as to why their work had been disturbed as they were summoned by the King for the second time that day. However, this time, they weren’t meeting him in the council chambers, but instead at the public well in the main square.

Walking up to the King and Prince, Arwen froze once she caught sight of what one of the knights by their side was doing. He was trying to pour some water into a bucket, but it wasn’t water that came out.

“Sand.” Uther mumbled, running his hand through it and looking down at the tiny yellow grains as if he were hoping for them to turn back to water within his hand and for all this to just be a bad dream. “And you say the well is full of it?”

“I sent men down to the underground reservoir. There is no trace of water to be found.” Arthur said, hands leaning against the stone edges of the well while he looked into it with a concerned look on his face.

“First the crops, and now this.” Uther mumbled, straightening his back as he dropped the sand back into the bucket, no longer willing to look at it.

“It's the same throughout the kingdom. There's precious little water anywhere.” Arthur said, his head turning to Gaius and Arwen, the information more for their sake than his fathers as Uther was the first to receive the news anyways.

“Gaius, Arwen, can you offer any explanation for this?” The King turned to the two, a demanding look on his face. It was clear he wanted answer, no theories and ideas would suffice at this point.

Gaius and Arwen shared a look between themselves. When it was just the grain, they could still toy with the idea of natural causes. However, at this point, the answer was as clear as day to both of them.

“I cannot think of a scientific explanation. I can only conclude it's the result of sorcery.” Gaius said in a defeated tone. Once again, their troubles were a result of something they themselves couldn’t do anything to control.

“I believe you're right. It is the work of magic. The kingdom is under attack.” Uther agreed.

‘Again.’ Arwen added in her mind. At least she won the bet she’d made with herself. But at what cost?

Arwen sat at the table in the physician’s quarters the next morning, listening intently to every word Merlin spoke as he told her and Gaius about the man he and Arthur had ran into last night. Anhora, he’d called himself apparently, keeper of the unicorns.

Based on the story Merlin told them, Arwen didn’t really like Anhora. If what he said was true, all of Camelot was paying the price for the action of one man. Not that she wished for the misfortune to fall upon Arthur, of course. But, at the risk of sounding like a child, it just wasn’t fair.

“And you believe what this Anhora said about the curse to be true?” Gaius questioned once Merlin finished telling the story.

“Well, you said there's a legend that misfortune comes to anyone who slays a unicorn. It makes sense.” Merlin said. It was all too much of a coincidence for him not to believe the story could be true.

“If it is true, something tells me this won’t be as easy as just defeating some evil sorcerer this time.” Arwen heaved a sigh as she thought back to Anhora’s claims that it is only Arthur who can lift the curse placed upon Camelot, not the keeper of the unicorns himself. She believed Arthur could do it, but still, it would be anything but easy.

Gaius changed the topic as he placed their bowls in front of them before taking his own and joining them at the table for breakfast. “Not much for breakfast, I'm afraid. We're down to our last few scraps of food.” He explained the small portions laid out before them. It would only make for a couple of bites, but at least it was something.

“Where did you get the water to make the tea?” Merlin asked curiously as he took a sip from his cup. Arwen did her best to hold in her laugh as she watched him drink, knowing very well where the water came from.

“Fortunately, for all of us, you forgot to empty your bath yesterday.” Gaius explained openly, the words making Merlin instantly spit the tea back into the cup.

“You're making tea from my bath water?”

“It's not so bad. Perhaps a little... soapy?” Now this time Arwen couldn’t hold back a laugh at Gaius’ words. Unlike her, her brother could only sigh, entirely unamused.

“What does Arthur think about the curse?” Gaius questioned as he turned back to the kettle in which the tea was held. Speaking of it reminded him to remove it from the flame warming it up. He didn’t want the majority of it to boil. They needed to make it last.

“He doesn't believe it's his fault. He's convinced Anhora's responsible for it.” Merlin shook his head, but soon started paying attention to his sister as she moved rather quickly while Gaius wasn’t looking. Soon enough he realized what she was doing.

Merlin glared at his sister in disapproval as he watched her scoop the contents of her bowl into Gaius’ instead. She sent him a pointed look, silently telling him to keep quiet. They both knew Gaius would need it more than she did.

“If you do not wish to drink bath water, you better make sure Arthur sees sense.” Gaius turned back to the table, for a moment, looking between the siblings. Aware there was a silent conversation going on, he didn’t pry. He’d long ago given up on trying to decipher their looks to each other. And whatever the topic was, it seemed Merlin was on the losing end, relenting as he returned to his food and a silence lapsed over them as they ate.

Arwen walked through the halls of the castle, trying to make her way back to her chambers before curfew fell into place. She’d been running around the city for a whole day. As more and more people started to experience the effects a lack of food and water was taking on their bodies, more seeked help. But due to the absence of water, Arwen couldn’t even brew something which would deceive their systems into thinking it’s been sustained.

She wished there was something she could do, but for the whole day, she’d mostly been giving out advice to rest and take it easy. The last home she visited was more complex, the sick child had it harder than most. Luckily, there was still some medicine for the simple cold which remained in her and Gaius’ stash. But he’d still need water and food for his body to be able to fight it. Arwen could only hope they solved this in time.

As she passed by some windows, the sight of the guards starting to patrol the streets below made Arwen realize she was late. Whispering a soft curse, she tried to speed up, only to be forced to come to a stop as her vision became blurry for a moment and head started to spin.

“Damn hunger.” She muttered to herself, closing her eyes as she leaned against the stone wall. She knew the lightheadedness would pass in a moment or two, but she couldn’t continue running around the castle until it did. But that moment or two she needed, was a moment or two too long.

“Arwen? What are you doing out? It’s past curfew.” The familiar voice had Arwen’s eyes snapping open again, wide in surprise and somewhat worried she might get in trouble for breaking the rules.

“I know, I’m sorry, my Lord. I was just on my way back, but, uh, I took a short pause.” Arwen quickly explained herself, starting to straighten up as she pushed herself off of the wall. She blinked rapidly, trying to clear the fuzziness from her mind as she looked up at the Prince standing in front of her.

Arthur’s brows furrowed as he looked her over. “Are you alright?” While she was pale on any other normal day, he noticed the increased lack of colour in her face and a somewhat disoriented look in her eyes.

“Yes, yes.” She waved a dismissive hand through the air. “Just got a bit lightheaded for a second. Nothing some rest won’t solve.” She explained as if it were no big deal. And she knew it wasn’t, not really.

She’d always been like that, for as long as she could remember. Some could last days without food, but not her. Perhaps if she weren’t lucky enough to always have some, both back home in Ealdor and here, her body could have built up some strength in the face of it.

“Have you eaten anything today?” Arthur questioned, a tinge of concern laced through his voice.

“A couple of bites at breakfast. I gave Gaius most of it, he needs it more. He’s been moving around tending to people just as much as me.” Arwen admitted, her mind to tired to try and act out a lie.

“Maybe you should take a break tomorrow.” Arthur suggested, but the words only made Arwen chuckle as she raised an eyebrow at him.

“No one else is taking a break from their duties, and neither will I.” She said in a much more determined voice. The people needed her, now more so than usually. She wasn’t about to shrink away from her job simply because she was feeling unwell just as the rest of them.

The look on Arthur’s face made it clear he was about to argue on it further, but Arwen didn’t want to give him a chance to do so. Especially as she wouldn’t put it past him to say it wasn’t a suggestion the next time he spoke. So she spoke first. “As you said, there’s a curfew and I should be going. Good night, my Lord.” She politely bowed her head to him before summoning up the strength to move and walking away, leaving him standing behind her.

For a moment Arthur debated following after her to make sure she reached the physician’s chambers alright. But he was already late to meet Merlin, and should something happen in his absence, his father would be infuriated with him for shrinking his duties at a time like this.

So instead, he turned in a different direction, continuing on his way to the grain store which they were supposed to be hiding during the night. He’d just mention the encounter with Arwen to her brother. Hopefully, Merlin’s exceptional (and infuriating) skills at arguing would be more fruitful in convincing the woman to take it easy.

Arwen’s day had started as well as it could. When she woke up, throat dry and stomach rumbling, she ignored it all as she got ready for her day. Gaius quickly warned her that their day would look much like the one before. There was no change in regards to the curse placed upon the Kingdom, and it seemed like they’d go another day without food and water.

So she was in for quite the surprise as she walked through the halls of the castle. She’d been making her way from the chambers of one of the courtiers who’d come down with a rather debilitating spell of dizziness. As the sound of a voice calling out through the halls sounded, for a moment, she worried yet another bad thing had happened. But as more and more people started to call out the same thing, soon enough she was able to distinguish the words.

“The water is back!”

For a moment, Arwen wondered whether it would be inappropriate to start jumping for joy right in the middle of the call. Before she could make up her mind on whether to do it or not, she recognized one of the voices that called out the same message from beyond the corner just ahead of her. Speeding up, she easily joined her brother’s side as he came around it, his hands carrying a tray with a large pitcher and a couple of big cups.

“Oh! I was looking for you!” Merlin exclaimed, a smile on his face as he was happy to run into her. “Have you had anything to drink yet? I’ve already taken a bucket up to Gaius.”

“No, nothing yet. I was just about to head back to the chambers.” Arwen said with a smile, proceeding to be somewhat surprised as her brother grabbed her hand and dragged her along with him instead. He was determined to get her to drink some water as soon as possible, and his own destination was much closer than hers.

“Finally! Merlin, you’re quite possibly the slowest…” Arthur’s exclamation came as soon as he heard the door open behind him. However, as he turned around to glance at his manservant, he was surprised to find both of the siblings in his chambers, already pouring the water into mugs. “Arwen, what are you doing here?”

“She hasn’t had anything to drink yet.” It was Merlin who answered, tone pointed as he handed Arwen one of the mugs before pouring another. As planned, Arthur had told him about running into Arwen in the halls last night, so Merlin knew he wouldn’t protest.

“Please, take as much as you need.” As expected, he didn’t. Instead, he simply took his own mug as Merlin handed it to him, starting to drink instantaneously.

“Thank you, my Lord.” Arwen sent him a grateful smile before she brought her of mug to her lips. A silence spread over them as all three gulped down the water, as much as they could as quickly as they could.

Arwen savoured the feeling of the cold water as it slid down her throat, enjoying every moment of it until the disappointment hit once she reached the bottom.

“Never knew water could taste so good.” Arthur was the first to speak as he too finished off his mug, placing it on the table in a content manner.

It took Merlin a moment longer to speak as he angled the mug over his head, letting the last drops of water slide down his throat before he spoke. “My throat was so dry, I thought I wouldn't be able to talk.”

“Well, at least some good would've come from the drought, then.”
”Now a small part of me wishes we’d go back to the drought.”

Both Arthur and Arwen spoke at the same time, sharing amused smiles between themselves as they joked at Merlin’s expense. The boy himself only sent them a glare, but didn’t bother to bite back as his hands reached for the pitcher instead.

“More?” Merlin offered, and was, of course, met with no opposition from either of them as Arthur motioned for him to pour.

“Thank you.” Arwen quietly said to her brother before continuing to drink, this time her actions less greedy as her thirst had calm down after the first round.

“The sand's disappeared. The water returned to the well.” Arthur spoke as Merlin poured the water into his mug, reaching for it once it was full. “It doesn't make any sense.”

Arthur’s mumblings had Merlin and Arwen sharing a knowing look between themselves. Both siblings were convinced they knew why it happened. After hearing the story of the man Arthur had caught stealing and let go last night, Arwen believed it to be one of the tests Anhora had promised Arthur. Their silent exchange did not go unnoticed.

“I suppose you have some explanation for this, Merlin? Let's hear it.”

“Anhora said you would be tested. And last night, in the grain store, you let that villager go. And he said it would bring its own reward.” Merlin reminded the blonde, quoting the exact words which Arthur was told.

“He was merely grateful, and so he should have been.” Despite all signs pointing to it, the Prince still had a hard time believing it. To him, Merlin was searching for a deeper meaning in something rather simple.

“I’ve been reading up on unicorns and legends about them.” Arwen pulled the mug away from her lips for a moment so she could speak up. Maybe with two of them together, Arwen and Merlin could convince Arthur to look at things from a different perspective.

“You believe in the curse too?” Arthur questioned in surprise. He always believed Arwen to be more sensible of the two siblings, but it would seem Merlin had managed to fill her head as much as his own.

“They say unicorns are a symbol of goodness, pure of heart. By killing it, you removed that pureness from the world.” Arwen started to explain what she’d learned since this whole ordeal started happening. “It would make sense that by doing good acts, you make up for it.”

“Maybe last night was your first test. You passed it, so the curse has begun to lift. Perhaps this is your reward.” Merlin added on eagerly, a thoughtful look passing over Arthur’s face as he spoke. “I know you don't have to listen to me-”

“Glad we agree on something.” Arthur interrupted. Arwen shook her head, but a small smile still spread over her face. The two bickered so much, they were almost as bad as she and Merlin.

Her brother didn’t let Arthur’s words deter him. “If you're tested again, you have a chance to end your people's suffering. I know you want that more than anything.” Merlin spoke in a determined voice, however, he lowered it as he leaned on the table in front of Arthur while suggesting the next part. “Perhaps we should seek Anhora out.”

“I cannot negotiate with sorcerers.” Arthur was quick to point out, but Arwen couldn’t help but notice the small tinge of disappointment that coloured his words.

“Hunting Anhora might take much more time than you have. Passing a test will bring relief to your kingdom. And then you can do as you wish with the sorcerer.” She spoke, knowing she was right. Perhaps Arthur would continue to hunt Anhora once the curse was lifted, and he could do so if he pleases, but he had to see doing it now was just a waste of time. As it would be in the future, but at least the food would be back.

“My father wouldn't hear of it.” Arthur pointed out the flaw in the plan.

“Then it's probably best you don't tell him.” And Merlin easily countered it, and for a moment, Arthur seemed like he was truly considering it. But then, whatever was going on within his mind was put to an end, and he turned back to serious.

“I must go check on the guard.” Arthur announced, quickly rising from his seat before Merlin and Arwen could say anything more in an attempt to sway him. “See if you can find us some food.” He added on as he passed through the door, leaving the Ambrosius siblings alone in his chambers.

“Find some food!” Merlin scoffed in disbelief, looking to his sister as he thought of the preposterous request. Arwen could only shake her head. And neither of the siblings caught on to the use of ‘us’ at the time. And they had no chance to.

A sudden rustling sound reached their ears, making both their eyes start searching for its source. It seemed to be coming from one of Arthur’s boots discarded on the floor. And once they looked at it, it wasn’t hard to figure out what was causing it as a small nose and whiskers suddenly poked out through the hold in the leather.

Alone in the room, and with the door closed, Merlin didn’t hesitate before muttering a spell which forced the rat to freeze in its spot. Rushing over, he grabbed it out of the boot and held it up by its tail, a joyous smile on his face as he looked over at his sister.

“Food!”

The return of water had brought much relief to the people all around Camelot. However, the number of cases that presented themselves to Arwen throughout the day didn’t decrease. Many more people continued to come to Camelot from all across the Kingdom, all in search of food, their long journeys leaving them exhausted and more hungry than they were when they set off.

While she’d been tending to many of the new arrivals, she’d encountered Morgana and Gwen in the lower towns, passing some scraps of food they could find among the children and the elderly. They made it go as far as they could,  but it soon ran out too. While Gwen returned to her own home, Arwen and Morgana made their way back through the castle together.

“The water’s helping things. The human body can last much longer without food than it can without water, but those who aren’t experiencing the symptoms already will start to soon enough.” Arwen answered Morgana’s questions on how the people were fairing. Gaius had already given the King the same updates earlier in the day.

“What about you? You’re constantly running around, it can’t be good for you?” Morgana questioned. Even Gaius had been forced to slow down, tending mostly to those within the castle while Arwen was the one who ventured further out.

“As hungry as the rest, but it’s nothing I can’t handle.” Arwen said with a reassuring smile, but, as if her body was calling her out on the lies, her stomach let out a loud growl right after.

“I was going to ask Arthur whether he had any food to spare, you should join me.” Morgana suggested, a pleading look on her face as she hoped Arwen would accept the offer. If they

“Oh no, I couldn’t. He already shared his water with me earlier in the day. I don’t want to trouble him.” Arwen was quick to protest. And not even because she remembered Merlin’s plans for Arthur’s food, she simply thought it improper.

“Nonsense. Come on.” Morgana, however, didn’t accept that answer, and for the second time today Arwen was getting dragged off into Arthur’s chambers. And while at first, Arwen was uncomfortable with the idea, by the time they knocked on Arthur’s door and it opened, revealing the sight inside, her memories came back and she was quite happy to be there.

“I hate to ask, but I was wondering if you had any food you could spare us?” It was Morgana who posed the question as she walked into the room, pulling Arwen in with her.

However, instead of politely greeting the Prince, Arwen’s eyes turned to her brother instead, watching him frown as he pushed a plate of stew as far away from him as possible. The sight had her laughing soon after.

“Well, it’s good to know Merlin had a co-conspirator in the preparation of my dinner.” While Morgana found herself confused by Arwen’s reaction, Arthur quickly connected the dots, but not even he could hide his amusement by that time.

“Oh, I was only here when he caught it.” Arwen denied having any hand in the making of the stew. If anything, she felt quite sad for the poor creature that simply found itself in the wrong place at the wrong time.

“Caught it?” Morgana questioned curiously, inching closer to the table upon which a big container sat, filled to the brim with the stew.

“It’s rat.” Arthur announced, making Morgana take an instant step back.

“It can’t be that bad?” Arwen questioned, picking up the bowl that Merlin had pushed away. She’d grown up on the ideal of beggars can’t be choosers, they both had. But unlike her, Merlin never really adapted to it fully.

All three of the people around her watched as Arwen brought a small bite up to her lips. Merlin’s face was painted with disgust, while Morgana and Arthur watched her in surprise. They couldn’t imagine actually having the courage to take a bit once you know what’s in the stew.

“Hm… I’ve had worse.” Arwen finally mumbled, putting the plate back down. While she’d had worse, this most certainly wasn’t good either.

“What’s worse than rat?” Arthur asked, a hesitant expression coming over his face only after the words left his mouth. He wasn’t sure he wanted to know, actually. But he didn’t get a chance to voice that before the answer came.

“Toad.” Arwen said, a pointed glare sent in her brother’s direction while Merlin rolled his eyes at her, knowing where this was leading. Always to the same place.

“You agreed to the bet, it’s not my fault you lost.” He argued.

“You knew the outcome before we even made it!” Arwen spoke in an accusatory tone.

As they watched the siblings squabble, Arthur and Morgana looked at each other, debating whether they wanted to know the full story of this bet that had been brought up. And Morgana was the one who decided that they did.

“Can someone please explain this bet to me?”

And so, as Morgana and Arwen took seats around the table in Arthur’s chambers, the space was soon filled with talking and laughter. All of Camelot was facing dark times, and the next day would bring more hardship, but in that moment, they let themselves shortly forget that and simply… Have fun.

When Merlin first told her that their talk with Arthur had worked and the two of them had gone out to search for Anhora in the woods, Arwen felt hopeful. She was happy Arthur was ready to take responsibility for the death of the unicorn and prove himself through the tests. And then Merlin’s story continued beyond the point when he and the Prince rode out of Camelot.

Arthur had not only found Anhora, but the keeper of the unicorns had a test ready for him. One that the Pendragon failed. And according to the legends, there was nothing they could do. The famine would continue to spread over Camelot, especially once Uther stopped distributing the rations to anyone who isn’t a member of Camelot’s army. Until the Kingdom itself was gone and all those who didn’t run from it dead.

Arwen and Merlin, of course, weren’t the type to just sit down and let someone tell them it was over. Not when there was still a fighting chance. Not when they had to try. After all, they lost nothing by trying. And so, the siblings found themselves standing in the woods, their voices calling out and echoing among the trees.

“Anhora! Show yourself! Anhora!” Merlin called out desperately, turning in all directions as he searched for the man.

“Please! We just want to talk!” Arwen added on, making it clear they meant him no harm. Even though she had her sword at her hip, Arwen knew through stories it would be useless on the sorcerer. But he certainly wasn’t the only one out in the woods, and it was always better to be safe rather than sorry.

“You wanted to talk with me?” The unfamiliar voice sounded from behind them, making Arwen jump in surprise as she turned on her heel. She took in the man, dresses in white robes, he sent them a curious look. That paired with his question made Arwen work very hard not to send him a pointed look because, yes, that is exactly what she’d screamed out into empty air only moments ago.

“We've come to seek your help. The people are starving. They will soon be dead.” Merlin was the first to speak, pleading with the man, hoping he’d have some sympathy for the people who were entirely innocent in all of this.

“It is not the people who are suffering now who are at fault for the unicorn, why take it out on them?” Arwen questioned, having been wondering that exact thing from the moment all of this started. Anhora liked to stand there and believe he wasn’t cruel, but this was worse than some other sorcerers they’d faced.

“You must believe me when I say it gives me no pleasure to see your people suffering.” Anhora tried to walk on his high ground, just as Arwen expected him to. And this time, she couldn’t help but scoff.

“If it pains you, put an end to it.” Merlin pleaded. It was obvious that the suffering of the people while he is unable to do anything, even with his magic, was getting to Merlin just as much as it was to the rest of them.

“It is not in my power to lift the curse.” Anhora repeated what he’d told Arthur many times before. But hearing the words this time, straight from the man himself, Arwen’s brows furrowed as she focused on something else. Something he didn’t mention.

“But the tests are.” She spoke after a moment. It wasn’t a question. While the curse may be out of his control, someone needed to be in charge of the tests. To put them in place. To observe and decide. When no reply came, Arwen took it as confirmation enough. “Give Arthur another chance.”

“Yes!” Merlin supported the idea instantly, happy that his sister had thought of it. “He has accepted it is his responsibility, and he will prove himself worthy and lift the curse if you give him one more chance.” Merlin pleaded their case.

“You have faith in Arthur?” While it was Merlin who spoke, Anhora’s eyes remained focused on Arwen instead, as if he wanted her to answer the question. She couldn’t understand it, nor could she guess why he continued to look at her as if he knew her. She was certain she’d never met the man before today.

“I trust him with our lives.” Nonetheless, she answered the question without a single trace of hesitation or doubt. Arthur had made a mistake in his second test, but Arwen saw the look on his face after it. The guilt and remorse as he looked at his people gathering in the city. She knew he wouldn’t make the same mistake again.

And finally, after a couple of seconds which seemed to stretch on for forever, Anhora made his decision. “Arthur must go to the Labyrinth of Gedref. There, he will face a final test.” And just like that, he disappeared again, reappearing in a different spot within the blink of an eye. “If he fails, there is no hope.” Another sentence, another disappearance. Arwen really wasn’t appreciating the theatrics for which they had no time. “The curse will destroy Camelot.” And then he disappeared for the final time, not showing himself again. Gone for good.

“Wait!” Merlin called out into the air once he realized it too. “What kind of test will he face?” He tried to ask, wanting more answers, wanting to be ready for whatever Arthur would face because he’d be by his side.

While Anhora did not show himself again, his voice echoes around them, sounding as if it were bouncing off of every stone and tree as he gave the answer. “That is for Arthur alone to discover.”

Arwen leaned against the door of the stables, hidden in the shadows knowing that she was blatantly disregarding the curfew which was still in effect across the whole city. Merlin had insisted on going to speak to Arthur about the chance at a third test alone. He was unsure on how the Prince would react to knowing they’d consorted with a sorcerer, and he didn’t want Arwen involved if it didn’t end well.

But she knew better than to think Arthur would be angry with them. She knew he’d go, that he’d try to do anything he can to help his people. And she was proven right as her eyes caught a glimpse of armour, shining in the moonlight as the man wearing it walked right towards her with hurried steps.

“Where’s Merlin?” Arwen didn’t bother sparing him the fright as he walked into the stables. She was far enough that if he swung his sword he wouldn’t reach her, but to his credit, Arthur only gave out an annoyed sigh, suggesting that he wasn’t even slightly surprised by her appearance.

“I’m going alone.” He answered without sparing her another glance, preparing his horse while he should have been preparing himself for the inevitable objection or scolding which would come from the apprentice.

“You don’t know what you’ll be walking into, it could be-” Arwen started.

“Dangerous. Which is exactly why I must go alone. This curse is my doing and only I should face whatever consequences there may be.” Arthur spoke firmly, and Arwen could see it wasn’t the first time he was saying it. She knew her brother wouldn’t have just let him go off alone. And if he wasn’t with Arthur, that had to mean he was hiding out somewhere, more than ready to follow him.

And she knew the longer she kept Arthur, the more likely Merlin was to be caught hiding around in the night. So, with a sigh, she relented. Merlin would be there when it mattered. But with that behind them, there was one more thing, one more reason Arwen had snuck around in the night to be here.

“Take this, for your journey to the Labyrinth.” She said, extending her hand towards him and finally making Arthur tear his eyes away from the saddle he’d been fastening to take what she was handing him.

It was a piece of cloth, but feeling something inside, made Arthur unwrap it curiously. And once he saw the few pieces of bread, barely enough to feed a single person, he was pushing it back to her. But Arwen stepped back, not taking it.

“I tended to the baker’s daughter earlier in the day. They had some reserves they could spare and gave it to me. Now I’m giving it to you.” She said simply, making it clear she wouldn’t take it back.

“You need to eat more than I, Arwen.” Arthur pointed out. He’d been holding up quite well, and with his father’s new decree that the distribution of food to the people wouldn’t continue, he couldn’t take it.

“You’re the one riding out to face a test with which you will break the curse, my Lord. Food will be back and I’ll eat then.” Arwen pointed out with a knowing smile.

“You sound so sure.” Arthur mumbled. He himself prayed that she was right and he’d succeed, but there was no way to know. No reason to speak such words with as much conviction as she did.

“Because I believe in you, Arthur. I’ve seen what’s in your heart, and it is good. Anhora will see it too.” Arwen said gently, hoping he’d hear her and believe in himself. He needed to if he wanted to succeed. As she headed towards the door to go back out into the dark streets, she turned back to him one last time. “I’ll see you when you’re back.”

“Be careful on your way back.” He told her, not wanting her to get caught and thrown in a cell because she’d snuck around to see him off.

“I know what I’m doing.” Arwen said with a smile on her lips, one that made Arthur want to question her confidence again. But this time, he thought better of it. He did not want to know why she was insinuating she knew how to sneak around the castle when she shouldn’t be.

The next morning, as soon as the sun rose and the curfew lifted, Arwen had made her way to the ramparts overlooking the entrance into the city. Merlin had never come back to their chambers throughout the night, confirming two things to Arwen. First, that he’d gone after Arthur just as she suspected he would, and second, that neither of them were back in Camelot yet. She could only hope they were safe out there.

As the sun rose higher and higher into the sky, Arwen had begun to pace at some point during her wait. She knew soon she’d have to relent and return to the physician’s chambers so she could help Gaius with their duties for the day. She was putting it off until the last second, hoping to at least catch a glimpse of the Prince and his manservant returning safely before she had to rush off.

Every time she saw some of the people passing through Camelot’s gates from the corner of her eye she looked on hopefully. But each time she was left disappointed. Until she started noticing more and more people massing at the gate. And while it wasn’t an unusual sight, as in the days before many had come in search of food, their happiness was starting to become palpable. And those who were already within the city’s walls were coming to the gates to welcome the newly arrived ones.

Arwen leaned her hands on the stone railings, observing the situation below with furrowed brows, until she realized the cause of it all. The people coming to Camelot weren’t like all the rest who’d come in the days before searching for food. Instead, they were bringing it to the city. She could see the sacks of grain which they carried, the baskets and baskets of fruits and vegetables. And it wasn’t long before the smell of freshly baked bread wafted through the air towards her, making Arwen’s stomach rumble impatiently.

Arthur had passed the test. He’d succeeded. Just as Arwen knew he would. The curse lifted and seemingly in the blink of an eye all was back to normal. Arwen wasn’t about to protest it. Happy that she’d been wrong in at least one assumption she’d made when first encountering this problem. It would seem crops and all other things could grow overnight after all.

With a happy smile on her face, she spared one last glance to the fields beyond Camelot’s walls and the edge of the forest surrounding it, looking to see whether Merlin and Arthur were close. But when she saw no sign of them, she still relented and left her place. If the test was over and passed, that too would have to mean they were alright and would be back soon enough. The entrance into the city was the next best place to be for when that happened.

So she made her way down, the streets becoming fuller and fuller as more people came out to celebrate the return of food. She watched as people shared it amongst themselves, all distributing it together to those who were most in need. And Arwen easily joined in, helping some of the farmers who’d brought the food hand it out to the people. Finally, there was plenty to go around once again.

It wasn’t long before word spread throughout the entire city, but as more and more people came, so did the guards, sent by Uther. They arrived, starting to organise things and bring some order into the crowd. Everyone was still going to get their food, and the happiness of it vibrated against the stone walls, smiling faces moving around as far as one could see.

A hand grabbing hold of her arm, made Arwen’s head turn instantly. “Take one for yourself, child. Take it.” An elderly woman pushed a basket full of food into Arwen’s hands, and Arwen gratefully accepted.

“Thank you.” Arwen smiled at the woman. Looking down into the basket, she grabbed hold of some of the bread, unable to resist as she bit into it. Taking her first bite, Arwen realized she could scarf down the whole basket because of how hungry she was. The question of whether she would have didn’t receive an answer as something caught her eye and distracted her.

If it was possible, the woman’s smile widened even more as she started to walk through the now thinner crowd. Fast steps took her in the direction of the two men and their horses, standing in the middle of it all, observing the scene before them, so different from the one when they rode out of the city.

“Merlin!” Arwen called out her brother’s name just in time to brace himself for the hug which she attacked with once she was close enough. Their embrace didn’t last too long, and soon enough Merlin was instead suffering as his sister hit his arm. “I knew you’d follow after him, but I was expecting the invitation to join you.”

“Ouch.” Was Merlin’s only reply for a moment before he relented. “Fine, fine, next time I’ll invite you to come along.”

“Uh, there will be no next time.” Arthur reprimanded with a glare. He wouldn’t let Merlin defy his orders another time, and definitely wouldn’t let him drag Arwen into doing the same.

The Prince was met with two faces looking at him, the looks of amusement and doubt exactly the same. So much so that, despite their different features, it was quite clear that the two were siblings.

“Yeah, sure.”
”Certainly.”

The two spoke at the same time, and in both their voices it was plenty obvious they didn’t mean what they said. Arthur shook his head, holding back a comment about how infuriating they could be. And it was good that he did as Arwen spoke again, this time her tone a gentle one rather than teasing.

“You did it.” Her green eyes focused on the Prince, a smile on her face which could only be described as proud. And Arthur couldn’t ignore the happiness spreading through him.

“It would seem I did.” He said with a relieved smile on his face, looking around at the people as he tried to ignore the stirring in his chest. But Arwen seemed to have no intent to release him from its hold, even if she was unaware.

“I knew you could.” Arthur’s head turned back to her, but his eyes barely caught a glimpse of her own before the woman became a flurry of movements, reaching back down to grab the basket which she’d lain at her feet. “Here, eat, eat. I believe Anhora truly did feel bad about the curse, there’s so much.” She said, handing them bread and fruit from the basket which both men accepted without hesitation.

“One would start to think it’s your life’s mission to keep me fed, Arwen.” Arthur joked, making the siblings by his side laugh in amusement.

“Well, with the curse lifted, I’ll happily return the mission to Merlin.” Arwen said, sending a teasing look to her brother, but the smile still remained on both their faces. Until Arthur spoke.

“So I’ll go hungry again soon enough.” The Prince’s taunts had Merlin glaring his way, but before he could send his own jab at the Prince, the voice of the King interrupted them.

“Is this your doing? Is the sorcerer dead?” Arwen instantly move as she heard Uther’s voice come from behind her. Bending into a short curtsey, she joined her brother’s side so she didn’t have her back turned to the man as he now stood before them.

“He won't be troubling us anymore.” Arthur said. The words had Arwen turning to her brother with an inquisitive look, suspecting that Arthur’s choice of words meant that, despite what he made his father believe, the keeper of unicorns was not at all dead.

“Good, make sure the grain reserves are re-stocked.” Uther showed no signs of appreciation at what Arthur had done, simply marvelled at the death of another sorcerer and barked out orders. About to walk away, he glanced at Arthur’s hand before adding. “And have your manservant bring you some food from the kitchen rather than this.”

“I'll see to it.” Arthur answered obediently.

About to walk away, Uther glanced at Arthur’s hand before adding. “And have your manservant bring you some food from the kitchen rather than this.” And then he turned his back to them and headed off in another direction.

Arthur watched his father go for a short moment before turning back to his horse as he spoke to Merlin. “There's something we must do first.” The Prince announced, Merlin nodding his head in understanding making it seems as if the two had already spoken about doing it on their way back to the city.

Arwen took a step back, ready to watch them ride out again, only this time much less worried about it. However, before he climbed up on his horse, Arthur turned towards her again. “Would you like to join us, Arwen?” He asked with an amused smile, her former proclamation on expecting to be invited along the next time ringing in his mind.

“I’d be honoured to, my Lord.” Arwen let out a small laugh before allowing him to help her climb up into the saddle, him following shortly after before the three of them rode back out the gates.

Standing in the middle of the woods, Arwen glanced behind her. For a moment, she watched as Merlin and Arthur laid the unicorn horn into the ground before returning to what she’d been doing. Moving through the bushes, she picked the berries off of the branches that had been bare only a day before. She was planning an entire feast to be shared between Gaius, Merlin and herself that night.

Setting her basket on the ground, she used one hand to hold on to a branch of a bush while with the other she started to collect the small red berries. At least until she felt a soft nudge on her arm. Expecting it to be her brother who’d tried to sneak up on her, Arwen looked to her side with a smile only for her eyes to widen in surprise as she was met with the sight of something else entirely.

A unicorn stood before her, it’s white coat shining in the sun beaming down on them. For a couple of long moments all Arwen could do was stare at it, mesmerised, the unicorn’s own eyes watching her closely, but he showed no fear. It was as beautiful as she thought it would be.

Then it nudged her arm again, and for a moment, Arwen was confused. At least until she saw the creature’s eyes shortly turn in the direction of the berries in her hand. It made her give out a small laugh as she brought it up, opening her palm and letting him have them.

“You’re lucky I’m the sharing type.” She whispered gently, not wanting to frighten it. With her one hand holding up the berries, the other reached forward, and when it didn’t try to stop her, Arwen gently brushed her palm on his neck, lightly petting the unicorn.

As she remained completely focused on he moment, Arwen didn’t notice the blue eyes watching her from a distance, seeming entirely incapable of looking away. Not that he wanted to anyways, the sight was too beautiful.

Merlin, however, certainly did notice. And he couldn’t help but smirk knowingly. When he’d first met Kilgharrah, Merlin thought all his words to be ramblings of a lunatic. But maybe, just maybe, some of the things the dragon had said about his sister too weren’t too far out of the realm of possibility…

Chapter Text

Arwen was more than aware of the small smile which spread over her lips in the dead of night. But it wasn’t something she had any reason to mind. After a long day of gathering supplies, sorting them, mixing ingredients, preparing salves and all kinds of other duties she’d spent her day doing, her happiness over how comfortable and pleasantly cold her pillow was, was completely understandable.

By the time she was pleasantly settled, Arwen was already half asleep, ready to let the dreams take control of her mind. But, of course, nothing ever went as planned, even a thing so simple as sleep. It started slow at first, a small rustle she could easily ignore. But then it persisted and continued, and Arwen let out an irritated groan as she sat up in her bed.

“Will you quit squirming?” She whisper yelled at Merlin, unsure whether Gaius had already gone to bed himself and not wanting to risk waking him if he had. In the darkness, Merlin couldn’t see the glare his sister was sending him, but he could certainly imagine it quite well solely by the tone of her voice.

“Sorry, it’s just…” Merlin hesitated for a moment, unsure of whether he should tell his sister what was keeping him up. It could just be a feeling, nothing special to it. His pause seemed to last too long for her liking, something made clear as she whispered out his name again, bringing him out of his thoughts and making him continue. “I have this feeling.” Maybe he shouldn’t have said anything. He didn’t even know how exactly to describe it, after all.

“Magical feeling?” Arwen questioned curiously, listening as Merlin murmured out a confirmation. “Bad or good magical feeling?” She couldn’t help but ask. If Merlin was feeling magic which was not his own, she felt like it was more than reasonable to ask.

“Bad.” Merlin said, but it still managed to sound more like a question due to his own uncertainty. But it was enough to make Arwen heave out a heavy sigh, pushing her covers away and throwing her legs over the side of the bed.

“Well, I guess that’s it for my idea of getting some sleep.” She announced, somewhat disappointedly. “Either we’ll be hearing warning bells, or chaos descends upon us… Again.” She said, and while Merlin wanted to try and tell her to just go back to bed, he realized that she did have somewhat of a point. And if nothing happened soon  enough, then they could just prescribe it to an oddity and return to bed.

Arwen wrapped a light blanket around her shoulders before following her brother out of their bedroom and into the main room of the physician’s quarters which was still lit up with candles all around. Arwen couldn’t help but shake her head in disapproval as she watched Gaius still hard at work despite his promise that he was heading to bed right after her.

“Can't sleep?” Gaius’ curious eyes turned to the siblings as they walked out of their quarters, watching as Arwen poured them both a cup of water.

“Something woke me.” Merlin explained, his voice still distant and aloof as he looked around as if he’d find the source of the feeling right there in the physician’s chambers. He didn’t, of course, and instead simply accepted the cup his sister handed him.  “A feeling.”

“What kind of feeling?” Gaius basically asked the same question as Arwen had. Only this time, after feeling it for longer and having more time to think on it, Merlin actually thought he might have an answer.

“Powerful magic, here, in Camelot.” He explained.

The sigh Arwen gave out was a hard one to miss. Anyone using powerful magic in Camelot didn’t sit well with her. She had yet to find someone doing it to be friendly. Something told the red head that by tomorrow morning, they’d certainly be dealing with a new problem on their hands. If only the time was as long as her prediction made her believe. Instead, the problem came within moments.

It was Gwen who rushed through their doors, her cloak billowing behind her in a flurry as all three turned their eyes towards her in concern. In the same moment, they all questioned what had happened.

“My father's been arrested.” Gwen revealed. The reactions of the three were varying, but all displayed the same thing. Merlin and Gaius’ furrowed brows and Arwen’s eyes, wide as saucers, made their surprise at the news evident.

“Arrested?”
”What for?”

Merlin and Arwen asked in the same breath.

“They say he was making weapons for a sorcerer!” Gwen’s revelation had the Ambrosius siblings sharing a subtle look between themselves. Just as Arwen suspected, whatever Merlin was feeling, the consequences of it had already arrived. “They're charging him with treason!”

“Whatever’s going on, I’m sure Morgana will do whatever she can to help.” Arwen tried to speak in a reassuring voice, hand grasping Gwen’s and giving it a tight squeeze. She knew it wasn’t much comfort, but perhaps there was yet still hope.

“The guards won’t even let me see them.” Gwen cried. The news making Arwen shake her head in distaste.

“Well, that’s easily solved. Come on.” She said, a new determination in her voice as she gently pulled on Gwen’s hand. If her father was to be executed, she had every right to see him.

Merlin watched them head for the door, his expression a mix of dubious and worried as he was unsure of what exactly his sister was concocting up in her head. “What do you plan on doing?”

“Oh come on, Merlin. I can have those guards do whatever I want if I just bat my eyes at them and offer words of flattery.” Arwen shared dismissively, deeming this not the time to explain the art of seduction and manipulation to her brother.

He on the other hand thought there was never a time he wanted that explanation, if his grumbles were anything to judge by. “I could have lived without knowing that.” Merlin muttered with a grimace on his face, but ultimately both he and Gaius followed after the two women, just as determined to get to the bottom of what was going on. If they did that, perhaps there was a way to help save Gwen’s father. And that was their main goal at the time.

Of course, there was nearly nothing that could be done for Tom. Even if Morgana seemed to have managed to convince the King to give Gwen’s father a fair trial, they all knew how it would turn out. Uther Pendragon’s mind was made up as soon as the word sorcery was uttered.

Arwen hated having to leave Gwen at a time like this, but she, Gaius and Merlin had made sure there wouldn’t be a time when she was left entirely alone in their chambers. Someone was always with her while the others had to do their daily duties. None wanted to shrink or ignore them and bring upon themselves the King’s wrath when he was in such an agitated state.

However, not only was Uther agitated, but he was back to his tyrannical ways once again. That wasn’t hard to deduce as Arwen moved through the streets of the city, her eyes catching sight of a procession of guards leading a group of men in chains towards the castle. Uther had demanded that anyone who’d even spoken a word with the sorcerer known as Tauren be apprehended.

The sight of the fear colouring their faces brought on a familiar feeling within Arwen. The one that made her wish she wasn’t simply a low-born apprentice so she could have some chance to smack sense into the King. There was no way that all of these people had known the man they were interacting with was a sorcerer. It would be a surprise if even one of them did.

For a few moments, she watched as the large group was escorted through the streets for all to see. Even if by some chance they weren’t executed for what Uther believed to be treason, their names and reputations would surely be ruined after such a scene. However, once the group passed by, Arwen’s eyes caught sight of a familiar pair of faces standing not far down the street from where she was. And with the anger bubbling up inside of her, she couldn’t resist walking over to them.

As she drew closer, Arwen was able to catch the last bits of her brother’s conversation with the Prince of Camelot. “By order of the King?” He questioned whatever Arthur had said before, a part that Arwen hadn’t been able to catch.

“They committed a serious crime.” Arthur tried to explain, but of course, neither of the siblings found the explanation to be enough reason for what was currently happening.

“Giving a man a bed for the night?!”

“Not a man. A sorcerer.”

Arthur’s excuse came swiftly, but this time it wasn’t Merlin who answered it. Finally close enough to be sure they’d be able to hear her, Arwen was the one who spoke instead, making their eyes turn to her in surprise. “And how were they to know he was one? Sorcerers don’t go around announcing what they are. Not when they can so easily blend in looking like any other citizen.”

It was clear from the look on Arthur’s face, as well as the words that soon came along with it, he wasn’t appreciative of their opinions on the matter. “It is not for either of you to question my father's actions. Is that understood?” He demanded, and while his words made it seem like he was angered by their disrespect, the reason behind them was entirely different. He didn’t want to take the risk of someone overhearing them and reporting on it to the King, not when his father was hunting everyone and everyone who did a single wrong thing, intentionally or not.

“Yes, Sire.” Merlin was the first of the two to relent, and Arthur didn’t even wait for Arwen’s acceptance before he spoke again. Which was good, considering she wasn’t about to give it to him.

“Now go get on with whatever you're meant to be doing.” He spoke in a warning tone, making Arwen’s scolding glare only harshen while her brother started to walk off. She was about to follow him, but her mind didn’t give her peace and so she spoke again.

“This is senseless killing. And you know it as well as I.” She said openly, fixing the Prince with a pointed look. She could see his unease with all of this, even if he did try to hide it.

But, unlike her or her brother, he had the luxury to show it and for nothing to happen to him, and with it came the chance to change it. One Arwen hoped he’d take. But she didn’t stick around to see whether her hope was misplaced. Instead, she walked off, leaving the Prince staring after her.

Arwen hadn’t slept even for a second throughout the night, pouring her focus instead into work. Not that Gaius minded as he himself was quite restless. And so both worked in a peaceful silence, Gaius writing in one of his books, noting down new findings and recipes while Arwen worked on restocking their shelves and working on the remedies they were to hand out the following day.

By the time she’d finished all of it, it was nearly dawn, the darkened sky starting to show lighter shades of blue through the windows of the physician’s chambers. It didn’t yet render the lit candles useless, but it would soon enough. And while Arwen could feel some of the exhaustion due to a lack of sleep, she had no plans on trying to get some when it was so late. Or so early, better said.

Not that she would have gotten a chance to anyways.

It was the shrill sound of the warning bells echoing through the streets that had both Arwen and Gaius jumping in momentary surprise. And it didn’t take long for both Gwen and Merlin to rush out of the bedroom. Surprise coated Merlin’s face, but Gwen’s was laced with worry.

“What’s going on?” Merlin was the first to question the sound, as if Arwen or Gaius might be clairvoyant and have the answers to his questions. Of course, they weren’t, leaving all four to wonder of the cause for the commotion.

“Oh, I hope it has nothing to do with my father.” Gwen mumbled, more to herself than to any of them, but Arwen still heard her. Moving by the desk, she reached out to take Gwen’s hand within her own as she spoke.

“I’m sure everything is alright. If it was any cause of concern for us, someone would come inform us.” She tried to remain optimistic. And there was no reason for the bells to have anything to do with Tom. His trial would be in a couple of hours, and until then he was in the cells beneath Camelot. She suspected it may be more along the lines of someone having spotted the hunted sorcerer somewhere within the city’s walls.

But hope was becoming a thing for fools more often than not within the walls of Camelot. And that was only proven further as not long after it was Sir Leon who appeared at their door. One single look at Gwen, the sympathy in his eyes spoke volumes. But still, the daughter needed to ask; needed to know exactly what the look meant.

And so Leon told them. He told them of Tom’s attempt at an escape and that it had resulted in his death. There seemed to be more, a wish to express his condolences to his childhood friend, however, before he had a chance, Gwen was rushing past them all, past him and through the doors of the Physician’s chambers.

“I’ll go.” Arwen announced, choosing to be the one to follow after Gwen and taking no spare time in doing so. However, she did make a small pause at the door, smiling up at Leon as she added, “Thank you for coming yourself, Sir Leon.” She said. She knew many of the other guards wouldn’t have been as considerate when delivering the news to Gwen.

After receiving a small nod from the Knight, Arwen walked out the door, hurried steps echoing in the empty halls as she followed after the sounds of Gwen’s own. She wasn’t too far behind the woman, but Gwen was still the first to rush out into the Camelot courtyard. And she did so just in time to see the guards rolling away the body of her father.

Arwen came in time to hear Gwen as she cried out, her sadness finally coming out in full force as she was faced with the truth of her father’s death. Tears pooled in her own eyes at the sight of her friend’s heartbreak, and Arwen rushed to her side, wrapping Gwen up in her arms as she tried to console the distraught daughter over the loss of her father. But Arwen knew that no matter how much comfort she provided, there was nothing she could truly do to make all of Gwen’s pain go away. But she knew she could be there, it was what Gwen needed.

And so Arwen held on to her friend as she cried, giving her a chance to let it all out, unaware of the eyes watching them from the windows of the castle. The eyes of not one royal but two, the sight helping each form new decisions.

But Arwen’s focus was solely placed on Gwen, determined to get her back into the castle so she could have her privacy instead of remaining here as the streets started to fill with the early rising citizens who had to start getting to work. It took some coaxing and gentle steering, but it wasn’t long before Arwen had brought Gwen back to the physician’s chambers.

Gwen made a straight line back to the bedroom in which she’d been staying, and Arwen followed after her, especially since Gwen hadn’t let go of her hand, signalling that she did want her to follow. The girl’s crying may have stopped, but she seemed to still be under the effects of the grief and shock. Something that made Merlin follow after them as well, watching as Arwen and Gwen both took a seat on his bed, neither separating from the other.

“Are you all right?”  Merlin knew it’s a stupid question as soon as it left his lips. Of course Gwen wasn’t alright, but at a time like this he wasn’t really sure what else to say or ask.

“I just don't understand.” Gwen spoke her first full sentence, her voice hoarse from all the crying she’d been doing. “Why did he try to escape? His trial was this morning?” She questioned, trying to reach for the answers she knew she’d likely never truly get.

Arwen knew it was not the time to point out that the trial meant nothing. Gwen had been holding on to the hope, and it had been something none of them dared rip away from her. But they knew that Uther’s mind had been made up and Tom didn’t actually stand a chance at a fair trial or judgement. Tom himself must’ve realized it as well, Arwen suspected. But there was no point in speaking her thoughts aloud when all they’d do was bring Gwen more pain. So she remained quiet.

A soft knock at the door brought their conversation to a pause anyways. Eyes turning towards as it opened, all three of them were most likely expecting Gaius, but to their surprise it was the Prince who walked in. Both Arwen and Gwen were quick to rise to their feet to greet him. Still, Arwen did not let go of Gwen’s hand, acting as silent support in the situation.

It was another thing they hadn’t openly spoken about until then, but all were aware of Uther’s fickle loyalties when it came to associations with sorcery. And all were aware of the possible precarious position Gwen might find herself in because of the accusations placed upon her father. Not that they’d let anything happen to her without putting up a fight.

“Sire.” Gwen greeted the Prince in a hoarse voice, a questioning undertone laced through it, asking him what he was doing there without actually posing the question itself.

Arthur walked further into the room, the door closing behind him as he started to speak. “Guinevere, I...want you to know that your job is safe. And that your home is yours for life. I guarantee you that.” He revealed before taking a small pause. “I know that under the circumstances it's not much but, erm, anything you want, anything you need, all you have to do is ask.”

Once he finished, Arthur didn’t expect a response or demand it. Instead, he started to turn around back to the door as he got ready to leave again. But before he did, he glanced back at Gwen one last time. “I'm sorry.” He said. Because Arwen had been right, all of his father’s decisions in the past days had resulted in senseless killing as she’d called it, and he felt guilty for being unable to do anything to stop it.

“Thank you, Sire.” Gwen offered the Prince a small nod, not quite able to smile, but the gratitude in her eyes was more than evident.

And with that Arthur was ready to depart this time, but as he turned, his eyes caught Arwen’s own. The gentle look on her face, paired with a soft smile of gratitude for the kindness he was showing Gwen was a hard thing to miss. And while it let him know that he was on the path of righting his father’s wrongs, Arthur hoped it would be enough for the time.

The night before, Gwen had managed to assure both Arwen and Merlin that she’d be alright spending the night in her own house and didn’t need to continue taking up space in their chambers. Arwen still suggested that she go with her, at least, but even in the face of grief Gwen remained determined as always.

However, that didn’t mean that Arwen hadn’t made it her first order of business to check on her friend the next morning. She headed to the city streets as soon as she left the physician’s chambers that morning, however, the plan had been derailed when Arwen’s journey was interrupted by one of the castle guards intercepting her in the halls.

According to him, Arthur had requested her presence in Morgana’s chambers. Both worried that something may have happened to the Ward, and knowing that this was a summons she couldn’t shrink away from, unlike her other duties for the morning, Arwen had changed her course and headed to Lady Morgana’s chambers instead. If the Ward wasn’t hurt or sick, and had simply had another one of her nightmares, perhaps she’d want to go with Arwen to see Gwen once they were done.

Once she arrived at her destination, Arwen knocked on the door, only walking through it once she heard Morgana’s voice carry from inside, allowing her to enter. Once she did so, Arwen wasn’t sure which sight to be surprised by more. Gwen who was already there, back to work so soon after everything that had happened, or Morgana, who seemed to be in quite a dishevelled state.

“Arthur sent word that you need my assistance, my Lady?” Arwen questioned in a hesitant tone, because among all other things, it was clear that she’d walked in and interrupted an ongoing conversation.

Luckily for her, Morgana didn’t seem too annoyed with her for it, instead offering a gentle smile as she spoke. “It would be much appreciated, Arwen. Thank you.” She said before turning back to her maid, continuing the conversation from before, knowing it was one Arwen could be present for. If anything, Morgana suspected that the physician would most likely side with her on the subject. “You need to go home, Gwen. Get some rest. Please.”

While Gwen tried to reassure Morgana she was fine to continue working, Arwen made her way further into the room, subtly observing the Lady for who she was there in the first place. And as she watched Morgana move around, it wasn’t hard to spot the main problem which coloured her wrists.

“I insist.” Morgana spoke as she looked at Gwen, momentarily glancing at Arwen who appeared by her side, silently requesting to see her wrists. Morgana complied with the request. However, while Arwen observed the bruising, Morgana returned to watching her maid who was now trying to busy herself with some measly cleaning tasks. “Gwen?”

The call of her name made Gwen take pause, but she did not turn back to Morgana or Arwen. That alone let the two women know something was wrong, sharing a worried look between themselves at the realization. Done with her assessment of Morgana’s injuries, and unable to do anything about them until she properly cleaned up, Arwen released the Lady’s wrists, steps taking her closer to Gwen so she could put her hand on the maid’s shoulder.

“Gwen, what’s wrong?” Arwen questioned, hoping to get Gwen to talk to them instead of bottling all of her feeling up. She did, after all, suspect her friend to be upset over recent events and not something else.

“I can't go home!” Gwen finally revealed, but the lack of information on background for the reason still made both Morgana and Arwen believe it was tied to Tom’s death.

“It's understandable to feel so alone.” Morgana tried to comfort her.

“You can always stay with us longer, as long as you need.” Arwen offered, knowing that neither Merlin nor Gaius would find issue with it. And if they did, Arwen would give Gwen her own bed and be the one to sleep on the floor this time.

With a heavy sigh, Gwen stepped away from them again, seeming to think over something for a short moment before she spoke in a quiet tone. But with only the three of them in the quiet room, it was enough for Morgana and Arwen to hear the single word.

“Tauren?!” Morgana repeated the name which had fallen from Gwen’s lips in surprise.

“He attacked me. He threatened me. He was looking for some kind of stone.” Gwen finally told them the truth, tears springing back into her eyes, only these were not tears of sadness but, instead, fear. And for a second, Arwen’s hand was itching for her sword so she could end all the trouble this damned sorcerer was causing.

“Stone?” Morgana, on the other hand, focused on the information Gwen was sharing.

Arwen was reminded of the conversation between Merlin and Gaius that she overheard before leaving the physician’s chambers earlier that morning. However, she hadn’t been fully paying attention to them. And even if she had, sharing that she may know something about a magical stone didn’t seem like the wisest choice. Not during a hunt for any sort of sorcerer ‘sympathisers’.

“He said if I didn't bring it to him, he'd kill me. He's waiting for me in the Darkling Woods. I have to do something. If I don't get this stone to him by dawn tomorrow…” Gwen’s voice shook as she repeated what the man had told her the previous night.

The sound of Morgana’s shoes clicking against the floor as she headed towards the door with determined steps had both of the women looking in her direction, Gwen being the one to question her actions first. “What are you going to do?”

Morgana turned back just long enough to answer the question. “I'm going to send the guards, of course. It won't be you that Tauren meets. It'll be the Knights of Camelot.” She announced, and soon after continued on her way. Not caring about her appearance or such trivial things as she rushed out of her own chambers in search of the guards, leaving Arwen and Gwen standing alone.

“It’ll all work out fine, I’m sure.” Arwen offered her friend reassuring words because she herself believed them. Now that Gwen had told them, and Morgana was getting the guards involved, it wouldn’t be long before Tauren was captured and the sorcerer who truly deserved Uther’s wrath would finally be on the receiving end of it.

Or so Arwen thought…

Arwen had finally gotten a good night’s sleep that night, and it allowed her to have the energy she needed to complete all of her day’s tasks. After two nights of no sleep or only a few short moments of it, it was easy to remain completely unaware of your surroundings as you slept. Surroundings which included her brother sneaking around in the dead of night.

And while Arwen had been unaware of that fact, what she didn’t fail to notice was that ever since the morning Merlin had been doing his best to avoid her. Still, she remained unaware of the reason behind it. So when she returned to the physician’s chambers to find him sitting at the table alone, seemingly deep in thought, Arwen didn’t hesitate to join him.

Sitting down on the opposite side of the table, the red head fixed her brother with a pointed look, one he didn’t notice, forcing her to let out a short cough in an attempt to grab his attention. And it worked, finally making his eyes snap towards her in surprise. Arwen spoke only once she knew she did, in fact, have his attention. “What’s going on with you today?”

“Nothing.” Merlin tired to play it off as her imagination playing tricks on her. Arwen, however, had always been terribly good at knowing whenever her brother was lying. “Why would you think something’s going on?”

“Merlin, I know when you’re avoiding me. So, tell me what is it? Did I do something to upset you?” She questioned him. Arwen herself couldn’t think of anything she might’ve done, but she knew it wasn’t impossible to do something in passing, unaware that it may have caused offence or hurt. She liked to believe she didn’t do such things often, but still had to make sure that wasn’t the cause.

“No, no. You didn’t do anything.” Merlin quickly reassured her, but still seemed hesitant to reveal what it truly was then that seemed to be troubling him. “Don’t worry about it.”

“Well, something is still on your mind. So much so that you think you have to avoid me because of it.” Arwen pointed out. Never in the history of them knowing each other had she simply let him wallow on his own when things were wrong, he should have known better than to expect that to change now.

“I’m not avoiding you.” And yet he still tried to lie and cover it up. Quite terribly too.

Seeing that simply questioning him would get her no where, Arwen tried for a different approach. “You know you can tell me anything, right?” She questioned, reaching over to give his hand a gentle squeeze. Arwen hated seeing him troubled, hoping he’d open up so she could offer her help in any way she could.

Merlin decided, that while he wouldn’t reveal everything, Arwen’s thoughts on the situation could still be of benefit to him. “Do you think Arthur is ready to be King?” He asked finally.

The question surprised Arwen, making her brows furrow somewhat as she leaned back in her seat. “Why are you asking that?” She questioned with a curious look in her eyes. “There’s still time before Arthur is to be King, you know? Uther is in perfect health for a man of his age.”

“But what if something happened to him?” Merlin seemed determined in his line of questioning.

“I do suppose you can never predict that.” She admitted honestly, although she doubted the chances of something happening to Uther were high. He was the most well protected man in all of Camelot. However, seeing the urging expression on her brother’s face made Arwen give out a small sigh as she finally spoke her reply.  “No, I do not think Arthur’s ready to be King just yet.”

That didn’t seem to be what Merlin was expecting to hear if his reaction was any indication of his feelings. “But you said before that he’d make a great one?” He questioned in surprise. In truth, he’d been expecting for her to be the one to tell him the opposite of what Gaius had, to make him see all that he was thinking of in a different light.

“And I still believe that. But that doesn’t mean he’s ready.” Arwen started to elaborate. “We may have seen him grow into a better person since we first arrived to Camelot, but he’s still got learning to do and experience to gain before he can be a good leader. Ruling requires so much more than a kind heart and bravery.”

Arwen didn’t need to be a member of the nobility or a royal herself, her time on the council alongside Gaius had given her enough chance to be able to see all of the complexity of the politics and diplomacy which came with the position of being King. Something Uther, at times, lacked, and Arthur still had yet to learn more about.

“I know that it is your destiny to one day help Arthur be King, and a great one at that, but I don’t think you should rush destiny, Merlin. You might risk failing at it.” Arwen spoke in a soft tone, unsure of why Merlin seemed to be so fixated on such a topic at the moment, but still offering as much help as she could with the information she had.

Merlin nodded his head, but the thoughtful and troubled look did not leave his face. However, before Arwen could try and pry more answers from him, he suddenly rose from his chair. “I have to go.” He announced suddenly, heading for the door of the quarters before Arwen could even attempt to stop him.

And so, she was left to watch him go, shaking her head with a small sigh. She chose to believe that whatever was going on, or whatever he’d gotten himself into, he’d manage to stay out of trouble while dealing with it. And if he didn’t, then at least that he’d come to her for help if he needed it instead of trying to handle everything all on his own.

Arwen didn’t really care if she was getting on Gaius’ nerves in that particular moment. Not that he’d suggested anything of the sort. But if he had, well she still wouldn’t be paying it much mind. Because her current state of pacing up and down the length of the physician’s quarters was the only thing keeping her from snapping. And since the object of her annoyance wasn’t present at the time, she wasn’t sure who she’d be snapping at.

It wasn’t long after the news spread about the assassination attempt on Uther’s life, one orchestrated by Tauren himself while the King and the Lady Morgana were on a journey beyond the castle walls. The news alone wasn’t much reason for concern. After all, both of the royals had returned safely and Tauren had been dealt with.

No, the person Arwen was worried about was her fool of a brother. One who had never returned to their chambers after rushing off once their conversation ended. Or rather, once he brought it to an abrupt end. A conversation which had dealt with the possibility of Arthur becoming King in the near future if something were to happen to Uther. That, paired with his absence, let Arwen know that her suspicion of her brother’s involvement were more than likely to be correct.

So when Merlin did finally walk through the doors of the physician’s chambers, offering both her and Gaius a chipper hello as he headed for their room, Arwen didn’t give him a chance to get too far. The sharp hit he received on his shoulder forced the servant to stop as he winced, glaring at his sister but never having a chance to vocally complain.

“Where the hell have you been?!” She questioned him in a scolding tone, one that reminded him of their mother every time he’d stay out much too long into the night with Will back home in Ealdor.

“Oh, I was just, uh…” He stumbled over his words for a short moment before Gaius finally came to his rescue, an amused smile on the physician’s face as he spoke.

“Busy day?” Gaius’ tone too was much more teasing than Arwen’s had been.

“Had its moments.” Merlin replied vaguely, earning himself another glare from his sister that made him quite happy that her looks didn’t have the power to kill.

“I hear that Tauren tried to assassinate Uther.” Gaius continued to play along with Merlin’s game, seeming to draw great fun from it all.

“That's what I heard.” The small smile on Merlin’s face revealed that he’d been much more involved than just hearing the stories in the castle halls.

“Only heard about it, did you?” Arwen raised an eyebrow at him.

“And Morgana saved him. How many men were there? Three? Four?” Gaius asked.

It was evident that it was becoming quite hard for Merlin to hold back his smiles as he continued to respond to Gaius’ questions. “Yeah, something like that.”

“Morgana must have shown extraordinary courage to have defended a king against such odds.” Arwen couldn’t help but chuckle at that, knowing how much it always infuriated Merlin when someone else took credit for his rescues. “I suppose you had nothing to do with it?” But, of course, Gaius wouldn’t be one of those to do that to him.

“Oh, you know. Just background stuff.” Merlin finally relented. Arwen couldn’t help but shake her head at that. She told him he could come to her for help. And instead he went at it alone.

It wasn’t that she cared about being left out, but instead her worry for him. Should anyone have spotted him, not even doing magic, just being there, it was much more a plausible explanation that she’d been the one to handle some of Tauren's men than Merlin who everyone knew wasn’t a fighter at all.

“No need to be so modest, Merlin.” Gaius smiled at Merlin, but the boy misinterpreted what he was being told, making a bashful look spread over his face and wipe away the smile which had been there as he apologized. “It's not a criticism. It's a compliment.” Gaius quickly pointed out, bringing the smile back to Merlin’s face once again.

“Right. Thanks, Gaius.” With that Merlin continued on his way towards their room, and while Gaius returned to his work, Arwen herself followed after her brother, speaking once they found themselves in their own space.

“So this assassination attempt, that is what had been bothering you yesterday?” She asked the first question on her mind. It did come as somewhat of a surprise to think that Merlin might’ve been debating letting it happen, but truly, she couldn’t fault him for it. Not in his position.

“It doesn’t matter anymore.” Merlin brushed it off, and this time Arwen let him. It was a matter of the past, and now that it was over, she saw no reason to let it trouble them any longer. But that wasn’t the only thing she wanted to discuss.

“You do know you could have asked for help, right?” She asked before quickly continuing to add. “I need you to tell me you do.”

“Of course, I do. But I didn’t want to involve you. It was dangerous.” Merlin quickly reassured her, not wanting her to, for a moment, to believe there was a lack of trust between them. He never doubted that she was the one person he could always trust.

“Merlin, I am capable of making my own decisions about my safety.” Arwen pointed out in a an annoyed tone. Another thing Merlin knew he should have expected as soon as he spoke.

And while a part of him wanted to point out that he was the older brother, it was his job to keep her safe, he knew better than to test her patience. Especially when keeping her safe wasn’t the only reason he hadn’t told her about what was happening.

But that was over now, and all in the past. Merlin saw no reason to reveal Morgana’s involvement in today’s events and risk ruining his sister’s friendship with the King’s Ward. Morgana had come to her senses in the end, and Merlin believed that was what mattered most.

So, instead, he simply swallowed it all down and replied with a simple: “I know.”

“No more secrets, okay?” Arwen requested. It was so rare that they kept secrets from each other in the first place, but she still wanted to ensure it.

And Merlin agreed. “No more secrets.”

At that, a genuine smile finally spread over his sister’s face, one that brought Merlin to smile as well. “Glad to hear it.” she announced happily, throwing her arms around his shoulders and pulling him into a tight hug. “And I’m glad you’re alright.” And with a large smile on his own face, Merlin happily hugged his sister back.

Chapter Text

Arwen wasn’t sure what to think when she and Gaius were both summoned to the Council Chambers. It wasn’t unusual, certainly, but the knowledge that it happened so shortly after Arthur, Merlin and some of the other knights returned from a hunt on which they went earlier in the day, Arwen couldn’t imagine the cause being anything good.

And as usual, she was right in her suspicions. Listening to Arthur describe the beast which the party had encountered in the woods so close to the city itself was certainly an unsettling thought. Arwen found herself unable to distinguish which creature it may be from Arthur’s description. However, luckily for all of them Gaius had no qualms with his own knowledge.

“The creature you describe has all the characteristics of the Questing Beast.” The Court Physician announced, certain that he was right. It was that which made Arwen think it was time to jump into more of Gaius’ books than she already had; specifically those dealing with the wildlife of the kingdom. It was only a matter of time, in her line of work, that identifying one would fall to her, and Arwen wanted to be ready when it came.

“Surely that's a myth?” Arthur questioned in disbelief. Were they in private, Arwen wouldn’t have hesitated to point out that in their lives, myths, magic and legends weren’t really much of a foreign thing. If she had but a single coin every time they discovered that what they thought was a story was very much real, she’d be able to afford the dress she’d seen on one of her trip with Morgana and Gwen to the markets.

“According to the old books, the appearance of the Questing Beast is supposed to foreshadow a time of great upheaval.” Gaius warned openly, and Arwen couldn’t hold back a small sigh. Why did it have to be great upheaval? Why couldn’t it be unicorns and rainbows?

“Gaius, it's an old wives' tale.” And why couldn’t their King learn from the events of the past and realize that when Gaius said something is bad… It is really bad?

“Look, whatever it is, it's spreading panic. The people fear it will enter the city.” Arthur didn’t seem to care much for whatever the story about the beat may or may not be, his worry for the people shining through instead.

“Then we must kill it.” Uther announced, and with that Arwen could agree. Whether a creature of magic or not, a large beast so close to the city wasn’t a good thing either way. She only wished they had more time to know how exactly killing it could be accomplished. “Arthur, gather the guard together. You ride at dawn.”

Uther’s tone of finality signalled a dismissal for all those who’d gathered. Arwen spared a glance at Gaius, who nodded for her to go ahead of him while he remained back to try and talk some sense into the King. She did as suggested, joining her brother’s side as they made their way through the halls.

“So, it seems there’s great upheaval coming our way?” She commented, her displeasure with it making Merlin give out a small laugh.

“Great upheaval is a normal Tuesday.” Her brother pointed out light-heartedly, managing to draw a laugh from Arwen who had to admit that he did have a point.

“You’re right. Whatever it is, we’ll handle it.” She nodded her head. Yes, perhaps there was a long night of research ahead of them, but in the end she knew it would pay off. It always did.

“And then someone else will take the credit for it.” Merlin added on, continuing to show just how normal this situation would be.

“We lead charmed lives, don’t we, brother?” Arwen looked up at him with an amused smile, both of them bursting into laughter as Arwen linked their arms together and they continued on their way to the physician’s chambers.

Once they reached it, it wasn’t long before Gaius joined them. And their research begun. While Arwen grabbed some books off the shelves to search for any information she could gather on the Questing Beast, Gaius spoke of what he already knew.

“This is no ordinary beast, Merlin.” The warning note in his tone had both of the Ambrosius siblings looking to the elderly man curiously.

“Don't worry.” Merlin chose to remain optimistic and confident.

“No, listen to me, you don't understand.” Arwen on the other hand grew unsettled as she watched the concern on Gaius’ face. With one look to her brother, she made him quiet down so Gaius could say what he needed to. “Uther may not respect the Old Religion, but it is very real. To face a beast such as this, you must understand where it came from.”

“Is it made from magic?”Arwen couldn’t stop herself from asking. It wouldn’t have come as a surprise. But also, it meant that they’d have a harder time looking for answers on how to kill it. Magical answers weren’t easily found in scientific textbooks.

“At the very heart of the Old Religion lies the magic of life and death itself. The Questing Beast carries that power. One bite, you die, and there is no cure.” Gaius warned, making a newly worried look pass between Merlin and Arwen.

“Well then, we have to make sure no one gets bit.” Merlin knew  what his main job would be when he set out with Arthur to hunt down the beast and kill it.

“And to do that, we have to know as much as we can about the creature.” Arwen announced, tapping her hands against the thick books in front of her. The look which came over Merlin’s face made her let out a small laugh. He certainly wasn’t pleased with the idea of long and boring research.

While at first, Merlin had been displeased, by the time the dead of night rolled around, he turned out to be the only one remaining awake to do it. Both Gaius and Arwen had helped him, but Merlin had finally managed to convince his sister to go get some sleep not too long ago.

And once he noticed his eyes starting to drop and close on their own accord, every word he read seeming to evaporate from his mind as soon as he’d moved past it, Merlin realized it was time for him to do the same.  He suspected he had gathered enough information for tomorrow, and with a shake of his head to clear his mind, he closed the books in front of him.

Remembering the drawer from which Gaius had pulled the books, Merlin carried them over so Gaius wouldn’t scold him from cleaning up after himself the next morning. Pulling it open, he was ready to just dump the books back inside when something else caught his eye.

A somewhat crinkled envelope, it’s paper starting to yellow with time, stared up at him, the name on top of it written out in neat and carefully  crafted penmanship. The sight of it reminded Merlin of the conversation he’d had with his mother and sister the night before Kanen’s attack on Ealdor and the mysterious letter which had been mentioned between the two women.

Merlin stared at it for a couple of long moments, his mind debating with him on whether he should give in to his curiosity. It is, after all, Arwen’s letter, and some would argue that he had no business reading it, but Merlin was curious. He always had been. And he was also somewhat of a nuisance when it came to boundaries; in the sense that he didn’t respect them from time to time. Most of the time.

So, quite unsurprisingly, his curiosity got the better of him. With a glance back at Gaius, making sure the man remained asleep, Merlin finally placed the books in the drawer before pulling out the letter. Picking it up, he noticed the weight which seemed to suggest there was more than paper inside of the ageing envelope.

Starting to pry it open, Merlin winced at the rather loud shuffling and cracking of the paper, lucky to know that Gaius had the ability to sleep like the dead after a long night of work. Once the envelope was open, Merlin glanced inside at the two objects it contained. A folded up piece of paper, the letter itself, and a golden pendant.

The latter was the first Merlin pulled out, glancing down at the crest-like engraving he couldn’t recognize. He suspected Arwen and Gaius would be able to, but he certainly couldn’t ask since he was snooping. He didn’t know of a crest with a unicorn, and so the pendant only heightened his curiosities to the point of no return. He couldn’t stop himself from wondering why it would be paired with a letter meant for Arwen.

With the pendant still in hand, Merlin fished out the letter itself, making quick work of unfolding it so he could read through the words. Words which, written in the same handwriting that while neat seemed somewhat rushed, started with ‘My dearest daughter’. As Merlin continued to read beyond its first line, he discovered that that line itself was the least surprising of all.

The next day, Arwen found herself working in the physician’s chambers as she waited for news of the Prince and her brother. They’d gone on the hunt for the Questing Beast that morning, and if it had all gone well, she knew they should be returning any moment now. She was hoping to hear stories of their success and nothing else. Instead, she received quite an unsettling surprise.

If there was one thing Arwen hated, it was whenever someone bursts through the physician’s doors in a rush. It was never a sign of something good happening, and always managed to set her on edge. After all, not once had she been relieved to find it a false alarm. And this time was much the same as any other, Arwen assumed as she watched Merlin and Gaius usher in a set of guards who were helping carry and unconscious body.

Only once she saw the face of their patient did Arwen realize this time was much, much worse. The pale colour of Arthur’s skin along with the sweat gathered on his brow made her swing into action, sweeping away any and all items which had been on the table. She couldn’t care less about where they fell or if they’d break as she made space for the Prince to be set down so she and Gaius could examine him as quickly as possible. But it didn’t take too long at all to find the root of the problem, Gaius being the first to notice the blood coating Arthur’s neck and seeping through his armour.

“He's been bitten.” The physician announced, Arwen’s blood running cold. They’d done a lot of research about the Beast. They found information on what the stories said it was capable of, warnings of its bite, even a way to kill it, but they never once came across any possibility of a cure to its bite.

“You must tell the King.” Arwen ushered the guards out, knowing that it was what had to be done in the moment, but also wanting the room to be cleared so the three of them could speak freely without mincing their words.

“There must be something you can do.” Merlin’s eyes swung between Arwen and Gaius, pleading with them for a miracle.

But according to Gaius, there wasn’t one. Not one they themselves could perform. “I wish there was.”

“I scoured the books, there is no mention of someone ever surviving a bite.” Arwen spoke next, her voice tinged with concern and fear. They’d said they’d handle it and all would be well. How in the world could they have been so wrong?

Merlin, of course, wasn’t about to give up and relent. Not when he had the best chance to change this. “I'll find one.” He announced in a determined tone, his legs already carrying him in the direction of their bedroom, ignoring when Gaius tried to call for him to stop.

The physician and his apprentice shared a worried look between themselves, both knowing what Merlin had gone to get. “Can you hear me, Sire?” Gaius leaned down to whisper to the Prince who seemed to give no reaction. They had no chance to seek one out further before Merlin reappeared, putting his book of spells and magic out on the table.

“The King will be here any moment!” Gaius tried to remind him.

“And we cannot be sure of Arthur’s state. What if he overhears you?” Arwen questioned. She certainly wasn’t against the idea of Merlin using his magic to save the Prince, but she wished he’d be more careful about it.

But in a moment like that, Merlin was unable to think of himself and his own safety. “He can't die. It is my destiny to protect him. We haven't done all the things we're meant to do.” Merlin pleaded, his own words seeming to spark something within his mind. For a moment, he spared a glance at Arwen, a new-found look of realization appearing in his eyes.

Arwen wanted to question what it meant, but now was not the time, nor did she get a chance to as Gaius spoke up once again. “That is a lament of all men.”

“Gaius, he's my friend.”

“Then save him.”

Both Gaius and Arwen nodded their heads at Merlin encouragingly. Because it wasn’t only about him using magic when the King would arrive any second. It was the fact that they were allowing him to do so, that they were aware and neither doing nor saying anything to stop it. If he got caught, they were going down with him. But none of the three cared about that.

Using his magic, eyes glowing gold, Merlin made the pages of the book fly around, flipping at an increased rate until he caught a spell that might be of use. “Gestathole.” His hand extended towards where Arthur lay as he spoke the incantation, but there seemed to be no result, forcing him to search further. “Thurhhaele.” And again, nothing happened. “Maybe the spells need time to take effect.”

“The bite of the Questing Beast is a death sentence that no magic can overturn.” Gaius reminded, starting to lose hope in Merlin’s magic as he watched the spells that would work in any other case yield no response.

And Merlin had no chance to try more of them as the voice of the King started to echo from the halls beyond the doors. “Where is the Prince?! Where is my son?!”

The sound of the King’s approach made Arwen move quickly, coming to stand in front of the table on which the magic book lay, shielding it from the King’s view with her body as he came into the room. Uther stumbled over his own feet as he caught sight of his son. “Arthur!” He rushed to the Prince’ side, holding up his head in his hands.

With the King focused on Arthur, Merlin’s eyes flashed again, the book closing and hiding its contents. It made Arwen relax just a little, knowing that the problem of the book was a solved one. But they had many more on their plates to deal with.

And Uther’s pleading, desperate voice served as a reminder of it. “Do something, Gaius!”

“I am trying, your majesty.”

“Gaius and Arwen will find a cure. They will not let him die.” Merlin announced, making the two physicians share somewhat unsettled looks between themselves, caused by the promise Merlin made on their behalf. A promise that is very unlikely they can uphold.

It was Gaius who spoke in an attempt to correct that statement before the King had a chance to latch onto its false hope. “We will do everything in our power.”

“I’ll bear him to his chamber.” Uther announced, proceeding to pick up his son in his arms even though he could have had anyone else see to that. But no one objected. Instead, Arwen, Merlin and Gaius were the first to follow him as he started to walk out of the Physician’s chambers.

As they moved through the castle and into the courtyard, Merlin started to fall back, his guilt over not being able to do anything to stop the bite from happening consuming his thoughts. Arwen and Gaius, on the other hand, stuck close to the King, even when his knees buckled and he lowered to the ground, Arthur in his arms as the tears of sorrow consumed the King.

While Gaius tried to comfort the King, Arwen quickly motioned to some of the knights who were near. And despite it not being the King himself calling, they rush over, taking Arthur’s body from his hands and continuing to carry the Prince into the castle.

With Arthur being taken care of, Arwen placed a hand on Uther’s shoulder, kneeling down next to him. Her face was full of sympathy, because while she may dislike the King and his ignorance or some of his methods, in a moment like this that was not something one can focus on. Not when the grief was so visible on his face and overpowering everything else.

“You must be strong, Sire. For it is your strength that will fuel Arthur’s own so he can recover.” She knows the words were simple falsehoods. She knew Uther’s strength won’t be of much service in this. But it was still important he remain composed, at least in the eyes of the public. Once word of what has happened spread, even worse should Arthur die, if murmurs of a broken King followed them, it would leave Camelot in a very exposed position, one that many would try to abuse. And that was the last thing they needed.

Merlin was happy to have a plan. With the help of the Dragon, he knew what he had to do. And it was why he’d returned to the physician’s chambers immediately after he had his answers. Sitting at the table, he continued to plan out his path to the Isle of the Blessed, ensuring he’d be ready for the journey and more than capable of accomplishing his goal.

Arwen wasn’t present to help with the maps and plans, but Gaius had offered his services. However, the silence which hung over the room ever since Merlin revealed his plan to the physician, and made it clear he had no intentions of backing down from it, had grown quite tense. It was clear to Merlin that Gaius did not approve of his idea.

But by now, Gaius knew Merlin well enough to know that, ultimately, there was nothing he could do to stop him. And so, instead, he chose to help him as much as he could, hoping it would result in Merlin successfully returning home.

However, as Merlin continued to read through the books which spoke about the lands so close to Camelot’s border, observing them on maps and drawings he found himself more and more prompted to speak again. And finally, it overflowed. “I read the letter.”

“What letter?” For a moment, Gaius found himself confused by the sudden announcement, unsure of what it had to do with anything they were focusing on at the moment.

“Arwen’s letter.”

And that was enough for Gaius to understand. The answer certainly wasn’t specific, but it was enough for him to gather what Merlin was talking about. Especially when he was spending his time looking at the maps of Camelot’s border with the former Kingdom of Prairene, the border near which the Isle of the Blessed was located.

“Did you tell her?” Was Gaius’ first question on the matter.

“Not yet.”

“Merlin, you mustn’t. Not yet.” Gaius urged him on, ready to put up a fight when it came to this matter.

“Why not? She deserves to know!” Merlin finally glanced away from the map which was spread out on the table in front of him, levelling Gaius with an accusatory glare. He couldn’t believe no one had told Arwen about the letter by now.

“And she will. When the time is right, and when she is ready.” Gaius tried to explain, knowing Merlin would understand what he spoke of since he read the letter.

“A year doesn’t make much difference on whether she is ready.” And yet, the boy still continued to have ideas of his own.

“Perhaps not, but it was her mother’s last wish. It is tradition.” Gaius reminded.

“Exactly! Tradition she should have had twenty years to prepare for. And if not for that, then at least she deserves to know who she is.” Merlin argued his case. He didn’t want to have to hide this from Arwen, he didn’t want to lie and act like he knew nothing. He couldn’t. “She spent her life thinking her mother abandoned her and never loved her, Gaius. She deserves to know that she’s-”

Whatever Merlin was going to say, he was forced to cut it off instantaneously as the door of the Physician’s chambers suddenly opened. And he was lucky to have done so just in time as his sister’s flaming hair came into view once she walked into the room. At the sight of her, Merlin’s mind instantly remembered where she’d been.

“How is he?”

Arwen had been tasked with tending to Arthur, making sure his wounds were cleaned and bandaged properly while Gaius obeyed the King’s demand to instantly get to work on finding a cure. With a small sigh, she thought of her response before finally answering. “As good as can be expected. But he’s fighting. He’s strong.” Walking further into the room as she spoke, it wasn’t long before Arwen noticed all of the books surrounding the table by which her brother sat. “How is it going on your end?”

“I’ve found something.” He announced honestly. This part at least, he could be honest with, but not with all of it. Especially once he noticed the instant gleam of hope and joy that spread through Arwen’s eyes at the revelation.

“Really? What is it?” She questioned curiously, rushing to his side to see what he was working on. Merlin didn’t bother hiding the maps or books, knowing his plan wouldn’t be deduced from what she could find within them.

“An antidote which can be found at the Isle of the Blessed.” Merlin started to explain, sending a pointed look to Gaius as he spoke. A silent message, one telling the physician to say nothing of his true plan to Arwen.

Because Merlin knew he couldn’t tell her the truth. While Gaius had tried to dissuade him from the idea, Arwen wouldn’t even attempt talking about it. She’d simply lock him away in a room and head off before he could, giving herself up in his place.

On any normal day, Merlin could never let that happen. But he couldn’t allow it now especially. Not when he knew who she truly was. Not when so much of the Dragon’s hints about Arwen’s own important destiny finally made sense. He couldn’t risk jeopardising all of that, all that she was meant to do.

“How can I help?” She instantly offered, ready to take some of the books herself and get to work. But Merlin didn’t need much help, not anymore.

“Don’t worry, all I have left to do is chart a course. I’ll leave tomorrow morning as soon as possible.” He revealed, making another smile spread over Arwen’s face. It seemed like this would actually go well, like they’d be able to do what was said to be impossible.

“Alright, I’ll be ready.” She said firmly, stepping away from the table and about to head towards the bedroom so she could begin packing away the things they’d need for the journey. But she hadn’t been able to take a single step before Merlin’s loud voice sounded.

“No!” His sudden exclamation had Arwen turning to him in surprise. It wasn’t long before she was fixing him with suspicious look, thinking he’s hiding something from her and that was why he didn’t want her to come with him. Something Merlin quickly realized too, and made easy work of masking his reaction as something entirely different. “I need you here. I need you to keep Arthur alive until I return.”

At that, Arwen’s shoulders relaxed. Knowing how worried about Arthur Merlin was, it made sense he’d make such a request. And it was one she was willing to comply with if absolutely necessary. “Are you sure? You might need help.”

“I’m sure. I won’t be able to focus if I’m worried about him dying while I’m gone.” Merlin explained, and it wasn’t entirely untrue either. “Knowing you’re here, it’ll make that easier.”

“Alright then, I promise I’ll do whatever I can. We both will.” Arwen promised, eyes turning to Gaius for the first time since the conversation started.

She could see the uneasy look on his face, but Arwen simply prescribed it to the worry they may not be able to do what Merlin was asking of them, to the worry for Arthur in general. After all, what else did he have to be uneasy about? Merlin had done the impossible, and things were starting to look better than they had been a mere hour ago already.

That morning Arwen had been there to say goodbye to her brother as he set off for the Isle of the Blessed. And after what seemed like a hundred hugs, instructions and safety tips, she’d somehow managed to release him and allow him to go off on his own with the promise he’ll be safe and come back in one piece.

Since then, she’d spent much of her day by Arthur’s side, alternating shifts with Gaius as they watched over the Prince who could no longer be left unsupervised. To be able to keep their promise to Merlin, they needed to watch over him, be there to tend to every moment when necessary. And Arwen was determined to do it and keep him alive until Merlin was back with the antidote.

They’d spent so much time at it that, by now, night had fallen upon Camelot. Arwen was walking through the halls, headed back to the Prince’s chambers because she knew it would be much too hard on Gaius’ old bones to spend his night sleeping in an uncomfortable chair by the prince’s bedside.

Her suspicions were only confirmed once she entered the large room only to find Gaius lightly snoring away in one of the wooden chairs. Arwen made her way to his side, and after giving his shoulder a gentle shake, Gaius stirred awake. “Go to your own bed, Gaius. I can handle it here for tonight.” She instructed him, not leaving much room for argument.

Not that Gaius was capable of arguing much in the first place. In his tired state, it didn’t take long for him to accept the offer. Arwen watched him for a few moments as he made his way out of the Prince’s chambers before turning to the unconscious man on the bed.

With a small sigh, she moved to his side, sitting on the edge of the bed as she removed the compress from his forehead to replace it with a fresh one, soaked in cold water to keep his fever down. She was happy to find him sleeping peacefully at the time, knowing that earlier in the day he’d been in pain and struggling.

“I keep hearing stories about the great destiny you have, Arthur Pendragon.” She spoke in a hushed voice, dabbing at his forehead as she wiped away the sweat. “About what a great king you will make one day. I’ve even said so myself on multiple occasions by now. And you know how I hate to be wrong.”

She wasn’t sure if he could hear her, and if he could, whether her words would even mean anything, but as she put away the cold towel, Arwen’s eyes focused on his face. She felt her heart strain at the sight of him so sickly when she was so used to seeing him strong and brave.

Something within her compelled her to take the Prince’s hand, gently brushing her fingers over his knuckles in a soothing motion as she continued to speak. “Which is why you cannot die. Because I believe in your destiny. I’ve seen the man you are, good and fair, with a heart bigger than you dare show. I believe that when the day comes you’ll make a much greater king than your father ever could be. A king that the people will love and be proud to call their ruler. I believe in all of those things. So don’t you dare stop fighting and prove me wrong.”

For two days, Arwen and Gaius continued to tend to Arthur, doing their best to keep him fighting, to keep him alive. But the more time passed, the more his condition deteriorated. At first, Arwen had hated the moments where she could see the pain he was in, but by now, those had stopped. Arthur had stopped showing signs of pain, and the more time passed, the more weaker he grew, doubt started to creep into her mind.

She prayed that Merlin would return soon, because if one thing was clear, it was that Arthur didn’t have much time left. Whenever it was Arwen’s turn to look after Arthur, she’d always made sure  he knew she was there. Some times she  read from the book which had been open on the table from before the hunt and everything that happened, and other times, she simply reminded him how close the cure was.

In that moment she was doing the latter. Telling him Merlin was bound to be back any moment and then he’d get all better. And, if she didn’t know any better, maybe what happened next would have made Arwen wonder whether she might be clairvoyant. It was the sound of the door opening that cut off her words and made her look in its direction.

At the sight of Gaius and Merlin rushing inside, a smile lit up Arwen’s face. She rushed to her brother’s side, throwing her arms around him happily. “God, I’m so happy to have you back.” She told him as she pulled away, refusing to take up too much time on the reunion before she returned to what mattered most. “Did you manage to get it?”

It was Gaius who answered her question. He didn’t do so with words, but instead by simply rising the vial he held in his hand into the air. It was sign enough for Arwen to return to Arthur’s side with the two men along with her. With Gaius holding the vial, she sat down by Arthur’s head, putting it in her lap so that it was angled and made it easier to swallow the antidote as Gaius poured it into his mouth.

All three of them remained entirely silent, but the quiet didn’t last too long before the door opened once again. This time it was the King who had entered, but unlike before, his presence went by unnoticed as the physicians focused on their work. It was only when Uther spoke that they realized he was there. “What are you doing, physician? What are you giving him?”

“It's a... I…” For a moment, Gaius stumbled over his words. In their rush to bring the antidote to Arthur, he hadn’t had time to prepare a story with which they’d cover up the truth.

But for Arwen, it was an easy truth to guess. As she watched Gaius try to come up with an answer, she quickly gathered that the reason they couldn’t be entirely forthcoming with the origins of the antidote was because it was somehow connected to magic. So, thinking quick on her feet, Arwen cut him off and spoke herself.

“It's a tincture made from the lobelia plant and coriander.” She revealed, proceeding to explain the science behind the plants. She knew that Uther wouldn’t have the patience for a long winded scientific explanation, not at a time like this. “The main symptoms of the poison are attacking his respiratory system and causing a fever. Lobelia is an effective remedy for the lungs and coriander-”

And just as she expected, he interrupted her, not wanting to know all the details anymore. There was but one thing that truly mattered to the King. “You think it could be the cure?”

“We hope.” Arwen gave a small nod.

Walking further into the room to stand at Arthur’s bedside with them, Uther’s eyes focused on Gaius next. “You trust your apprentice’s knowledge?” To him, from the way Arwen spoke, it seemed as if she had been the one to come up with the cure. At the realization, Arwen opened her mouth, ready to jump in and deny it, not wanting the credit she didn’t deserve.

However, she never got a chance to speak up. “I do, my Lord.” Gaius said confidently. And to prove his point further, he resumed the actions of pouring the liquid into Arthur’s mouth.

Gaius himself hadn’t told Uther anything about working on an antidote or something that could save Arthur. If anything, he’d maintained the thought that there was little hope. Continuing on as if Arwen had made the cure helped them avoid any further questions from the King. Something Gaius preferred to the alternative of Uther possibly discovering what they’d truly done to obtain it.

“Do you really think it will have some effect?” Uther questioned Arwen, unable to hide the small show of hope on his face once all of the antidote had been poured into Arthur’s mouth, allowing both Gaius and Arwen to step away from the Prince.

“It's our last resort, Sire.” Arwen didn’t want to sound to confident, not only for the sake of the lie, but also because she wasn’t too familiar with everything that Merlin’s plan had entailed. Until then, she didn’t want to be certain in front of the King only for it to fail.

“Perhaps you should allow him to rest.” Gaius suggested, only to be met with strong opposition from the King at the idea.

“I will not leave him.”

And with none of them foolish enough to stand up to the King on the matter, Gaius, Merlin and Arwen were left to walk out of the room on their own, leaving the King to sit by his son’s side as they all waited to see whether the antidote would have any result. They all needed it to.

Hours later, it had been Gaius who returned to the Prince’s chambers to wait alongside the King. He’d caught enough of Arwen’s made up explanation of the antidote to help fill in the gaps of the story if Uther had any further questions. That left Arwen and Merlin alone in the Physician’s chambers, both slightly going out of their minds as they waited for any news.

The only sound filling the space was that of Merlin moving around as he paced the length of the physician’s chambers, unable to sit still so much so that Arwen was starting to believe his pacing would soon add the length of their bedroom too.

She herself remained seated at the table, playing with a random piece of paper so her hands had something to occupy her since she doubted her mind would be able to remain focused on ingredients and measurements if she tried doing actual work.

However, both of their movements halted the second the door of the chambers opened and Gaius walked in. A deadly silence spread over them, their eyes entirely zeroed in on the older man as they waited for him to say something. To say anything. And then he did.

“The Prince lives!”

Gaius’ announcement was met with glee and joy. Arwen jumped up from her seat, her hands giving an excited clap, while Merlin’s own jubilation with the news made him unable to hold back from pulling his sister into a celebratory hug. One she happily returned.

However, only when she pulled away did she notice the silent conversation which had been happening over her shoulder. Catching the last of the odd looks exchanged between Gaius and Merlin, her eyes shifted between the two with an inquisitive look on her face.

“What is it? Why aren’t you two happier?” She questioned.

“Worry not, my dear, we are certainly happy.” Gaius brushed off her question as if she’d simply imagined it, quickly moving on to change the subject and distract her. “And the King is raving about your skills.”

And the statement seemed to do the trick as Arwen’s eyes widened in surprise “But I don’t deserve it. I didn’t do anything.” She said, eyes turning to her brother with an apologetic look on her face. She knew how much it bothered him at times when someone else got the credit for his hard work.

But if the laugh Merlin let out at the sight of her was anything to go by, that wasn’t the case this time around. “Please, if anyone is to take credit for something I did, I am happy it is you.” He said happily.

That was enough for the two siblings to share another hug, Arwen revelling in the joy and relief of the moment. The Questing Beast was dead, and Arthur would live. Once again, the great upheaval had once again been handled and was now a thing of the past. Only that is just how it seemed...

By the time the next morning rolled around, Arwen had been the first to wake, happy to have slept in her own bed for the first time in two nights, and not an uncomfortable chair. More than ready for things to once again return to normal, she didn’t spare any hesitation in torturing her brother and making him wake up along with her.

And it wasn’t too bad of a thing that she did so, considering her brother had managed to fall asleep in what seemed to be quite an uncomfortable position with his legs hanging off the bed at an odd angle while his hands clutched onto a rabbit’s foot. Arwen didn’t question the reasoning behind that, unsure if she truly wanted to know what kind of oddities sometimes passed through her brother’s mind. Especially since waking him up seemed to bring out quite a good mood in him.

As did Arwen’s suggestion of getting some breakfast before they start their day. It wasn’t long before the two made their way to the front chambers, Merlin calling out to Gaius happily. He’d held back his need to announce he was alive, since it would only unsettle his sister. And since nothing happened, there was no reason to tell Arwen about his barter on the Isle on the Blessed.

However, not long after the two emerged from their bedroom, the joy was cut short as they caught sight of Gaius. He was kneeling on the floor beside collapsed figure whose face the siblings had no chance to see.

“What’s going on?”
”What happened?”

They asked simultaneously, making Gaius turn to them with concern in their eyes as he instructed for them to stay back. Of course, neither did. Merlin too curious for his own good, and Arwen knowing that as a physician she couldn’t afford such luxury. But as they stepped closer, it soon became clear that his instruction wasn’t because he feared their patient may be infectious. No, it was because of who their patient was.

“What’s happened to her?” Merlin questioned in shock, bending down to kneel next to Gaius while Arwen rushed to her other side. Arwen didn’t care about any possible risk of contagion as she took in her mother’s state; the boils which covered every exposed bit of her skin, the way she shivered and shook while lying on the floor, her breaths coming out in shallow pants.

“She's gravely ill.” Gaius said simply, and for a moment Arwen wanted to snap at him for pointing out the obvious. But she managed to contain herself, and instead focused on what mattered most.

“Do you know what it is? A way to help her?” Arwen hated the way her mind seemed to be rendered blank of any answer which could identify the illness responsible for her mother’s symptoms, and worry consumed it instead.

“Do something!” Merlin pleaded more desperately than his sister.

“If I only could.” But Gaius knew what this was, and he knew there was nothing to be done.

“Please, Gaius!” Merlin wasn’t catching on.

“Merlin, this is no ordinary illness.” The words had Arwen’s eyes snapping towards the grey haired man in surprise.

“You mean to say it’s magic?” She had a hard time believing that. For multiple reasons. “But who would do that? Why would someone use magic to make our mother sick?” Instantly, Arwen worried about what it might mean.

“This cannot happen.” Merlin was less focused on the question, muttering to himself in what seemed to be an almost guilty-like manner, one that made Arwen’s eyes turn on him next.

“Do you know something about this?”

“Who did you meet at the Isle of the Blessed?” Gaius didn’t give Merlin a chance to answer Arwen, instead posing a question of his own, leaving the red head to watch the two as she tried to connect the dots on her own.

“Nimueh.”

“Nimueh?! The Nimueh who tried to poison you?!” At that she couldn’t hold in her reaction. She remember the name, of course she did. She swore she’d kill the sorceress if she ever met her face to face for what she’d done to her brother.

Once again, she went on ignored, Merlin focused on Gaius and answering him. “It was as you said. She demanded a price, but I bargained my life, not my mothers.” His revelation made Arwen’s blood run cold. A mix of emotions flashed at her at a faster pace than she ever thought possible.

And her next exclamation encompassed them all. “You did what?!” Anger, fear, worry, rage… All of them.

“Arwen, Merlin… I wish there was something I could do.” Gaius spoke in a grave voice, knowing that what was causing this couldn’t be fixed. It would run its course, and there was no stopping it.

Merlin refused to take that as the final answer. “I will make you better. I will.” He promised their mother before, in usual Merlin fashion, he rose to his feet and rushed out of the room before anyone had a chance to do something about it.

For a short moment, Arwen debated following after him so she could scream and him and let out everything she was feeling. However, she knew she couldn’t leave right now. So she focused on Gaius. “You knew what he intended to do?” Her question was met with silence. Gaius could see the anger burning in her eyes just as bright as the fear. “I will deal with the both of you later, now help me get her onto a bed.”

Arwen hated having to leave her mother’s side when she was in such a state, but she knew Gaius was of much more help to her than Arwen herself could be at the time. So, when the physician said he would have to go check on Arthur and how his recovery was progressing, Arwen begrudgingly offered to do so herself. And she knew it wouldn’t take too long, based on the words which had already spread through the castle.

Arwen was met with smiles, words of congratulations and gratitude whenever she encountered someone in the halls. But with none of them was she capable of giving genuine responses, seeming like a woman on a mission as she did her best to get to Arthur’s chambers as quickly as possible. By the time she reached the door, she didn’t spare a moment to tame her hair or compose herself before she knocked on the door.

Happy that it didn’t take too long for Arthur’s call from inside to come, Arwen opened the door and entered the Prince’s chambers, finding him sitting at his table, shuffling through some of the papers settled in front of him, but once he saw her his attention abandoned them entirely.

“I came to check on your recovery, Sire. How are you feeling?” Arwen explained her presence, eyes scanning over him inquisitively, noting that he looked a thousand times better than when she’d last seen him.

And he proceeded to confirm it himself. “I’m feeling better than I have in some time. I understand I have you to thank for that.” He said before a small smile came over his face, his mind unable to resist adding more. “You and your beliefs.”

Arwen, however, didn’t catch onto the meaning behind his words. “It was nothing, Sire. I was merely doing my job.” She said dismissively, not capable of returning the smile which he was sending her way. And that was enough for his own to slowly slip away as he started to notice the oddities in her behaviour.

“What’s going on?” He questioned, looking her over and noticing the small shake of her head, and the way she kept glancing back at the door as if she couldn’t wait to get away from him.

“It’s nothing, Sire. If you-” Arwen started to say, but of course, she didn’t have her whole capacity to pull off a lie at the moment, making her seem like she was as incapable of it as her brother.

“Arwen, don’t lie.”

With a sigh, Arwen relented, knowing that telling the truth might make it easier to leave sooner. He’d have her check him over and then hopefully release her. “My mother has come to Camelot during the night.”

“Hunith’s here? Is everything alright.” Arthur asked in surprise, already wondering for what the reason may be to make such a long journey.

“No. She’s…” Arthur’s attempts at not worrying were made harder as he saw the way in which Arwen was attempting to fight off a wave of tears when she paused, continuing on only once she was sure her voice wouldn’t betray her. “She’s gravely ill.”

It took Arthur a moment to get past the surprise with the news. “I’m sorry.” He wasn’t sure what else he could say. But it wasn’t long before he was speaking again. “Go to her. I’m feeling perfectly fine, there’s no reason to stay longer than necessary.”

The words had Arwen looking at him with gratitude in her eyes. “Thank you, Sire.” She moved, ready to take her leave, but before she fully turned around she spoke again, remembering that in her distracted state she hadn’t a chance to say what she was feeling, the one good thing among the myriad of bad. “And I’m glad you’re recovering well.” She added before turning around and heading for the door.

“Arwen,” The call had her turning back to the Prince curiously, hand holding the door open as she waited to hear what else he had to say. “if you need anything, do not hesitate to ask.”

“Thank you, Arthur.” She said, offering him a small smile before finally walking back out into the halls. It hadn’t been a real smile, it didn’t reach her eyes, and in a way it made her sadness more prominent. It surprised Arthur, because until now, he never thought he could dislike her smile. And yet this one, this one he hated seeing.

From the moment she had finished checking on Arthur and returned to the Physician’s chambers, Arwen hadn’t left her mother’s side. By now, it was long into the night. So much so that Gaius had already gone to sleep, Arwen letting him use her bed since she knew she wouldn’t be getting any herself and Hunith was occupying his.

When she returned, Gaius revealed that Merlin had returned for a little bit while she was gone, but by the time of her return he’d rushed off again. And he hadn’t yet returned. Arwen wasn’t sure what would happen when he did. She was still angry with him, infuriated even, but this didn’t seem like the right time to scold or fight. Not when their mother lay dying. Not when they needed each other the most.

So when he ultimately walked through the door, Arwen remained silent, her eyes observing him as he looked at her. Merlin stood still for a moment, but soon enough walked over, taking a seat on the other side of Hunith’s sickbed. He knew he couldn’t avoid talking to his sister forever.

“Arwen.” He started, but only then did Arwen realize she wanted to be the one to go first.

“I’m so angry with you. You promised you wouldn’t keep secrets like these. Not anymore.” Arwen started. She had more to say. Because keeping the secret wasn’t even the worst part. He didn’t tell her even after it was done. He expected to die in the night, and he didn’t utter a single word. Arwen didn’t want to think of what it would have been like waking up that morning if things went according to Merlin’s plan.

However, she never got a chance to start that particular line of scolding since he interrupted her. “I had to. I knew you’d try to take my place.” He said, and the truth was they both knew he was right. Arwen wouldn’t deny that she’d have done it in a second.

“Of course I would have!”

“I couldn’t let you do that. Not when you still have so much to do.” Merlin pointed out, hoping she’d be willing to listen to him. However, the word choices he made only managed to anger her even more.

“God! Why do people keep saying that? I’m a physician’s apprentice Merlin! I don’t have some great big destiny to fulfil. Not like you, not like Arthur.” She reminded him.

And this time it was he who was angered by the statement. “Even if that were true, that doesn’t make you expendable!” He exclaimed. For a moment, right then and there, he was about to tell her. He was about to tell her everything he’d read and learned. He wanted to tell her.

But then he realized he couldn’t.

Not because Gaius told him not to, or because he doesn’t think she’s ready to know. He couldn’t tell her because that wasn’t why he wanted to talk to her. That wasn’t what he wanted to spend their last night talking about. And he didn’t want to fight with her. He wanted his chance to say goodbye. To say the goodbye which he knew would be the hardest of them all.

“Arwen, I don’t want to fight. Not tonight.”

“What do you mean by that?” Arwen easily caught on to the word which sounded like they had a hidden meaning, woven through the tone in which he’d said them. For a moment, Merlin remained quiet, looking over at their mother’s sleeping form with a saddened expression on his face, and for Arwen that was clue in itself. “You’re going back, aren’t you?”

Merlin nodded his head in confirmation. “It was meant to be me. Not her. Not anyone else.” His voice cracks as he speaks, the guilt over all that had happened in the last days weighing on him.

“But… I… You…” Arwen continued to stumble over her words, unsure of what to say. She couldn’t think of anything. Because, if she told him not to go, and by some impossible chance he listened to her, that would mean their mother died. And if she lets him go, then he will be the one to die.

It was like, whatever she said, it meant making a choice. A choice between her brother and her mother and which one of them should live. A choice Arwen could never make. Not when it came to the two of them. But there was a version of it which she could make without it weighing on her heart. The choice because of which Merlin hadn’t told her his plan in the first place.

And the moment it occurred in her mind, was the same moment she’d already made it. But to be able to go through with it, she couldn’t have her brother stopping her. She couldn’t have him suspecting she’d even come to the idea.

And so she didn’t fight him. She didn’t offer to be the one to go instead. She would let him believe she was respecting his wishes. And so, instead of saying anything, because there was nothing she could say without revealing herself, Arwen rose to her feet. She rounded her mother’s bed until she stood on the same side as her brother who rose to his feet, allowing her to pull him into her arms and into, what Merlin thought was the tightest hug she’d ever given him.

“When I was little, I used to get lonely. Out on the road with just my guardian and I, constantly moving. I’d daydream at night of having a sibling. Someone to share everything with.” She started to speak, knowing that this was the only chance she’d get to say some of the things she so rarely did.

“And then you came along, and you can be annoying, and a pain, and as stubborn as a mule, but for over fifteen years now, I’ve been the luckiest person in the world to have you by my side, to have you as my brother.” She pulled away, smiling up at him, her eyes starting to pool with tears as she spoke. “To be able to watch you become this amazing, strong person you are. I am so proud of you, big brother.”

“I love you.” Merlin pulled her into a hug again, tears slipping down his cheeks. He hated having to leave her. He hated knowing he wouldn’t be here to see her do the same. To watch her build the kind of place he spent his nights dreaming of. But he knew that by doing this, he was making it possible at least.

“I love you too.” Arwen whispered back.

Every word she’d spoken was carefully crafted and chosen. She watched out for her tenses, and she paid attention so she could say everything she wanted, everything that mattered most. All without revealing her true intentions through any of it. Because if Arwen had any say in the matter, Merlin’s plan would fail. And it would fail before he even had a chance to realize.

Arwen hadn’t slept a wink throughout the whole night. She knew she couldn’t. Not if she wanted her plan to work. Because it hinged on being gone before anyone could notice. And since it was still dark outside, the night still coating the sky in darkness even though the moon had set already, she knew it was the right time.

Both Merlin and Gaius were asleep in the bedroom, as was her mother, none of them having woken as she packed in the night. By now she was more than ready to go, but she had one more thing to finish before she did. Unlike Merlin, she hadn’t the time to plan out all of her goodbyes.

But still, Arwen didn’t want to leave without saying them. Without thanking Gaius for all that he had done for her since they came to Camelot. Without telling Hunith how grateful she was for the life that the woman gave her. And so she found herself saying it all in the only way she could. Sitting at her desk, quill in her hand, Arwen had put it all down on paper. By the time anyone found it, it would be too late.

As she wrote, for a moment, Arwen’s mind went back to the letter Gaius and Hunith had plans to give her at a later time. The one which had been written by the woman who gave birth to her before she sent her away. Arwen knew this would be her last chance to read it, and for a moment, she wondered where Gaius may have stored it.

But soon enough, two things dawned on her. She didn’t have enough time to look through all of the papers, drawers and shelves within the physician’s chambers in search of it. But that wasn’t even the most important thing. Just like before, she was reminded that she didn’t need to read it.

She was doing this for Hunith, the woman who was truly her mother in all the ways in which it mattered. She was doing this for Merlin, so he could amount to everything she knew he was meant to be. She was doing this for her family. And she didn’t need to cling on to one that had long ago given up on her. She couldn’t waste time.

Just as she was signing the letter, Arwen heard the door of the bedroom opening, forcing her eyes to snap up and look at Gaius as he exited the room. Quickly, she covered up what she was writing with some blank papers. His appearance didn’t disturb her too much. Her plan was sound, and she was ready for the possibility of someone waking up before she left.

“Good morning, Gaius.” She greeted him, as if his presence was of no consequence to her as he came to join her at the table, sitting on the bench on the other side while Arwen rose from her own spot. She moved over to the pitcher of water, starting to pour two cups, one for each of them while Gaius greeted her back.

“Good morning.” He regarded the girl with her back turned to him, as if trying to read answers from her posture. Because Arwen was acting much too normal. On any other day, he would have thought nothing of it, but with the situation they found themselves in now, he found it difficult to believe she was perfectly fine as she seemed to be.

His eyes scanned the room too, but for the longest time he saw nothing out of place. That was until his eyes settled on the pot which lay by their door, one that was almost always empty. Now it was covered by seemingly discarded cloths and blankets, but even then Gaius could see the strap of Arwen’s bag peeking out from its edges.

Arwen moving in the corner of his vision forced him to look back to her before she noticed what he was focusing on. He watched as she walked back to the table with two fresh cups of water. She placed her own on the table and  handed him his, making him send her a grateful smile.

“How has she been?” He asked, sparing a moment to glance at Hunith’s sleeping form. Arwen did the same, giving out a heavy sigh as her eyes remained glued to her mother, a new heaviness falling over them until she snapped out of it.

“She slept through the night, I suppose that’s good.” She replied finally, sitting back down in her spot at the table. Bringing her cup to her lips and taking a few long sips of the water, she watched as Gaius too drank from his own. “It’ll all turn out as it is supposed to.” She muttered, trying to come across as focusing on the positives instead of the negatives, using the words to mask her pleased expression as she proceeded to drink some more of the water.

Having watched Gaius drink his own, she knew all she needed to do was wait. Wait until the sleeping draught she’d slipped into his drink took effect, and then she could leave without him ever trying to stop her. However, as she glanced back at her mother again, Arwen missed the pleased look on Gaius’ own face.

Arwen felt something shake against her shoulder. For a moment, she was unsure of what was happening as she tried to regain her senses, but soon enough she realized she was feeling a hand, someone trying to shake her awake. Shake her awake?!

As the realization dawned on her, Arwen’s head snapped up as fast as lightning, back cracking due to the sudden movement out of the position she’d been in all this time. Sleeping, her arms on the table, and her head nestled into them.

Her eyes started to shift around the room at a quick pace, noticing the bright rays of sun streaming in through the windows. Noticing her mother’s still sleeping form on the bed, chest slowly rising and falling and eyes moving behind the lids as if she were having a dream. She noticed the door of the bedroom, wide open and no one sleeping inside.

At that, her eyes jumped to the figure next to her. It wasn’t neither Merlin nor Gaius. “My Lord, what are you doing here?” She questioned Arthur in a rush. She really didn’t have time to find out what he was doing there, she realized the more her surroundings became clear. “What time is it?”

“I’m looking for Merlin.” He answered, confused eyes observing her as he wondered what could possibly have Arwen acting in such an erratic manner. “And it’s only morning.” He suspected that she may be worried she overslept something.

“Morning?!” Arwen couldn’t hold back her surprise, at least until her eyes settled on her cup of water, left from when Gaius had been with her. Gaius…

“What are you-?” Arthur tried to understand what in the world was happening as he watched bring the cup to her face, sniffing the half full liquid inside.

“Those blasted fools!” The exclamation cut him off and rendered him quite silent in surprise. But while Arthur didn’t understand a moment of what was happening, Arwen understood it all. Gaius had distracted her with questions of Hunith, using the moment she wasn’t looking to switch their cups. And Merlin, having figured out what happened, simply left her. “Those two idiots!”

Blasted fools and two idiots who now had a large head start on her.

“Arwen, what’s going on?” Arthur tried to pry some answers from her, but all she did was rise from her seat, rushing to the other side of the room without even bothering to explain.

“I have to go.” She announced, surprising Arthur as she fished out a hidden bag from one of the pots, slinging it over her shoulders before giving the room one last glance.  For a moment, her eyes paused on her mother before they finally looked to Arthur for the first time since he woke her. “Can you please have someone watch over my mother while I’m gone?” She asked, trying to be as polite and as patient as she could force herself to be in the moment.

“Of course, but-” Once again, she was back to the way she had been moments before, not even letting him finish before she was calling out a simple thank you and rushing out through the doors of the physician’s chambers.

Arthur was left standing alone, watching the spot from which she disappeared at the speed of light. It took him a few seconds to regain his senses and stop the surprise from being the only thing he could think of in the moment. But once he did, he rushed out too, ready to follow after her. However, having to stop one of the guards so he could get Guinevere to watch over Hunith, made Arthur’s chase after the red headed woman rather slow.

By the time he reached the courtyard he was too late, left standing at the top of the steps as he watched the woman ride away on a horse. Leaving the city and in it Arthur who would spend the coming hours wondering what in the world had happened to make her rush off in such a manner.

Arwen wasn’t sure what time it was, nor how long it had been since she rode out of Camelot. All she knew was that she’d been going as fast as the horse allowed her to. She needed to get to the Isle of the Blessed before it was too late.

Usually, when she travelled, Arwen would always observe her surroundings. At least a little. To admire the nature and the beauty surrounding her. But this time she didn’t care for any of it. She didn’t marvel at the vast White Mountains as she passed them. Nor did she let her curiosities take hold of her mind when she could spot the barren lands of Prairene in the distance. Beyond the lake on which she could see the only place she let plague her thoughts; the Isle of the Blessed.

A small wooden boat had been waiting by a wooden dock at the edge of the lake, and Arwen didn’t ponder whether it would let her board or lead her across the lake before stepping into it. She was happy to find there to be no barriers or magic keeping her from approaching the island.

The boat ride wasn’t a long one, and Arwen soon had her feet back on the solid ground of land. The moment she stepped onto the Isle, she could feel the powerful magic pulsating through the air around her. She who never had magic of her own, and yet now she experienced it’s power like the most natural thing. Like it was meant to be there.

She didn’t let it frighten her. She had no time for such things. She had no time to ponder it either. She simply set of further into the island, running through the ruined remains of what had once been buildings made of rock and stone. Unsure where she was supposed to go, Arwen simply let her feet move on their own.

But then she spotted massing clouds in the sky, the fog which surrounded the island gathering together above it as lightning and thunder started to crackle through it. Watching it unfold, Arwen knew such a sudden appearance of a storm wasn’t one caused by nature. And so she let it lead her.

Her feet pounded against the floor, pushing as fast as she could until she reached what seemed to be the centre of the ruins. And she did so just as the crack of lightning extended to the ground, multiple streaks following it until they met their target. For a moment, Arwen froze, realizing it was a person and not a random part of nature. But then she noted it was a woman, not a man.

Arwen spotted Merlin’s familiar jacket, his back turned to her as his own eyes watched the scene, observing as the strange woman burst from the force of the magic, letting out one final scream before she disappeared from sight entirely. Arwen wasn’t sure what had happened, but she didn’t care for a stranger. Instead, she called her brother’s name, continuing her run until she was able to throw herself in his arms.

“You’re okay! You are okay, right? You haven’t done anything yet? Please tell me you haven’t done anything yet?” She rambled on while holding on to her brother for dear life, as if she feared letting go of him would result in him disappearing the second she did.

“I didn’t, but Gaius…” Merlin trailed off as they pulled apart, both turning to look at the altar-like stone in the middle of the ruins, and Gaius slumped against them. At the sight of him, unmoving as he lay there, both the siblings rushed to their guardian’s side.

No matter how much they called his name, no matter how much Merlin shook his shoulders, no matter the icy rain that was now pouring down on them, Gaius gave no response. The thought of him being dead made Merlin give out  a pained wail, but Arwen didn’t want to accept it.

She looked to the sky. Whenever someone spoke of the Old Religion they made it seem like it was magic with a mind of its own. And so she called out into the air, speaking to no one in particular. “You demand a life for a life! You got one! Do not take him!” She didn’t know if she was simply being a fool, but Arwen was willing to try anything in that moment.

But perhaps, just maybe by some miracle, she wasn’t being a fool after all. Because moments later, Gaius took in a breath, air returning to his lungs as he tried to regain his senses, mumbling out their names while the siblings crowded around him happily.

“Gaius, you’re alive!” Merlin exclaimed, the widest of smiles spreading over his face as he pulled the man into a hug, Gaius returning it and Arwen joining them as well as she let just a few more tears slip down her face, these of happiness and not grief unlike those which came before, but all masked by the flooding rain.

“What did you do?” Gaius questioned weakly, looking between the siblings as he tried to figure out what had happened since his own conversation with Nimueh. Trying to figure out how it was possible that all three of them were alive.

“Nimueh's dead.” Merlin started to explain.

“A life for a life.” Arwen added on.

“The balance of the world has been restored.”

The short version of events made Gaius let out a breathy chuckle. “You amaze me. You've mastered the power of life and death itself. We'll make a great warlock of you yet.” His words came out slow, still weak from his ordeal, but he was alive. And he was immensely grateful to have the Ambrosius siblings looking after him, more than he’d ever been before.

“So you believe in me now?” Merlin questioned, his own amusement shining through his words.

“Well, I would do if…” Gaius started to speak, both Merlin and Arwen patiently waiting for his answer and giving him the time he needed. “If you could stop this blasted rain.” But once he said it, it was only moments before all three of them burst out laughing.

“I second that.” Arwen added on. All of them were already resembling drenched mice more than humans, and it wasn’t that they really couldn’t bear it, but Merlin had caused it, it was about time he ended it.

Something he happily did before the trio agreed that they also shared their next wish. Getting off the damned island and never having to go near it again if they didn’t need to. With Merlin and Arwen’s help, Gaius rose to his feet and they started to head back to the boat still waiting on the shores of the island.

Enthralled in their own joy and reunion, Merlin telling both Gaius and Arwen a more detailed version of what they’d missed in his confrontation with Nimueh, none of them paid attention to their surroundings. After all, there wasn’t much to look at.

Ruins, stones, and more ruins. And a charred piece of ground, plants and grass burned to ash in the spot where Merlin’s lightning had struck, left behind as the only evidence of what had just happened. Evidence which soon enough disappeared. The nature healing, the grass growing back, the patch of ruination disappearing. And all only after Arwen passed right over it, leaving healed nature in her wake.

Chapter Text

In the nearly six months since their ordeal with the Questing Beast and the consequences which came with it, much of Arwen’s life had changed. It’s what happens when one gets promoted from being a physician’s apprentice to being an actual physician herself. Something over which the red head had felt somewhat guilty about. At least until, one day around a month after, Merlin smacked her on the head, quite literally, and told her to stop being annoyingly humble since, according to him, she deserved the promotion long before she received it anyways.

In her new position, Arwen was still working under Gaius, but now she had more responsibilities and duties all across the city. She never complained or minded, not when she loved her job as much as she did. As more time passed, she became proud of her promotion. And there was another thing she thought she could be pleased by, although others would find it odd most likely. But nonetheless, Arwen was quite happy that in the months of being an official physician, not once had she been summoned to any kind of tomb or crypt.

Sadly, all good streaks must come to an end sooner or later.

“How do you think he died?” Was her brother’s first question as they found themselves standing in what was once a hidden tomb beneath the Citadel. Unearthed by the diggers who’d been tasked with excavating the tunnels by Uther.

The hidden chamber was full of jewels, golds and all kinds of treasures, and while some would find the sight amazing, Arwen was more unsettled by it than anything else, from the moment she stepped foot into it. She simply assumed it to be her usual distaste of such places, even if she did feel it in a different way this time. She ignored that.

Instead, she focused on her work, Merlin’s question prompting her to walk past her brother and towards the body of the dead man which had brought them down here in the first place. Kneeling by his side, she observed what she could see at first glance while her brother turned to the older physician who remained entirely oblivious to the fact that he’d been asked a question.

It took both of the siblings to call out his name for the man to realize he wasn’t alone and turn to look at them, the expression on his face making it clear he hadn’t caught the question and Merlin would have to ask it again. Only his question had changed by now already . “Do you know whose tomb it is?”

“Not sure.” Gaius’ reply was simple, voice still distant and aloof and making Arwen send him a curious look. He’d been perfectly fine until they stepped in here.

“Do you think it might be cursed?” Merlin’s query had Arwen’s mind jumping away from Gaius’ state and focusing on glaring at her brother now.

“Oh, please, it being a creepy tomb is enough, can we not talk about it being cursed?” She pleaded with the idiot whose only response was an amused smile sent her way. He would definitely be getting a whack on the head for that one later.

The pleasing thought of getting back at her brother soon evaporated from Arwen’s head as Gaius moved around the tomb, and in a flash Arwen could hear the moment he stepped on a trap, and the whoosh of the arrow that flew his way. Luckily, Merlin’s reflexes were just as fast. A metal plate flew up into the air, positioning itself as a shield between Gaius and the arrow which would have otherwise killed him.

It took a wide-eyed Gaius a moment to get his bearings again before he was able to speak. “You just saved my life. Thank you.” Merlin simply smiled back, happy to be able to do it, but not saying anything.

And it was good that he didn’t as soon after the familiar voice of the King reached their ears from the halls just in front of the tomb. The noise made Merlin quickly drop the magic which continued to hold up the plate, and it rolled across the floor. Right to Uther’s feet as he walked into the room, Merlin rushing after it to pick it up.

“Idiot.” Uther mumbled dismissively at the sight of her brother kneeling before him, stepping around him as if it was the heaviest task he’d ever had to accomplish while his eyes started to take in the riches by which he was now surrounded.

“Were you born clumsy or do you work at it?” Arthur’s teasing question made a small smile of amusement appear on Arwen’s face.

And Merlin’s sarcastic response only made it widen. “It's just one of my many gifts.”

“Well this is quite a find. You see, Gaius, I was right. There is treasure to be found under Camelot.” Uther marvelled at everything he could see, greedy hands starting to explore some of the chests and boxes. “Which of my predecessors do I have to thank for all this? Gaius?”

Once again, someone was forced to call out to the court physician twice. Arwen couldn’t help but send Gaius a curious look, knowing such behaviour was highly unusual for him. And she suspected the root of it was somehow caused by the tomb itself. She just wasn’t sure how exactly.

“Uh, I'd have to look into it, Sire.”

Finally, too distracted by his exploring until now, Uther’s eyes settled on the dead man. “How did he die?”

“He seems to have unwittingly triggered a trap here.” Back with them, Gaius answered with ease this time, his finger pointing to the trap which was quite close to Uther’s foot by now, forcing the King to step back to a safer area.

“There is a puncture wound, I assume one of the workers removed the arrow which struck him.” Arwen added on from her spot beside the man’s body, eyes starting to scan the floor in search of the arrow as she rose back into a standing position.

“To deter grave robbers.” Arthur concluded, his voice somewhat distracted as he stepped forward, extending his hand to Arwen to help her step over the known trap while watching the area around it to make sure she didn’t trigger any others. He stopped only once she was across.

Luckily, he didn’t miss any of his father’s words which followed. “Well there's plenty in here people would want to steal. Have them secure the tomb. Guarding it is your responsibility, Arthur.”

“Yes, Father.”

If they’d been alone in that moment, Arwen would have proposed a wager to Merlin, wondering which they’d have to worry about first. Grave robbers or curses placed on the tomb? Only time would tell she supposed, hoping it would be grave robbers.

While the discovery of the tomb seemed to be a great accomplishment in the eyes of the King, Arwen did her best to keep it from troubling her too much. Maybe this time they’d get lucky and all that would come from it would be riches and nothing else. That wasn’t too much to hope for, was it?

Either way, Arwen was happy that despite the whole business, no plans within Camelot had changed the following morning. And she found it to be a really good thing that Arthur had planned a hunting party exactly for that day. If something did happen with the tomb, at least they’d be out of the city for the majority of the day. Arwen included.

It wasn’t the first time she’d be joining them on a hunt either. Ever since her promotion she’d amassed the duties Gaius hadn’t been able to perform for some time now; such as accompanying royals on excursions beyond the city, and beyond the instant reach of the court physician.

It was one of the first things Uther told her she’d be doing, and it wasn’t a surprise. After all that had happened with the Questing Beast, it made sense that the King would want someone out there who’d be able to tend to Arthur in an instant should he need it.

So, as the whole party prepared to set out and go on their way in the courtyard in front of the palace, Arwen could be seen standing beside one of the horses. Her laughter rang through the air making multiple eyes turn towards the melodic sound, seeing her joined by Sir Leon, laughing at something he’d said.

Arthur did his best to look away, ignoring the unfamiliar feeling that passed through him and seemed to grow the longer he watched them. They were heading out on a hunt, he chose to focus on that as he started to climb up onto his horse, ignoring the sight in the corner of his eye of Leon offering his hand to help Arwen climb onto hers.

Not that he would have had much chance to see it fully transpire even if he had been looking. One moment, Arthur was rising up into the saddle and the next he was lying sprawled out on the ground. The loud thud which accompanied the fall had Arthur letting out a small groan, not only because of the pain of the impact, but also due to the embarrassment caused by the scene. A scene which could have been caused by one man, and one man alone.

“Oh boy, he’s in for it now?” Arwen mimicked a pained expression on her face as she watched Arthur rise from the ground, the Prince instantly turning on the man-servant who seemingly hadn’t done his job properly. “Do you think I should interfere before they kill each other?” She questioned as both Arthur and Merlin’s loud voices echoed against the stone buildings around them.

“I’d say Merlin’s half way to it already.” Leon joked, making Arwen cough as she tried to cover up her laughter. In the end, both were forced to turn their heads away to hide their snickering, knowing it would not be appreciated by the Prince, no matter how funny it was to everyone else.

Out of the two, Arwen was the first to school her expression back into a neutral one so she could turn back and see what had caused Merlin and Arthur’s yelling to subside. She observed them now, joined by a third man, one she’d never seen before. “Who is that?”

The question made Leon look back to the Prince and his man-servant too, something he hadn’t done for the risk of starting to laugh again. He looked at the strange man, shrugging his shoulders as he responded. “I’m not sure, but it would seem he’s joining us on the hunt.”

That much was rather clear as Merlin handed the man a beater’s stick once Arthur walked away from the two. Well, handed was a rather generous way of putting it. Merlin, quite unkindly, smacked it into the man’s stomach before walking away himself. Something told Arwen her brother didn’t particularly like this new man.

Arwen’s training focused on healing the sick, tending to wounds and mending broken bones. She’d never been trained for hunting, nor did she enjoy it. But alas, it was the King’s request that she accompany Arthur on such excursions. With it being on the list of her duties, it made it impossible for Arwen to say no. She was simply left with the hope that the loud shuffling of feet and rustling of leaves would manage to deter any animal from coming too close.

Well, she was nearly certain it would have worked on any normal animal in the area. However, nothing in Camelot or around it could ever be normal, and so it was a boar, its size larger than even that of a bear, that charged at their party from the bushes instead of retreating.

And it headed right for them, running at a high speed, and the first in its path was the Prince itself. Arthur didn’t waver, rising his spear into the air and swinging his hand back before bringing it back and letting the spear fly at the animal.

Arwen watched as it bounced off of the boar’s skin, her mind flashing back to the griffin with which they’d dealt with all that time ago, it’s own skin too strong to be pierced by human weapons. For a moment, she worried that may be the case.

Her eyes started to scan the people around her, searching for her brother. She saw the newly hired beater, Cedric, hiding behind a tree in fear. Even some of the knights were starting to step back as the boar continued to charge at Arthur. From beside her, Leon quickly grabbed a spare spear, about to throw it himself but before he had a chance, another was flying through the air. And this blow landed as it was supposed to, bringing the large creature to the ground as it fell; dead.

For a few moments, everyone remained quiet, taking in the sight and relishing in the relief of it all ending well. But then Arthur started to turn around, eyes scanning over his men. “Who threw that?” He questioned in an amazed tone, but no one stepped up.

Knights continued to shake their heads, denying their involvement. The lack of admission made Arwen’s head turn to look at her brother, knowing that he’d understand the question on her mind even if she didn’t ask it out loud. And his response to it was a subtle nod. It was him who threw the spear, but not with his hands. It was magic he used to throw the spear.

On any other occasion Arwen would have claimed responsibility to keep Arthur from looking any further, but she knew she couldn’t since he, along with many of the other men were there a few weeks back when they managed to convince her to try her hand at it. She’d failed miserably, meaning such a skilled blow couldn’t be her credit.

And then, the silence was broken by a small, almost humble-like cough that made Arthur’s head spin in the direction from which it came. “Was it you?” He looked at Cedric with wide eyes, a smile starting to spread over his face when Cedric shyly nodded his head. “You just saved my life.”

Arwen couldn’t help but observe the scene somewhat suspiciously. She knew it wasn’t Cedric who was responsible for the throw, and yet there he was, so shamelessly taking the credit for it. “Honestly, Sire, it was nothing.” He tried to dismiss, and perhaps it would have been interpreted as him changing his mind, but the roll of his shoulders, as if he was stretching after his actions, proved that was not the case.

“I shall be forever indebted to you. You must be rewarded.” Arthur announced, walking towards Cedric with a pleased look on his face.

“No, I couldn't possibly.” The pretender tried to brush off the Prince, and yet, Arwen expected that should Arthur withdraw his offer, Cedric’s tune would change instantly.

But Arthur was too good for that. “Come on. What do you wish for?”

“I desire only one thing, Sire.”

Arwen listened carefully, waiting to see what Cedric would say next, what he might ask for. She reminded herself that just because someone wanted to seem like a hero in the eyes of their Prince didn’t necessarily mean they had ill-intent.

“A position in the royal household.”

Again, Cedric’s wish wasn’t really a sign of evil. Just because Merlin continuously grumbled about working for Arthur didn’t mean it wasn’t still a highly coveted position for many others. And after all, the circumstances under which Merlin had gotten his job were almost exactly the same. The only difference being that Merlin was actually the one to save Arthur’s life on that occasion.

“Good.” Arthur did not hesitate to accept the request, shaking Cedric’s shoulder as he spoke. “Consider it done.” He said before starting to walk away, letting out another amused and impressed laugh as he did so.

Unlike many others, Arwen didn’t follow after him right away, but instead, she watched as Cedric moved to Merlin, handing him back the beater’s stick and doing so in the same manner in which Merlin had given it to him in the first place. Evil or not, Arwen didn’t like Cedric.

“You alright?” She asked Merlin once Cedric walked away, allowing her to join her brother’s side. He responded with an indistinguishable mumble, and Arwen wasn’t sure if it was a lie meant to cover up that he was angry, or if he was being honest but still grumbling in an incoherent manner.

“Wasn’t he-?” Leon, who remained at Arwen’s side started to pose the question which Arwen finished for him, knowing what it would be.

“Cowering behind a tree? Yes, yes he was.” At least she hadn’t been the only one to see it. Or the only one to find Cedric’s actions just a little suspicious.

The hunt hadn’t lasted much longer after the events with the boar, but by the time the party returned to the city, night had started to spread over the sky, leaving Merlin and Arwen to return to the physician’s chambers, free of any other duties for the rest of the evening.

As they walked through the door, it wasn’t hard for Gaius to notice Merlin’s sour demeanour, one that had persisted all throughout their ride back to Camelot. “What’s wrong?”

“I saved Arthur's life, someone else got the credit. Just the usual.” Merlin tried to brush it off as he put his things on one of the tables.

“You’re still a hero in my eyes.” Arwen said with a smile, her arms wrapping around her brother’s shoulders to give them a short squeeze before she released him to put down her own bag. With her back turned, she didn’t catch the short second during which a guilty expression both appeared and disappeared from his face.

In need of a change of topic, Merlin’s focus turned on Gaius instead. “What are you doing?”

“I found this inscription on the sceptre.” Gaius said, turning the paper on which he’d noted the symbols so both of the siblings could take a look at them. Arwen glanced at each symbol, noting their details, but ultimately she was unable to recognize the language in which it was written.

“What language is that?” Merlin was much the same, hoping Gaius would have answers for them.

He didn’t. “I don't know. Sigan would have known many languages.”

“Sigan?” Merlin was unfamiliar with the name, but Arwen felt it ring in her memories.

“Cornelius Sigan. It's his tomb.” Gaius expanded further, and the inclusion of the full name finally reminded Arwen of one of the books she’d read about some notable moments in the history of magic.

“I remember seeing that name. He was a powerful sorcerer, wasn’t he?” She questioned, wanting to be sure while her brother pulled up a chair so he could sit next to Gaius, growing curious with the story.

“Not just any powerful sorcerer, he was the most powerful sorcerer to have lived.” Gaius revealed in an ominous tone. “You didn't grow up in Camelot, but for those of us that did, Cornelius Sigan was a figure of nightmare.”

“Why?” Merlin questioned, seeming to grow somewhat dejected as it started to seem that this would be yet another story of someone using magic for evil deeds.

“Sigan's powers. He could change day into night, turn the tides, and legend has it, his spells helped build Camelot itself.” Gaius revealed. Arwen could see where the story was going. It wasn’t hard to imagine someone with so much power becoming corrupted by it. It was a tale as old as time. “In the end, he grew too powerful and the king at that time ordered his execution.”

“He’s dead? So why do you seem to be so worried about him?” Arwen couldn’t help but ask. The word curse, rang through her mind, of course, and if that turned out to be the case she’d blame Merlin for summoning the misfortune with his words when the tomb was first discovered.

“Sigan couldn't bear the thought that his wealth and power would die with him, so he became obsessed with finding a way to defeat death itself.” Gaius spoke the story, Arwen’s brows furrowing in wonder.

“There aren’t many ways to do that.” She pointed out. She could remember the night’s she’d spend at the Camelot library in the weeks following their last interactions with Nimueh and the Old Religion’s demand for the exchange of a life for a life. She wanted to learn more, so that should the need for knowledge ever arise again (God forbid) she’d know what was happening.

But there were very few methods to cheat death that she’d managed to find. The Cup of Life, the Philosopher’s Stone, dark magic and Necromancy the only ones that she’d seen mentioned, and some not more than just a few notations.

“You think he might have succeeded?” Merlin questioned, concern seeping into his own voice as he awaited Gaius’ answer.

But it wasn’t a reassuring one. It was one that was already on the minds of both of the Ambrosius siblings. “Let's hope not, for all our sakes.”

Both Gaius and Arwen spent a long night, focusing on a multitude of books and scrolls in an attempt to translate the message from Sigan’s tomb. But no matter how much they searched, they continued to come up with no results. And since Uther had shot down Gaius’ attempt to warn the King of what it truly was that was hidden below the castle, their research had to be done in their own time.

So when they were summoned to Morgana’s chambers early the next morning, Gaius and Arwen had to part from their books and make their way across the castle. Arwen felt terrible knowing that Morgana was once again troubled by nightmares throughout the night, especially since the last remedy they’d given  her had been working for months now.

“What was this dream about?”Gaius questioned the ward, sitting on the edge of her bed while Arwen occupied the other side, her hand rubbing Morgana’s back comfortingly.

“A bird.” Morgana said shortly, either trying to remember what she’d seen or still troubled by it, so much so that she didn’t really wish to speak about it at the time.

“What kind of bird?” Gaius, however, seemed rather curious, his mind leading him down a specific path that Arwen hadn’t yet reached.

“A raven.”

But at that, the red head’s eyes turned towards her mentor curiously. They’d been staring at a crest of a raven for the last couple of days, wondering what havoc it might bring upon them and now Morgana was dreaming of the exact same bird? It seemed too much of a coincidence to truly be one.

But Gaius continued to act oblivious. “A raven?”

“It was terrifying.” Morgana added, the fear creeping back into her voice as she glanced between the physicians. Pulling her closer, Arwen let the dark haired woman lean against her, silently reminding her that the dream was over and she was safe now. “What do you think it means?”

“Probably nothing.” Gaius tried to dismiss, and Arwen had to agree with his choice. The dream alone was already troubling Morgana enough, adding their theories onto it would only make it worse. They couldn’t do so unless they were certain she wasn’t just dreaming of it because she too had seen it. The mind was more than capable of playing such tricks.

“It's happening again, isn't it?” But even with Gaius’ attempts at reassurance, Morgana was having a hard time believing it was all so simple.

“Morgana, one raven doesn't mean that your nightmares are returning.” Gaius comforted. “Are you taking the sleeping draughts I prepared for you?” He continued on, hoping to switch the subject, watching as Morgana nodded her head in confirmation.

“I'll get Gwen to give you something stronger.” He still announced, starting to stand from the bed, but not before sending Arwen a subtle look, one that let her know she should stay and attempt to make Morgana relax.

“Like a blow to the head?” Morgana questioned sardonically, taking note of the look she received from Gaius in response. “I'm sure she wants to.”

Gaius spoke a few more reassuring words, promising Morgana that he’d prepare a new draught for her by tonight before he left the chambers, Morgana and Arwen now alone on the bed.

“If you want to try getting some more rest, I can stay here with you.” Arwen offered. The lack of sleep was visible on Morgana’s face, and she wanted the Lady to feel like she could rest some more if she wanted to. Arwen would be there no matter what happened.

But that wasn’t what Morgana wished for. “No, I can’t sleep anymore. Not right now.”

Luckily, Arwen had other ideas and methods to distract Morgana and brighten her mood. “Then let’s get your mind of off it. I have some free time and it’s been ages since we took one of our trips to the markets.” She suggested, watching as a smile almost instantly lit up the Ward’s face.

“I’d love that very much.”

Gwen returned shortly after, and with both her and Arwen helping Morgana get ready for her day, it wasn’t long before the three women were out of the castle and roaming the streets of the city. Both women were eager to catch up with Arwen and hear all that was new in her life; something they hadn’t had as much time for as before since Arwen got her promotion.

And the red head chose to tell them the newest stories, one including the newest member of palace staff. “Do you think up to something more?” Was Gwen’s first question as Arwen spoke of her distaste fro Cedric.

“No, no such thing.” Arwen admitted begrudgingly. “Don’t misinterpret me, I still very much dislike him, but that is more because of sibling loyalty. Cedric merely seems to be an ambitious person, coveting Merlin’s job all for himself. I don’t think it’s more than that.” She revealed.

After all, Cedric hadn’t done anything suspicious or alarming. He was simply weaseling up to Arthur while trying to undermine Merlin. Arwen disliked him for it, but she couldn’t start jumping to darker conclusions. Arwen didn’t want to cross the line into Uther territory by being paranoid and seeing enemies in everyone she disliked. Just because Cedric was rude and manipulative, didn’t mean he was planning to overthrow all of Camelot.

“Well Arthur wouldn’t dismiss Merlin. Even if they do argue and squabble.” Morgana spoke reassuringly. It was something that all three of them were very much certain of.

“No, he wouldn’t.” Arwen agreed wholeheartedly. She knew Arthur cared for Merlin in his own way. And while Merlin did have his moments of acting odd or messing up a task here and there, he was actually quite good at his job.

Whatever Cedric was trying to accomplish, sooner or later he’d realize the futility of it and then set his sights on serving some other high noble. She was sure of it.

By the time the next morning came around, Arwen wasn’t so sure anymore. No longer was Cedric trying to simply undermine Merlin, but he was also causing fights between the Prince and his servant now. Arwen hated it when the two fought. Actually truly fought, and not just squabbled like an old married couple. And this time she hated it especially, because it was Cedric’s manipulation that made Arthur’s attempts at kindness only result in trouble.

However, they had no time to plot and plan on how to get Cedric sacked. Both Gaius and Arwen had once again been called to come down to the tomb of Cornelius Sigan, and from the moment the guard delivered the message, Arwen knew it couldn’t mean anything good.

And she could see she was right as soon as she stepped through the tunnel leading into the tomb. It hadn’t been entirely emptied out, but it was obvious someone had been there and they’d taken things. Jewels, stones, gold… But none of that was as important as one single thing. One that was also stolen.

Just the sight of there having been an intruder had sent the King and his son to sound the warning bells and commence a search for the thief, leaving Arwen, Merlin and Gaius alone in the tomb. Leaving them to discuss the most important thing that was missing.

“Merlin. Whoever did this got more than they bargained for.” Gaius pointed out once he was sure both the workers and the royals were out of earshot, heeding Uther’s warning not to spread panic on this.

The large blue stone which had been placed in the centre of Sigan’s grave was now gone. Just hours after Gaius had finally managed to translate the inscription which was written on its setting. Whoever had taken it, hadn’t taken a precious jewel, but instead, the soul of Cornelius Sigan himself.

“I don't understand how they got in? The gate's not even damaged?” Merlin questioned, standing by the metal gate which seemed to be entirely intact. There wasn’t even a scratch on it.

“They must've used a key.” Arwen mumbled, knowing there was no other explanation. Well, nearly no other explanation. “Or maybe it was…” Not wanting to say the word magic out loud she waved her fingers through the air with an odd expression on her face that made both Merlin and Uther look at her as if she’d gone mad, even if they did understand what the gesture was meant to represent.

Shaking his head at his sister, Merlin decided to brush past her lunacy and focus on the important parts of her statement. “Arthur's got the only key.” He explained, thinking it would go in support of someone possibly using magic to get through the gate.

But to Arwen it only confirmed that her first theory was the right one. Slowly she was coming to realize how stupid she’d been to consider Cedric simply ambitious and hard working. He’d been the one to manipulate Arthur into offering Merlin a night off to rest. He’d wanted to be the only servant at Arthur’s side during the night.

“And who was the only person who had access to Arthur’s chambers last night? Who put in a lot of effort into making sure that is how it would be?” She questioned, knowing that it would be enough to lead them both to the same conclusion which she’d reached.

“Cedric…” Merlin mumbled, realization dawning on him.

“We must find him.” Gaius announced, and neither Merlin nor Arwen were about to argue with that.

“And a way to get that soul out of him.” Arwen added on.

With that, their duties were assigned quickly after. Gaius would go back to the physician’s chambers to see if he could find any answers on how to tame Sigan again while Merlin went to warn Arthur of the developments. Arwen on the other hand would begin the search for Cedric, now possessed by Sigan, since they doubted he’d still be continuing in his duties as a servant. And so the trio parted ways, each rushing off to do their own duties not even expecting the way they’d all get derailed soon enough.

Arwen had actually been trying to find Cedric before being forced to abandon her search once news of what had happened during it reached her. Her first destination had been the cells beneath the castle, but once she'd been refused there she was heading to see the man responsible for her brother's predicament in the first place.

Coming up to the doors of the Prince's Chambers, Arwen did her best to compose her anger as she knocked on the door. It was Merlin's thing to storm inside without an invitation or care for manners, not hers. But ultimately, once the call for her come in came, Arwen didn't hesitate with bursting through the door again.

"What in the world is going on? Merlin's been arrested? And why aren't the guards letting me see him?" She questioned without a care, arms crossing over her chest as she stared down the Prince who'd been sitting at his desk.

Arthur's first words were meant to reassure her. "He'll be released, he just needs time to settle his temper." The second were somewhat of a pointed message that he was on to her tricks. "And you'll have to excuse the visitation limits, it's come to my attention how much sway you have with some guards. I wouldn't want his release to come sooner than I plan."

The look which he received in response made it clear that the answer was certainly not enough to satisfy the fiery woman in front of him. With a sigh, Arthur stood from his chair, rounding the desk to come stand on the same side of it as Arwen. "He attacked Cedric, alright? I couldn't let it go unpunished."

"Attacked?" Arwen found herself both surprised and worried by the revelation. It was easy to assume how one sorcerer attacked another. But if Arthur was promising that Merlin would be released in due time, then she had to believe her mind had gone in the wrong direction or Arthur hadn't seen any magic.

"He got into a fight with him, right here, chased him under the bed and all." Arthur gave the short version of what had happened, watching as Arwen's face turned from surprised to annoyed once again, but this time, luckily, not with him.

"That idiot." She gave out a small sigh, shaking her head as she tried to understand what could have possibly possessed Merlin to actually attack someone.

Arthur couldn't help but chuckle at the insult. "Well, I suppose he'd describe it as brave rather than idiotic." Arthur continued on in a teasing tone, making Arwen turn to him, a confused look on her face. "Since according to his version he'd be saying he attacked a man possessed by a powerful villainous sorcerer."

Arwen arched an eyebrow at the Prince, trying to connect all the pieces in her head. "He told you that? And... You're laughing?"

"Can you believe it? The things he can come up with." Arthur shook his head as if he were amazed by Merlin's mind only to be surprised once he looked back at Arwen's face. The glare was back.

"So you're both idiots!"

Arthur didn't get a chance to question what brought on the change as Cedric walked into the room, eyes shifting between the two suspiciously. "Is everything alright, Sire?"

Arthur had thought the glare he received was a fierce one, but soon he realized it could never compare to the one she was sending towards Cedric. Arthur realized he was quite lucky to never have been on the receiving end of that particular look before. She looked ready to attack the servant just as her brother had.

"Arwen..." He called her name, hoping to snap her out of whatever was coursing through her mind, happy once it succeeded.

Her eyes turned back to him, voice harsh as she spoke. "You need to learn how to listen, Arthur. Hear what those around you are telling you." Her pointed words were the last thing she said before turning around and rushing out of the room, no goodbye, no dismissal... She simply ran out leaving Arthur to stare after her, trying to sort through his mind on what it meant and what he should do next.

While she tried to, Arwen had been unable to come up with a foolproof plan on how to get Merlin out of his cell by the time chaos broke loose within Camelot. Sigan’s plan was in full effect and as a result she and Gaius found themselves in the citadel tending to the masses of the wounded that continue to be brought to the door after being attacked by flying creatures which had descended upon the city in the night.

Luckily, they weren’t forced to handle it all on their own, both Morgana and Gwen offering their help in treating the wounded as best they could. But with more and more people continuously being brought through the doors of the makeshift infirmary ward, the physician’s were running dangerously low on supplies.

It was Gaius who announced that bandages would be the ones to run out first if they didn’t get some more. Motioning for Gwen to take over the cleaning of a cut on one of the people’s arm, Arwen made quick work of cleaning her hands, announcing she’d run out and get some.

The streets were full of chaos, and Arwen did her best to remain obscured from sight as she rushed through them, reminding herself that it was better she be the one out there and not Gaius himself. A screech sounded through the air, making Arwen pause by one of the columns as she looked up at the sky.

A creature was flying down, speeding right for a target which lay on the cobbled ground with no time to move. The sight alone was enough to make Arwen rush over in an attempt to help the defenceless person, but once she realized who it truly was, her legs only pushed harder. Using all of her strength, she grabbed his arm just as the monster swooped down at him, just missing him as Arwen pulled the Prince to safety.

“Arwen!” Arthur rose to his feet, gasping in both surprise and relief as he looked at his saviour.

While Arthur took a moment to compose himself as the beast flew off, Arwen’s green eyes were quick at work scanning over him for sign of injuries. “Are you alright? You’re bleeding.” It wasn’t hard to spot the hole in his chain-mail beneath which blood seeped into his tunic.

His own injuries, however, weren’t the Prince’s main focus. “That thing could’ve killed you.”

“Yes, well,” Arwen shrugged her shoulders as if it was no big deal, glancing down at her feet for a moment before he eyes turned back to Arthur. And she did so just in time. “It still might!”

Having seen the beast flying back at them behind Arthur’s back, Arwen’s hands slammed onto his chest, pushing him backwards and out of his reach. Only in his surprise, Arthur’s hand reached for anything he could to steady himself, grasping onto Arwen’s waist and pulling her down with him.

While the fall was ungraceful and clumsy, the two were lucky enough to find the monster flying over them and not into them, deterred by the miss enough to fly away and give them a few more moments of respite. “My apologies, Sire.” Arwen started to apologize as she moved, beginning to rise back to her feet but Arthur’s voice stopped her for just a moment.

“No. It’s my pleasure.” He said in a somewhat dazed tone.

“Well, now I’m certain you have a head injury.” Arwen shook her head at the comment, not daring to hesitate any longer as she rose and pulled Arthur up to his feet along with her. “Come on, we must get you inside.”

Eyes constantly scanning the sky around them, Arwen and Arthur made their way through the square, quickly running into the safety of the castle. With his arm around her shoulders, Arwen helped Arthur move over to one of the empty cots. As he sat down, her eyes returned to his wound, the blood reminding her of why she’d been outside in the first place. “I didn’t get the bandages.” She hissed, scolding herself as she straightened up, about to call to Gaius so he can take care of Arthur while she went back to get some.

However, Arthur spoke before she could. “Sir Aryan!” He called, making one of the nights who was passing by after bringing more of the injured inside, turn to look at the Prince. “Ensure more bandages are brought to treat the wounded.”

“I’ll go find something to stop the bleeding.” Arwen announced soon after, knowing they couldn’t wait for the knight to return with all of the supplies. She turned around, ready to rush off when the Prince called her back.

“I wanted to say… Uh… I… I’m sorry…” Arthur stumbled around for a moment before finally saying what he knew he had to, the words making Arwen’s face soften as she listened. “For not listening.” He remembered what she’d told him, what Merlin told him, and now he was facing the consequences of not listening. They all were.

“It’s alright. And all of this will be alright too.” Arwen spoke in a reassuring tone, stepping back for a moment to give Arthur’s hand a gentle squeeze. “We’ll fix it, as we always do.” She wasn’t sure how, but she had to believe they would.

The red head turned away, but this time she couldn’t even take a step before Arthur spoke again. “And,” She turned back, ready to scold him and remind him he needed medical attention. “I also wanted to say thank you. For saving my life.”

Instead, she smiled back. “You’re welcome, my Lord.”

Arwen made quick work of finding some spare and clean bandages she could use as a solution for the time-being. When she returned to Arthur’s side, she found Morgana already there, fussing and fretting over his wound, getting straight to work in helping Arwen stop the bleeding. They were hard at work when Uther arrived after receiving news of his son being injured, rushing into the ward and straight to Arthur’s side.

“It's nothing.” Arthur was quick to attempt to reassure his father.

“Have we driven the creatures out?” And it seemed to be enough to make Uther’s focus shift elsewhere.

“They have control of the lower town. The market has been all but destroyed.” Arthur spoke, trying to move one of his arms as he spoke and making Arwen give it a gentle smack so he’d stop making her work harder.

“The creatures themselves are made of stone, parts of the castle structure brought alive.” She added to his words, having noticed that the gargoyles decorating the tops of the castle were now missing. And since she knew the story of Sigan himself building Camelot, it made sense that they’d now be under his control.

But Arwen’s words had more meaning. Their swords couldn’t kill stone. They couldn’t kill these beasts. “How many dead?” The King asked, eyes desperately glancing around the room which only continued to fill.

“Too many to number.” Arthur’s voice was heavy as he gave the answer.

“I'm sealing the citadel.” Uther’s proclamation had many eyes jumping to him in surprise. Arwen wanted nothing more than to argue against the decision knowing there were still people trapped out there with no way to fight their way out. They’d be slaughtered. But she couldn’t.

Luckily, it seemed that she wasn’t the only one thinking it. “You can’t.” Arthur protested fearlessly, not hesitating for even a single moment.

“I have no choice.” Uther tried to argue back, his point only emboldened by the sound of the growling creatures flying by the windows. “I have to protect those who have a chance. If I don't, we will all fall.”

Uther’s determination only worked towards fuelling Arthur’s own. The Prince suddenly rose to his feet, pushing Arwen’s hands away as he started to move.

“Where are you going?” Uther questioned his son.

To Arwen, the answer was clear, but she couldn’t let him go yet. “Wait, wait…” She told the Prince quietly, the look in her eyes making it clear she wasn’t stopping him entirely, just long enough to finish her work, and so he let her, speaking back to his father while Arwen tied the bandages together around his chest.

“There are people trapped on the drawbridge.” Arthur announced, giving his father the exact location of where he was headed. And he had no time to waste, sending a small nod of gratitude to Arwen once she stepped back, the Prince turned around and headed back to the doors.

“I forbid you.” Uther tried to order, using the last of his chances to grab Arthur’s shoulder and force him to stop again.

“I'm not leaving them to die.”

“It's suicide!”

“It's my duty to Camelot! And to myself!” Arthur’s final words were sign enough that he wasn’t backing down from this, his voice rising in volume to match his father’s before he turned around completely, rushing to the door and forcing the guards to open it for him.

Arwen could only stand back and watch, knowing that she was needed here more than she was out there. But as she looked at Arthur rushing through the door, sword in hand and his met at his back, she called out a silent plea to whoever would listen that he would be alright out there.

Arwen continued on with her work, cleaning the cuts and scrapes, resetting the bones and helping as many people as she could. But no matter what she was doing, every once in a while, she’d find her eyes trailing back to the doors, hoping they’d open and Arthur would walk through any moment now. But the more time passed, the more she worried.

“Merlin has escaped his cell. He’s determined to help Arthur.” Gaius’ voice broke Arwen out of her stare-down with the door, wide eyes turning to the court physician in surprise.

“But how? He’s had no time to prepare, how does he face against an immortal man?” She questioned in concern. Sigan was powerful, if the stories were true, the most powerful sorcerer ever known, and while Arwen believed in her brother, she couldn’t help but worry.

“He’s going to get answers.” Gaius revealed, making Arwen’s brows furrow.

“From who? Who would know how to…” For a moment, she couldn’t think of anyone who might be able to help them, but then it dawned on her. “You know he’s been speaking with Kilgharrah?”

“Of course I know. I only hope he will be able to help.” Gaius said quietly, eyes glancing back to one of the halls as if he were hoping Merlin would reappear any moment now.

“He will.” Arwen confirmed, sounding highly certain. She knew that the Dragon and Merlin may have been at odds lately, but if one thing had always been clear it was that Kilgharrah was just as invested in Camelot’s future as anyone. He’d want to keep it from being ruined before it’s even truly begun.

Gaius and Arwen’s conversation was brought to a sudden stop as the doors burst open behind them, all eyes turning to watch the group of knights rush inside, calling for them to be closed with urgency. Arwen’s eyes swept over the faces, dread dawning on her as she failed to catch the one she was looking for.

“Where's Arthur? Where is he?” Uther had, of course, also noticed the absence of his son, rushing towards the knights as he threw out the questions with urgency. The silence with which the knights responded made everything clear and Uther charged at the door, forcing many to try and stop him. “You can't leave him out there, he'll be torn apart!”

“You can't go out there, Sire! If you open that door, you will die! We will all die!”

The knights had been out there, they knew what they spoke of, and yet Arwen couldn’t take the answer. She wouldn’t. Uther wailed in despair. The building shook, cracks starting to stretch across the walls. And Arwen ignored it all. Using her chance as Gaius walked forward in an attempt to help calm the King, she took in her surroundings. Everyone was now focused on Uther. And she used it to her advantage.

Because the newly sealed doors weren’t the only way out of the building.

Arwen rushed through the halls, running as fast as she could to the main square in front of the castle. Her eyes scanned around the area even before she fully reached it, easily spotting Arthur as the only man to remain standing, but  it was not so for long. He stood no chance against one of the beasts as it flew at him, throwing him down to the ground in the process.

Arwen ran, picking up a discarded sword from the ground as she charged towards the stone gargoyle as it rose its arm into the air, ready to slash at Arthur’s chest, the Prince unable to escape as his eyes started to close and he lost consciousness. But not before managing to catch one last glimpse of red hair appearing in front of him, brightness standing out in the night as the sound of metal hitting against stone echoed through the square.

Arwen managed to strike the monster’s arm before it hit its target, but the force of the blow forced the sword to get stuck in the stone, and before she could even try to pull it back or release her hold on it, the gargoyle reared back, shaking his arm in a large swing that threw Arwen back. Sent flying, it felt like forever before she hit the ground, her head slamming against the rocks with a harsh blow.

She tried to ignore the pain and the way it made everything blurry. She tried to move and keep herself awake, but her body refused to respond, every shift causing more pain and leaving her only to watch the sky as the gargoyle descended back upon them. Perhaps, she should be grateful that as she did, her eyes started to close on their own accord.

Lying on the ground, Arwen struggled to regain her senses when she felt them starting to come back. Wondering what had happened. Wondering if she was dead. But as sounds of voices reached her ears, trying to fight against the ringing that persisted, she realized it couldn’t be.

Yet she still couldn’t move, leaving her to gather her strength as she lay on the cold ground, trying to distinguish the conversation happening somewhere nearby. But it seemed distant and muffled, only some words managing to cut through to her.

“He doesn’t deserve your loyalty.”
“…The way it has to be.”
“The world appreciate your greatness.”
“…can never…”
“Your sister…bring that…”
”lost princess without a kingdom?”
“…serve a good man…”

Arwen struggled to make sense of any of it. The random words marred by further mumbles and echoes were disconnected and jumbled, making her unsure of whether she was even hearing things right. But then as silence spread over the area again, she forced her eyes to open. She first caught sight of the moon high in the sky, shining down on them. And in the next moment, the sight was obscured by a face leaning over her, Merlin’s face growing louder as he questioned whether she was alright.

“Arthur, is he-?” Arwen finally spoke, asking the first question on her mind as she tried to rise into a sitting position. A groan cut off her question, Merlin jumping forward to help her up and letting her lean against him as he replied.

“He’ll be fine.” He said, letting Arwen turn to glance to her left where Arthur seemed to be stirring too, Gaius leaning down next to him to make sure he was alright.

The Prince seemed to say something, so quietly that even Gaius was forced to lean closer so he’d be able to hear the question. But once he did, a small smile came over his ageing face as he pulled back again. “She’s right here, Sire. Both of you are safe now.”

Merlin and Gaius had insisted Arwen and Arthur both return to the infirmary ward, and since neither of the two was too eager to fight or protest, it wasn’t long before Arwen found herself sitting on one of the empty cots. The worst of it had passed, but she still felt achey and sore, knowing that it would persist at least for a few days. But at least they were all okay and safe, Merlin had succeeded and she couldn’t be prouder of him.

Not that she’d say it out loud at the moment, since she was quite annoyed with both Gaius and her brother who had insisted that she sit and rest instead of continuing to help with what remained of the wounded and injured. After some time, what seemed like eternity to Merlin, Gaius and Arwen finally managed to come to a compromise; with Merlin’s help, he’d first tend to those worse off than her and she’d remain where they’d left her.

Left alone on the cot, Arwen had nothing better to do than watching the people around her. Watching Morgana and Gwen continue to help people. Watching as Uther, who’d so far been by Arthur’s side somewhere further back in the room, started to head out of the ward, knights following after him.

Her observations were suddenly cut short as she felt someone settle down next to her on the cot. Slowly turning her head, not wanting to risk another dizzy spell, she looked to the blue eyes of the Prince, which were already focused on her, and sent him a curious look.

“You shouldn’t have done that.” Was the first thing Arthur told her.

“I couldn’t leave you alone out there. I wouldn’t.” Arwen retaliated. Was it dangerous? Yes. Somewhat reckless? Certainly. Did she regret it? Not even for a second.

And Arthur could see it too as he observed her face, their eyes stuck on each other for a couple of moments which seemed to stretch on endlessly with neither capable of looking away before he spoke again. “Thank you. You saved my life twice tonight.”

Arwen smiled, looking away for a moment. “Maybe Gaius is right, I do deserve some time off.” She chuckled lightly at her own words, but soon stopped as the action made her wince at the pain spreading through her head again.

Arthur’s hand reached out to her, finger hooking under her chin and gently turning her head so she’d look at him. But instead of the green eyes which always managed to draw him in, he looked at the small gash on the side of her head, his eyes filling with something that Arwen couldn’t find the right words for; a mix of worry and pain, or perhaps guilt.

Either way, she didn’t want him feeling any of it. “It’s just a scratch.” She said in a quiet tone, her own hand reaching to take his, grasping it tightly in an attempt to reassure him, to wipe the concern form his mind. “I’ll be fine, Arthur.”

Arthur twisted his hand within hers, not even thinking of it as he returned the hold. “I couldn’t bear-” He started to say, but before he got a chance to finish, another voice interrupted him.

“And now for the worst patient I’ve ever had.”

Gaius’ sudden appearance had Arthur and Arwen jumping apart in surprise, finally remembering they weren’t alone in the room. As she turned to look at him, Gaius quickly got to work on checking on Arwen’s state. “How are you feeling?”

“I’m fine, really. There’s no reason to fret this much.” Arwen tried to plead her case, but it would seem no one was going to listen to her as Gaius continued to examine the wound. Knowing it was something he could not help with, Arthur started to rise to his feet.

“Let Gaius do his job. And once he’s done, get some rest, that’s an order from your Prince.” He said, trying to sound firm, but not really succeeding as the words made an amused smile appear on Arwen’s face. He was about to turn and walk away, but as Gaius stepped to the side to grab some more bandages, Arthur spoke one last time. “Thank you, Arwen.”

“Any time, Sire.” She smiled at him, meaning each word.

And then Gaius was back, leaving Arthur to turn away as the physician started to inform Arwen of how she was lucky and wouldn’t need stitches. However, she didn’t hear a word of it. Not because of a disoriented state or because of some ringing in her ears, but for the simple reason that her eyes continued to remain focused on the Prince’s retreating figure, her mind running a mile a minute as she tried to understand whatever it was that she seemed to be feeling after everything that had just happened.

Chapter Text

The Once and Future Queen

Arwen had spent her morning checking on some of the people in the lower town and delivering the standard order remedies to all those who needed it. It had all started out as a pretty calm, some would even dare say, boring day in the city of Camelot. It was for that reason, as she passed the tournament grounds, Arwen paused and, rather than continued off on her way, stood on the sides, watching as the knights practised for the upcoming event.

She looked at the two riders facing off against each other, and while she didn’t know the identity of the second, it wasn’t hard for her to recognize Arthur, even beneath his helmet. He radiated confidence as the two started to charge at each other. And soon enough, with a single blow from Arthur’s lance, the other knight was thrown from his saddle.

For a moment, Arwen wondered whether she should approach to check on him, unsure why neither Gaius nor she were tasked with overseeing the knights practice on such an occasion. However, as the knight rose back to his feet, walking off with the help of another, she assumed he was well enough, and if not, it wasn’t like she was hard to spot among the crowd.

And that much was very true, because once Arwen’s eyes turned back to Arthur’s horse, Merlin now standing beside it, she caught both of them already watching her. Meeting their eyes, Arwen offered a small smile, too far away to say hello and be heard. And she also couldn’t hear their conversation, missing the way in which Arthur confidently requested Merlin bring him another lance so he could go again.

Arthur’s next opponent was Sir Leon, and Arwen watched the two curiously, wondering which would claim victory. However, curiosity soon turned to worry as a flash of the sun hitting Leon’s armour seemed to blind Arthur, making him incapable of either striking or defending. Sir Leon, however, did not use his chance. The two horses simply rode past each other, carrying their riders to their own sides of the grounds again.

“Why did you pull out, I was wide open?” Arthur questioned, his voice loud enough to carry over to Leon and making it possible for Arwen too to hear, not only his words, but the annoyance laced through his tone as well. “You could have un-horsed me.”

“I was fearful that I might injure you, Sire.” Leon replied calmly, much calmer than the Prince, as Arthur came to stand in front of him. By now, all eyes had turned to the two, everyone watching the scene without even bothering to seem like they weren’t.

“You had the advantage. You can't afford to hesitate.” As Arthur continued to scold Leon, Arwen’s eyes jumped to Merlin for a moment as she noticed him taking a few steps back to join her side.

“I wouldn't have done if I were facing a different opponent. You are the future King, My Lord.” And Leon’s response had both of the siblings wincing in an almost synchronised manner.

“Oh boy, wrong thing to say.” Merlin mumbled.

“You think?” The sarcasm was palpable in Arwen’s voice as she and her brother shared a knowing look between themselves. Anyone who knew Arthur, knew how high his pride could reach, and Leon’s words were certain to deliver it a blow.

 “You jousted against me in the tournament last year. Are you saying you let me win?” Of course, after the revelation Arthur began to question how much of his skill had ever been true and how much of it had been a result of his knights taking it easy on him solely because of who he was.

“Oh I don’t even want to know what he’s going to do in an attempt to remedy this.” Arwen grumbled, more to herself than to anyone who might hear, but the words still made Merlin give out a small chuckle.

“No, My Lord.”

“It doesn't matter who I am! I do not expect any special treatment from you, from any of you! Is that understood?” Arthur’s voice boomed over the training grounds, eyes scanning the faces of each and every knight as they all gave hesitant nods.

The Prince chose to end the training session then and there, walking towards the exit without looking at any of them any more. His angry walk carried him past the Ambrosius siblings, and for a moment he said nothing, disappearing behind them before his voice could be heard calling out the name of his servant, reminding Merlin he was supposed to follow him.

“Good luck.” Arwen called to her brother as he abandoned her side and started to run so he could catch up with Arthur. She herself was about to get on with her day, but another voice speaking up kept her at the tournament grounds a little while longer.

“Do you think what I did was wrong?” Arwen couldn’t help but give Leon a sympathetic smile upon seeing the troubled expression on his face. He was asking Arwen specifically for good reason. While none of the knights had been fully present in the moments when Arwen would tear into Arthur for being stupid, many had by now heard stories from those who had the pleasure of overhearing such things when passing by or guarding the doors of the Prince’s chambers. He knew she wouldn’t sugar coat it.

At least that is what he’d hoped for. “It depends on whose side you look at it, honestly.”Arwen said simply, the answer making Leon raise an inquisitive eyebrow at her.

“That’s a very diplomatic answer.” For a moment, he suspected that he truly was in the wrong.

“I don’t think there is a clear one in this case.” Arwen pointed out before taking a moment to think through her answer. “In Arthur’s eyes, he is supposed to be capable of leading all of you, he wishes to prove that he can, so when he’s told his men pull their punches against him, it has him questioning whether he is truly as good as everyone’s made him believe his whole life. Whether he is worthy of his task.”

“So you think I shouldn’t have held back?”

“That is what I mean by it’s not simply a black and white answer. Because I also understand your side too.” 

“So how do I fix it?” None of the knights liked to find themselves on the receiving end of a royal’s anger.

“Give him time to restore his pride, and then simply apologize. He won’t hold it against you for long once he understands better.” Arwen tried to make it seem simple, however, she herself couldn’t help but wonder how long it would take. And worse, what kind of stupid plan may come up along the way.

Luckily, Arwen didn’t have to wait and wonder for too long. Just a little later in the day, her dinner with Gaius had been interrupted as a guard came to request her presence in the Council Chambers. Arwen wasn’t sure what it was about, and found herself even more confused when she did finally reach the chambers only the be met with the sight of the King and his son in the middle of their own meal.

“You called for me, my Lord?” She focused on Uther as she bowed in greeting, eyes scanning the room as she straightened back up. On second glance, Arwen didn’t miss the sight of her brother, standing in one of the corners of the room, doing his best not to burst out laughing. It only made her grow more curious.

“Yes. Tomorrow you are to join Arthur when he leaves Camelot.” Uther announced, making a surprised look appear on Arwen’s face. Tomorrow was the start of the tournament.

“Alright.” However, knowing she couldn’t ask questions in front of the King, she simply accepted the request. Looking towards the Prince himself, she couldn’t miss the way his own face was trying to hide the surprise he was feeling at his father’s proclamation.

“Father, there is no need for that. I’m sure Gaius could use Arwen’s help during the tournament.” Arthur tried to protest and while Uther thought nothing of it, Arwen’s suspicions only grew.

“Nonsense, Gaius has handled these things on his own for years before, and he can do it again.” Uther waved his hand through the air dismissively. “The Northern Border is much too far to rely on you being brought back in time should something happen.”

“It is a journey longer than most.” Arwen wasn’t sure what exactly to say as the King sent her a pointed look, obviously expecting her to agree with him while her mind was somewhat occupied with trying to guess what was going on. Arwen would have expected Arthur to fight his father as much as he could to let him stay and compete in the tournament after what happened with Sir Leon.

“We’ve received reports of a creature terrorising the land. What was it you said Arthur?” Uther shared more details with Arwen, turning to his son who seems to have been the one that brought him this information in the first place.

“Uh… It is said to have the body of a bear, the wings of an eagle, and the face of a lion.” Arthur listed off, and if the description wasn’t enough to make Arwen realize the story was a complete fabrication, the pleading look on Arthur’s face, begging her to play along, was.

“I thought you said it was the face of a bear?” Uther turned to his son with a confused look on his face, forcing Arthur to quickly correct himself.

“Yes, yes, right. That’s it.”

In that moment, Arwen didn’t dare look in Merlin’s direction when she noticed him having to go as far as turning away so no one would see him laughing. He was finding the whole scene rather amusing, and Arwen knew that if she looked at him, she’d risk laughing herself. Or losing her patience with the idiots and whatever they were concocting.

So instead, she went along with Arthur’s wish and played her part. “Yes, I have read about such a creature in some of Gaius’ books. It is a very dangerous one.” She shared, not going into too much detail unlike some other times when she had to lie about origins of things and information. They’d given her absolutely no time to prepare.

But luckily, it seemed to be enough for Uther. “Then you are right Arthur, it is a shame you will miss the tournament, but you must see that this creature is handled as soon as possible.” The King nodded at his son before turning back to Arwen again. “That’ll be all, Arwen.”

“Have a good night, my Lords.” Arwen said, bowing once more before leaving the room. In a normal occasion, she would have headed back to the physician’s quarters, however, tonight Arwen started moving down a different path.

Knowing she’d just lied to the King about a fabricated story meant to achieve god knows what kind of goal, Arwen let her legs carry her to the chamber of the main culprit behind it. She made her way inside, not wanting to risk coming across the King while waiting outside of the door.

And she was lucky that, even when inside, she didn’t have to wait too long. It was only minutes until Merlin and Arthur walked through the door as well, pausing short as they saw the red head sitting at Arthur’s table, fixing them both with a pointed glare.

“What exactly did you two just drag me into?” She questioned impatiently.

Both men shared a panicked look between themselves. Merlin even more fearful than Arthur because of the terrible timing. They weren’t expecting for Uther to insist on Arwen’s presence, and having to tell her their plan, well, they expected she’d call them blasted idiots again.

Which she did.

Not long after she’d been caught up on Merlin and Arthur’s grand plan did Arwen realize she truly shouldn’t have been surprised. Of course Arthur would take it to the extremes to restore his pride and prove himself. And she’d gotten dragged into it by no wish of her own.

However, once she was a part of it, she certainly wasn’t going to just sit on the sidelines. Not when it was a plan that could end badly. Even though Arthur’s initial idea had been for her to continue on with the three knights Uther had assigned to accompany Arthur to the Northern border, Arwen made it quite clear she wasn’t about to spend four days on horseback for absolutely no reason. Which was why, when the party of five finally found themselves far enough out of the city, Arthur wasn’t the only one climbing down from his horse.

“I'll meet you here in four days. You must tell no one I've returned to Camelot.” The Prince instructed the knights, all three nodding their heads obediently without ever even asking what exactly Arthur was doing. But then again, it probably wasn’t too hard to guess either, considering the event preparations which were in full swing already by the time they rode out.

 As the knights rode off on their way, Arthur and Arwen were left standing in the forest for only a few moments before the sound of rushing footsteps reached their ears. Turning around, Arwen couldn’t hold back a burst of laughter as she spotted her brother, clumsily rushing over to them and managing to trip over his own two feet. The sight of him being there one moment, and then disappearing in the tall grass was hard to keep composed about.

“You're late.” Arthur seemed to have managed it much better, but the hint of a smile was still visible on his face as he scolded Merlin who could barely respond between his panting breaths.

“Sorry. Gaius… the floors… I couldn't…” Merlin’s disconnected excuses came out in huffs which went ignored by Arthur as he grabbed his bag off of the servant’s shoulders.

“Oh he’s going to torture you so much with both Arthur and myself gone.” Arwen let out another laugh, entirely dismissing the glare which she received for it.

Instead, she simply accepted the cloak Arthur handed her after pulling it out of the bag. Unlike the warm cloak which she would usually take with her on journeys outside of the city, the one Merlin had brought did a far better job at obscuring her hair. 

As she threw it over her shoulders, Arwen soon noticed Arthur pulling more clothes from the bag. While she was already dressed in her usual dress which wouldn’t gain too much attention, he needed to change since he couldn’t walk into Camelot and blend into its streets in full armour. “I’ll… Uh… I’ll let you two… Yes.” She stuttered somewhat awkwardly before finally turning around and walking off to give the two their privacy so Arthur could change.

While waiting, Arwen started to pluck some flowers, making a small bouquet she intended to give to the owner of the home they’d be staying in as a thanks. She still wasn’t entirely sure how Merlin had managed to convince Gwen to allow it. But Arwen wasn’t about to ask her excessive questions about it. She didn’t want to risk the woman rescinding the offer.

She had gathered quite  a lovely bunch when she heard her brother’s voice calling her name, prompting her to turn back to the two men taking it as a sign it was safe to look again. However, Merlin had called just a tad bit early, giving Arwen a last second glimpse of Arthur as he pulled his shirt down to cover his torso fully.

For a moment, she found herself distracted by the sight, trying to school her thoughts back in a lady-like direction. And she finally managed to do so once the Prince spoke up, entirely oblivious to Arwen’s predicament. “What is that smell? Whose clothes are these?” Arwen shook her head at the blonde, more than able to recognize where the clothes had come from.

“They're mine. I washed them specially.” Merlin said, sounding slightly offended as he glared at Arthur. However, knowing the Prince would make no note of his servant’s reaction, he simply moved on soon enough. “You sure this is a good idea?” Merlin asked instead, handing Arthur his own cloak so he could hide his identity.

“Seems pretending to be somebody else is the only way to get people to be honest with me.” Arthur spoke bluntly, entirely convinced in his own words.

It made Arwen shake her head as she let out a subtle sigh. It wasn’t hard to guess where this whole charade stemmed from. And while she knew his pride would have been injured after the situation with Leon, Arwen had to admit, she wasn’t expecting him to take it this far in an attempt to restore it. She could only hope it worked out in his favour rather than bringing him down further.

“Grab my bag, will you?” Arthur asked once he was ready, barely even looking to Merlin as he was ready to move along and head back into the city.

But Merlin was ready to take any chance of skirting his duties if he could. “If you want to pass as a peasant, you should probably carry your own bag.” He sounded quite smug as he spoke, happy to find an excuse.

An excuse which didn’t work.

“You're forgetting something, Merlin. No one will know it's my bag.” Arthur pointed out, tossing his bag at Merlin, the boy fumbling around in an attempt to catch it. Arwen laughed in amusement at the disappointed face of her brother.

“If you want to switch, I’ll be more than happy to. Mine is actually full of supplies.” Arwen said teasingly, rising her bag into the air in a sign of comparison between Arthur’s empty one and her own.

“Merlin can easily take that back to the castle when we’re back in the city.” Arthur announced, already starting to walk towards the castle and forcing the two to follow after him as they spoke.

Arwen didn’t point out the stupidity of that idea. The supplies were supposed to be with her on a journey to the border. Should anyone (most likely Gaius) see Merlin carrying them or see them around the castle, it would surely raise some questions they didn’t want to answer. However, she opposed the idea with a different argument, knowing better than to test Arthur’s patience by calling him an idiot at a time like this.

“That is certainly not happening.” The redhead fixed the Prince’s back with a pointed look. “You do realize my refusal to go with the rest of the group wasn’t simply because I value my comfort. What if you get hurt during the tournament? You’ll need a physician, and Gaius is unaware of the fact that it is truly you competing. Meaning I will be the physician tending to you. As such, I’ll need my supplies.” She explained in a simple tone. Although, of course, they were all hoping her services wouldn’t be needed throughout the tournament.

Arthur didn’t speak in response, but his head did still turn to look at her, a look of realization in his eyes as he nodded his head in understanding. In his mind, he was just now realizing that it was perhaps quite fortunate for him that his father demanded Arwen come along, after all.

The mention of Arthur possibly getting hurt made Merlin bring up his hesitancy with this plan. Again. “There must be easier ways to prove yourself.”

Something Arthur was growing tired of. “Shut up, Merlin!”

Walking through the lower town hadn’t been too hard for the undercover trio. No one really pays attention to you unless they knew there was something important going on. And since none of the citizens of Camelot were aware of who was in their presence, the people simply continued on with their busy lives, passing Arthur, Arwen and Merlin on the street without a care in the world.

However, that didn’t mean they were eager to test their luck. The three made quick work of getting to Gwen’s house before the wrong person bumped into them and uncovered everything much too soon. Merlin was the first to enter the house, knocking on the door and announcing it was them to Gwen before doing so. Arwen and Arthur followed him inside, only putting their hoods down once the door was fully closed behind them.

Gwen had been waiting for them to arrive, still home, but getting ready to head to the castle and start her work day. However, as soon as Arthur passed through the door, she dropped all of it and curtsied to the Prince respectfully. “My Lord.” She greeted, sending a small smile to Arwen as well as her back straightened again.

“Guinevere. It's good of you to let us stay in your home.” Arthur said, his eyes taking in the small house as he tried his best to keep the distaste from showing on his face.

Whether Gwen still caught it was unclear, the smile remaining on her face as she continued to be polite. “I'm happy to help.” She said, although the small strain in her voice made it clear that she herself might be even more hesitant about this than Merlin was.

And it was obvious she was quite lost as well. After all, it wasn’t every day that the Crowned Prince of Camelot and your future King stood in your house. Seeing this, Merlin bent down just a little so he could whisper in Gwen’s ear.

Whatever he said, which Arwen assumed to be some advice on how to proceed, had Gwen making an announcement as she moved quickly. “I'll prepare some food for you.” However, before she fully stepped away, she turned back to the Ambrosius siblings and whispered back. “I can't believe you talked me into this!”

“I’ll help you, it is best I get acquainted with the kitchen.” Arwen spoke in a natural volume, hoping Arthur hadn’t overheard Gwen’s comment as she followed the home-owner to the stove. She spoke to Gwen in a hushed tone of her own once they were further to the side. “Don’t worry, I’ll make sure we leave the place as we found it.”

“It’s not you I’m worried about.” Gwen pointed out, eyes subtly glancing back to the Prince and his man-servant who were having a hushed discussion of their own. “Is it mean of me to say that I’m somewhat happy you’re the one who’ll be staying with him and not I?”

Guinevere’s question had Arwen letting out a short laugh she couldn’t hold back. “Not at all.” She reassured. “And you’re busy with Morgana, it would have been rude of us to ask for you to tend to the Prince too.”

“But you’ll be spending your-” Gwen’s question was cut short with a quick shushing sound from Arwen. Even though the were quiet, and Arthur and Merlin were still busy with their own conversation, Arwen didn’t want to risk the chance of being overheard.

“There will be time for that once Arthur and I are ‘back’ from the Northern border. Heaven knows Morgana won’t let me get away with it.” The redhead said, her green eyes giving Gwen a pointed look. She’d already forced Merlin to keep his mouth shut too.

Gwen had no chance to say anything else once the Prince spoke up, his voice rising as he addressed everyone in the house again. “How are the preparations coming along? Have we found someone to play our knight in the tournament?”

“Absolutely.” Merlin announced proudly. “He's a farmer from one of the outlying villages, and no one will recognise him.”

“But does he look the part?” Arthur didn’t find the convenience of their actor-for-hire enough to put his mind at ease. Arwen’s laugh at his newest question didn’t manage to have the desired effect either.

Nor did the farmer’s perfectly timed appearance at Gwen’s door. If she didn’t know any better, Arwen would have suspected that Merlin had somehow organised it all and timed it to the second just so he could annoy Arthur. Because it was clear that was what was happening as soon as William was quickly ushered inside, four pairs of eyes focused entirely on him. For a few seconds, a few very long seconds, the room was entirely silent.

And if anyone was wondering who of the four would be the first to crack and give an honest reaction, the answer to that question was, surprisingly, Gwen. She did her best to hold back her giggles as she looked at William, and quickly looked away, speaking in an attempt to maintain her composure. “I, uh, I have to get to work. Make yourself at home, my Lord.”

With one last bow, Guinevere quickly exited the house, but failed to get far away enough before the laughter finally burst from her lips, everyone inside of the house more than capable of hearing it. And it prompted Arwen’s own, which only earned her a glare from Arthur.

She did her best to push it down, instead focusing on helping Merlin clean William up while Arthur watched. Washing and dressing the farmer was somewhat of a process, William nearly falling over when Merlin helped him put on a knight’s chain-mail. But with some time and effort, the task was finally done. And yet, the unimpressed look did not leave Arthur’s face.

Although, as Arwen moved to sit at the table once the job was done, she had to admit, William still had a hard time passing as a knight even with all the alterations made by the siblings. They’d still have some work to do with him that was sure.

But before they could properly get to that step, Merlin was eager to announce his newest accomplishment - even if it was a recreation of an old trick. “From now on, you're Sir William of Daira.” He announced, rolling out a rather realistic, but still manufactured, seal of nobility.

Arwen had no issue remembering the last time they attempted something like that trick. “Another fake seal? Haven’t we learned our lesson with those?” She questioned, even though she did know, ultimately, there was no other way to get William into the tournament. It wasn’t like they could give him Arthur’s seal. The Prince himself could be spotted sitting beside Arwen, rolling his eyes at the brought up memory of Lancelot and that entire debacle.

Eager to move on from it, the Prince was the first to speak again. “He doesn’t look like a knight.” Arthur pointed out the obvious as Merlin came to stand by his side, observing the work that had been done on William from another angle.

A pained expression was on his face as he reluctantly agreed with the Prince. However, Merlin could always come up with an idea. Even if it was a dumb one. “Imagine you're really...arrogant. Knights like to think they're so much better than everyone else.”

The suggestion had Arthur rolling his eyes as he quickly tried to correct it. “It's not arrogance. Ignore him, he's an idiot.” He scolded before coming up with an idea of his own. “A knight must behave with honour and nobility.”

Arwen’s own face was focused, hearing both ideas and knowing they were both correct to a certain extent. It just depended from knight to knight. Leon was an example of Arthur’s suggestion, but Arwen knew there could be those like Merlin described too; Valiant as the best example.

Watching William continue to struggle with the differing opinions and how to apply them, Arwen tried to put her own spin on it. “Stand up straight, walk tall, whenever you talk be convinced in what you’re saying, even if you have no idea if it’s right or wrong. Be… Proud.” She suggested, and soon enough, they watched as William’s awkward walk became a strut, confident and purposeful the more he paced up and down the room in front of them.

“That's...better.” Arthur admitted, somewhat hesitantly, but even he couldn’t deny the sudden improvement. “You must convince everyone that you were born into a noble family.”

William stopped, turning to Merlin and remembering what each of them said about knights as he spoke. “Polish my armour, boy.” He sounded demanding and authoritative, confident even though he was demanding someone do a job for him, something he’d never done before in his life.

“Now you're getting the hang of it.” Arthur said, a smile appearing on his face while he clapped his hands proudly, starting to believe they could actually pull this off.

At least until William, thrilled with the praise, started to laugh with joy. His knight-like appearance disappeared in a flash, and the farmer was back. However, Arthur didn’t point it out, noting that it would have to be something to work on later. First he had to agree with William, because he did remind him of something. “That's a good point, you do need to polish our armour.”

William straightened up again, speaking with a firm voice and a stoic expression on his face. “Yeah.” This time he sounded like the arrogant knight type Merlin had described. Until he laughed again.

And Arwen couldn’t hold back her own amusement. However, nobody could really guess whether her laughter was caused by William’s awkward behaviour or the annoyed look on her brother’s face. Knowing her, it was both.

Night fell over the city of Camelot not long after Arthur had deemed their work on William to have brought him as close to knighthood as he could be. Tomorrow morning the tournament would begin, and Arwen couldn’t deny that she was rather curious how the farmer would fare with it all. Luckily for him, he didn’t actually have to do the fighting. That would be Arthur.

Arwen had observed the Prince as they ate the dinner she prepared. She could see small signs of nervousness radiating off of him as he remained silent throughout the meal and even after it as Arwen started to clean up. Growing tired of the silence, however, Arwen decided to finally break it.

“I do hope it was to your standards, Sire. I’m afraid I’ve never been trained to be a maid.” She spoke up. The sound of her voice obviously made Arthur finally snap out of the thoughts his mind was stuck on, his blue eyes now looking towards where she stood, washing the dishes.

“Arwen, my standards are Merlin.” The words, meant to be reassuring in their own way, made Arwen burst out laughing. Not even she could attempt to deny that, even though she did know Merlin’s cooking had become much better since they arrived in Camelot.

“Yes, I suppose those aren’t too hard to amount to.” She shook her head in amusement, continuing on with her work. Arwen could clearly imagine the look of disbelief her brother would be giving both of them if he’d overheard their conversation.

The image in her mind made her hold back another laugh as she started to store away the, now clean and dried, dishes and plates. While she’d still sometimes open the wrong drawer or cupboard, Arwen was quickly getting a grasp of where everything belonged in Gwen’s house. It pleased her to know that they’d be able to leave it in the same manner in which they found it. Sparing Gwen any extra work or cleaning up.

“It’s been a long day.” Arthur announced after a short silence had lapsed over them again. Arwen glanced in his direction as he stood from his seat and started to move through the small house, heading in one specific direction. “Is this my bed?”

The question caught Arwen somewhat off guard. She knew very well that Gwen had only one bed, after all, it was Arwen herself who helped her sell the spare after her father’s death. However, the thought of that hadn’t even crossed her mind until now. And as she watched Arthur examine the blankets and reorder them, she said the first thing that came to her mind.

“Of course. I, uh, I hope you’ll be comfortable.” Arwen said, busying herself with drying her hands in an attempt to school her voice into a less flustered tone. And, admittedly, to keep from giving out an annoyed reaction that was threatening to spill out.

“I’m sure I will be.” Arthur said when Arwen walked past him, but the way in which he said it and the look on his face made it clear he had some doubt about it. That Arwen couldn’t hold back an eye-roll at. Luckily, her back was by now turned to him as she made her way to a secluded corner of the house.

Finding some bags of grain and potatoes, Arwen let out a small sigh as she grabbed some extra blankets. It wasn’t a bed, but she’d slept in worse conditions before. It was nothing she couldn’t handle. For a few moments, the house was filled with sounds of both Arthur and herself trying to make themselves as comfortable as possible before they either managed to do so, or in Arwen’s case, simply gave up.

The silence didn’t last long though, because before either had a chance to fall asleep, Arthur spoke again. “Good night, Arwen.” He said, voice quieter than before in case she’d already fallen asleep.

“Good night, My Lord.” Arwen whispered back.

After that, both the prince and the physician grew silent again, trying to get the rest they’d need for tomorrow. In Arwen’s case, falling asleep was the easy part. However, as of late, it was what happened after that often resulted in a troubled night. Because for some time now, she’d been having the same dream on repeat, occupying her mind ever since the events caused by Cornelius Sigan and his attack on the city.

A dream of a conversation, one that she hadn’t been a part of but only partially overheard. Yet, whenever she dreamt of it, each sentence was there, each word loud enough to be heard. And some to be heard more than once. Each time, it seemed to grow louder, as if her own mind was trying to send her a message. One that Arwen had a hard time believing.

“I can help you. Think, Merlin. To no longer have to hide and fear because of what you are. To have the world appreciate your greatness.” It was Sigan’s voice, or rather’ Cedric’s that spoke. That much Arwen was sure of. “To have Arthur know you for what you are.”

“That can never be.” And Merlin’s voice replied to him.

Arwen suspected this to be the conversation which transpired between the two sorcerers after Arthur and she were knocked out by the stone monsters. However, she never stopped to question how much of it was reality and how much was just a product of her wild imagination. All because of what was said next.

“You look to your sister.” Sigan spoke. “You think she can bring that? A lost Princess without a kingdom to rule?”

And that was where the dream ended. Every time. It left her waking up with the question still echoing through her mind. Sometimes it was longer, letting her hear more of the beginning of the conversation. But that was where it ended. Every time. And Arwen could never understand any of it.

By the time morning rolled around, the group of four had found themselves hidden away in one of the tents on the tournament grounds. Both Arthur and William were dressed in matching armour. Purple and silver mixed together as they adjusted the last of the details. Both were ready to face the day ahead and their respective duties. It was William’s that came about first.

“Now, remember the plan. I’m competing in the tournament, but no one will know that it is me.” Arthur spoke, reminding William, as well as Arwen and Merlin who were in the tent with them, of the plan. “All you have to do is acknowledge the crowd at the end of the match. Act like you belong there, and people will believe that you do.”

With that being the last words of encouragement, along with smiles from Arwen and Merlin, William soon made his way out of the tent. Merlin went with him to help him get on his horse and head out with the rest of the competing knights. For a few moments, Arwen watched them go through an opening in the tent, however, not wanting to risk getting caught, she soon stepped back and turned to the Prince.

Noticing him struggling with tying the last of the laces on his gauntlet, Arwen stepped forward with ease. “Here, let me.” She said, catching his attention as she took hold of them and tied them herself, ensuring the knot was tight enough so it wouldn’t slip when he went out there.

While she did so, Arwen ignored the feeling of Arthur’s eyes on her face. At least until he spoke up and made her look back at him. “Is everything alright?” His question was met only with a confused look in response.

Arwen thought he might be asking because of her disapproval of this whole plan again. However, very early on she’d realized how futile it was to speak on it. And she hadn’t done so in a while. So it couldn’t possibly be about that. But she had no clue as to why else he’d be asking.

“I remember Merlin once mentioning that you, uh, you like to sleep in in the mornings. As much as you can, according to him.” Arthur revealed, and Arwen wasn’t sure which part of that to focus on. The fact that she knew for a fact that Merlin had said it in a way to make fun of her or that Arthur even bothered to remember the fact.

With a shake of her head, Arwen pushed the questions out of her mind and offered the Prince a small smile. “I suppose it’s just the consequence of sleeping in an unfamiliar place. The same thing happened when we first arrived in Camelot.” Arwen lied, knowing it unwise to reveal the trust. “Nothing for you to worry about, Sire. Especially not now.”

Arwen’s pointed tone regarded the reappearance of Merlin and William who’d just then re-entered the tent, announcing to Arthur that it was time for his first match. And the Prince didn’t waste a moment before placing the helmet on his head and exiting the tent.

And so, match after match, Arwen watched the tournament from the edges of the tent, joined by William who, just as her was unable to leave while Arthur was out there. Merlin, unlike them, was free to roam and tend to his duties from time to time.

Just as he did once Arthur’s latest match ended, the servant heading out of the tent to take care of Arthur’s horse while the Prince rejoined William and Arwen in the tent. “You must go and acknowledge the crowd.” The blonde quickly announced to his counterpart, making a somewhat worried expression fall across William’s face.

“How do you do that?” He questioned, obviously worried about the possibility of making a mistake. He didn’t want to disappoint the Prince, but this hadn’t been something they’d covered in all of his instructions.

“You wave, they cheer. It’s not difficult.” Arthur explained with ease, drinking some water soon after and leaving William to quickly exit the tent, hoping all would be well.

“And smile!” Arwen whisper yelled at him just as he walked outside, lingering by the exit for a moment longer as she watched some of the knights carry away Arthur’s latest opponent to Gaius’ tent where the physician was standing at the entrance, awaiting his next patient.

“It’s so odd, not treating the injured.” Arwen commented as she watched William greeting the crowd and all of them cheering for him happily. Turning to Arthur, she continued on in a joking tone. “Can you get injured so I can feel like I’m doing something productive?”

Arthur shook his head at her, but the amusement was still clear on his face as he made his way to her side. He too glanced out of the tent to see how his stand-in was doing. “I do all the work, someone else gets all the praise.” He said in a disgruntled voice, stepping away as Merlin entered the tent too, catching the last of Arthur’s words.

“Know the feeling.” The servant mumbled out, making Arwen do her best to hide her laughter behind her hand, masking it further with a pretend cough that Arthur didn’t seem to catch on to.

He was too caught up in himself. “When I win this tournament, I’ll reveal my true identity. Get the credit I deserve.” The Prince announced proudly, and if they were being honest, the statement didn’t come as a surprise to either Merlin or his sister.

“Of course you will.” Merlin even went as far as making it known out loud that they’d expect nothing less from Arthur’s ego. That, expectedly, earned him a glare from the man himself.

“Well don’t just stand there.” Arthur was quick to start scolding his servant as a consequence of his mocking. “The horse needs grooming. And don’t forget to repair the broken lances.”

The string of instructions had Arwen shaking her head at the two of them and their bickering. She started to pack up her own things, having set out medical supplies in case they’d need them at any point in the day. Luckily, the first day of the tournament had passed and Arthur hadn’t endured a single scrape. She hoped their luck would hold out for the remaining two days.

Once again, Arwen had prepared dinner for herself and the Prince on their second night of staying at Gwen’s house. It was mostly silent between them as they ate, but Arwen didn’t particularly feel like sitting in silence that evening. And so she decided to break it.

“I managed to speak to Gwen after the tournament a little.” She announced as she started to collect their empty plates. “Apparently, the ladies of the court are quite impressed with Sir William. They think he’s very handsome.” She shared what she’d heard in a teasing tone.

“Typical. He wouldn’t know a real knight if he whacked him round the head with his lance.” Arthur grumbled out, making Arwen hold back from rolling her eyes at the condescending tone of the Prince’s voice.

“Why are you doing this?” She couldn’t help but ask. If he was so bothered by William, he could put a stop to it at any moment. She knew some of Arthur’s reasons from what Merlin had told her, but ultimately, Arwen wanted to hear it form the prince himself. Maybe then, she’d understand better.

“I fear that people respect me just because of my title.” Arthur revealed something Arwen was already aware of. And she knew that it couldn’t be denied, he was the Prince after all. Such a role would certainly come with a lot of people trying to please him solely for who he is.

“I don’t think everyone is like that.” She revealed after giving it some thought. She’d seen plenty of people try to gain his favour with platitudes and pleasantries, but she also knew what people thought behind his back too. Until now, she’d thought he’d known it too.

“Would you tell me if they were?” Arthur raised his eyebrow at her, watching as a small smile came over Arwen’s face at the question.

“Yes.” Arwen’s answer was rather simple and to the point. As well as honest. It made Arthur’s eyes turn up from the table and look towards her, an analytical gleam in them as he watched her sit back down at the table across from him.

“You would, wouldn’t you?” He mumbled, and it was more of a statement than a question as he thought back to all the times she’d done so before. “You never hesitate to tell me as it is.”

Arwen nodded her head as she herself thought it over. Did she sometimes keep her mouth shut? Yes. But it was for inconsequential things like sleeping arrangements or his picky eating. “Sometimes you need to be made aware of the fact that you’re being a clotpole.” But she didn’t keep it shut when he was being a complete fool.

Arthur let out a small chuckle at the specific comment. “You’re one of the very few who do.” He revealed, and it didn’t surprise Arwen too much. “But when I’m competing as William, my title doesn’t matter, nobody gives me any special treatment. So when I win this tournament… if I win this tournament, it will be because I deserve it, and not because I am Prince Arthur.”

With that, a silence lapsed over them again. Arwen found herself thinking of the Prince’s words. Not only those he’d said right now, but also what he’d said earlier in the day. How, he’d reveal his identity when the victory was his. For a moment, she wanted to question why he equated the two entirely different values. However, before she could even make up her mind on if she should ask such a question, Arthur was rising to his feet, silently bringing their conversation to its end.

“I think I’ll take a bath.” He announced, making Arwen raise an eyebrow at him, somewhat surprised. For a moment, she thought she may have heard him wrong, but the expectation on his face soon made it clear she hadn’t.

“That might be difficult seeing as I don’t believe Gwen has a bathtub.” She pointed out, wondering where he’d believe she was hiding one. In the cupboard beneath the stove?

“Really?” His surprise was definitely making Arwen question the Prince’s perceptive skills. “Er… Perhaps you could prepare me a bowl of hot water. I take it Gwen has a bowl?”

“I think I can manage a bowl.” Arwen didn’t bother holding back the small bite in her tone, and yet, Arthur remained entirely oblivious to it and her annoyance. “I’ll walk all the way down to the well in the night and fetch some water then, shall I?” She questioned, giving him a chance to, at least, realize the selfishness of the demand if he would not do so with the disrespect.

Instead, Arthur simply grunted out his confirmation, continuing to stretch and move around while he waited. For a few moments, Arwen glared at his back, thinking about doing what they’d spoken about only moments ago. Telling him what she really thought. However, then she remembered they had two more days of this. Of being stuck here together.

Not wanting to make it more uncomfortable than it already was by angering him, Arwen heaved a sigh and grabbed her cloak. Leaving the house, she decided that while she wasn’t telling him everything now, he’d definitely hear her on the last day of the tournament. Perhaps after his victory, so he and his glory could be knocked down a peg.

The following day, Arwen didn’t go to watch the tournament from the tent as she did the day before. Giving Arthur an excuse about nearly being spotted the night before and not wanting to take the risk, she’d managed to stay back in Gwen’s house when he and Merlin left for the day. And if anything happened and by some chance the Prince was injured, the grounds weren’t too far away. Arwen would be there in no time and able to tend to any wounds.

And so, she was left to enjoy the first chance to have some time to herself in the house for days. Just what she wanted. Well… In reality, her plans for today had been much more different. But then this whole scheme derailed them. So Arwen would settle for what she could get. Perhaps later tonight she could sneak away and spend some time with Merlin, and Gwen if she was free for a bit. Surely Arthur could fend for himself for a few hours.

And while she had the house to herself, Arwen still felt the need to be productive. Because of that, she found herself cleaning up and sweeping some of the mess that had accumulated during their stay. She wanted to leave the place tidy and in good shape for Gwen when she returned. It would be incredibly rude to leave her to clean it on top of all of her other duties which kept her busy.

And having the house to herself also meant Arwen could freely clean around her own sleeping area and possibly rearrange it to be more comfortable for their last night here. The past sleepless nights were becoming somewhat of a bother. At least in her comfortable bed she always had an easier time falling asleep again after one of her dreams.

“Arwen?” The sound of Arthur’s voice calling out to her as the door of the house opened and the Prince walked inside had Arwen scrambling around to finish up what she’d been doing before he came over.

“Just a minute!” She called out, trying to throw a spare blanket over the multitude of bags, pillows and blankets she’d been trying to organise into a bed.

“Do you have a needle and a thread? My shirt needs mending.” He proceeded to call into the house. “You do know how to sow, right?” The question had Arwen rolling her eyes again. The amount of times she’d done it in the past days made Arwen think back to when she was a child and Hunith would warn her that her eyes would get stuck if she did so too often.

“If you leave it on the table, I’m sure I can-” She started to instruct him, however, it was too late as soon enough, the Prince was walking through her secluded little corner.

“Is this where you sleep? Where’s the other bed?” Arthur’s question had Arwen unable to hold back a sigh. This man really could be blind sometimes. She shouldn’t be surprised by how much, really.

“You’ve claimed the only one.” Arwen pointed out.

“Why didn’t you say something?” He questioned in disbelief.

“How could I?” It was obvious Arwen was growing more and more annoyed with him as the conversation went on. “You didn’t give me the chance. You just assumed the bed was yours.”

“Well, how am I supposed to know if you don’t tell me?” The newest question had Arwen abruptly stopping her sweeping as she turned on her heel to glare at him. The fire in her eyes made it clear to Arthur he shouldn’t have asked that long before she started to speak.

“For heaven’s sake, Arthur! You shouldn’t need to be told to think of someone other than yourself! Or to simply look around the room! You’re not a child!” She exclaimed impatiently.

And, for a moment, Arthur found himself stunned. He’s had Arwen snap at him before when he was making foolish decisions or being blind, but this time it felt different. It was the first time she properly snapped and yelled at him.

“Is there anything else you’d like to say to me?” He questioned, arms crossing over his chest as he refused to look away from her. “Please, I’d like to hear it. If there’s something you want to say to me, don’t let me stop you.” Judging by the look on her face there was much, much more she wanted to tell him. It made Arthur realize that perhaps Arwen wasn’t always entirely honest with him. He was surprised by the fact that that bothered him more so than any of his knights.

“You don’t have any idea, do you?” Arwen tried to think happy thoughts. To remind herself that just last night she’d told herself not to snap at him. And yet, here she was, more than close to doing just that.

“About what?” Arthur, still oblivious asked the one question that pushed Arwen over the edge.

“About how rude, inconsiderate, and arrogant you can be! You don’t even think! This is Gwen’s home and we’re simply guests in it!” She exclaimed. “I know you’re used to more luxurious quarters; to having someone bring  you whatever you wish and clean up after you, but that is not an excuse to be so rude or leave behind a mess.”

Arthur followed after the red haired woman as her anger with him spilled out, making her drop the broom as she started to walk away from him while ranting. “You claim titles don’t matter to you, but you behave like a Prince and expect me to wait on you like a servant! Saying it means nothing if your actions betray you.”

Arthur opened his mouth, ready to interject, to say something and to perhaps even attempt to apologize. But before he could, Arwen simply continued, not caring that he wanted to jump in. “And I know I volunteered for this. I never had issue doing any of the chores around the house, cleaning up and cooking. But would it kill you to say please and thank you once in a while?!” She questioned, annoyance shining through with high force before she finally remembered who she was speaking to. “My Lord.” The late addition did nothing to soften the blow.

“Is there anything else you’d like to add?” Arthur questioned, raising his eyebrow at her and waiting to see if there’d be more before he tried to speak only to be interrupted again.

“No, my Lord, I think that’s it.” She said firmly. From many, Arthur would have expected shameful apologies by now. It was clear from the use of his title that she knew she’d overstepped, but Arwen gave no indication of taking any of it back or backing down. The glare in her eyes still burnt into his as she waited for his response.

“You’re right.” At least it did so until the moment his words registered in her mind. “We’re guests in this home, and you’ve sacrificed your own time to do me a favour. I have behaved appallingly and for that I apologize.”

“I didn’t mean to make you feel bad.” Arwen, now speaking more calmly and evenly, tried to somewhat remedy the situation. She had meant everything she said, she wouldn’t apologize for that, but there were better ways to say it.

“Oh, really?” Arthur questioned, some of his amusement starting to shine through the doubt in his voice.

“Really. I just wanted you to…” Arwen started to say, pausing for a moment as she tried to think of what her main point really was. It was Arthur who said it first though.

“See what I was doing wrong.” He nodded his head in understanding before a spark lit up his eyes and an idea formed in his mind. “I’ll make it up to you. Tonight. I will make dinner for you.” He announced, making Arwen’s eyes widen.

“You’re going to cook dinner?” She questioned, unable to hide her disbelief. For a moment, she scolded herself for spending her day cleaning. At best, Arthur would just make a mess again. At worst, he’d burn the house down. Either way, all that cleaning time would turn out to be a waste.

“I most certainly am.” Arthur announced, grabbing hold of Arwen’s shoulders as he started to gently push her towards the door. Grabbing her cloak along the way, he persisted in his idea. “Now go for a walk or do whatever it is that ladies to at this time of evening…”

Arwen, too surprised to remind him that she probably shouldn’t outside for too long, simply nodded her head as she accepted the cloak from his hands. “A walk would be nice.” She said.

“And dinner will be ready when you return.” He announced proudly as Arwen stepped through the door, turning around to give him one last dubious look. For a moment, she debated asking him if he needed help, but in the end, she simply decided not to go too far, just in case.

Exiting the house, Arwen couldn’t help but smile, doing her best to hold back a laugh as she started to walk through the streets. She didn’t get too far before being intercepted though.

“There you are! You weren’t at the tournament.” The sight of her brother appearing in front of her had Arwen pausing in the middle of the street to take in his disappointment.

“I’m sorry, it was just a good chance to get a bit of time alone.” Arwen apologized, giving him a small smile. It had also been a good chance to avoid Merlin’s big mouth in Arthur’s presence. “But you’re seeing me now.” She tried to point out the silver lining.

“Well, better late than never.” Merlin finally agreed as he proceeded to dig through his pockets right then and there until he finally found what he was looking for. The widest of smiles spread over his face as he pulled it out and spoke in a happy tone. “Happy birthday!”

With a smile of her own, Arwen accepted the small gift from her brother, a bracelet made of light twine with a single forget me not created with wax sewn in the middle. It was a tradition for the siblings to always give each other even the smallest of gifts for their birthdays.

“Thank you, Merlin. It’s beautiful.” She said happily, throwing her arms around her brother and pulling him into a tight hug. And as soon as they separated, she’d made sure to tie the bracelet around her wrist.

“I thought it was the least I could do since you’re forced to spend your birthday with Arthur of all people.” Merlin said in a joking tone, making Arwen let out a small laugh herself. “Where is he anyways?”

“He’s at the house.” Arwen said. “And maybe spending it with him isn’t the worst thing. He’s cooking me dinner.” Arwen revealed, watching as a range of emotions passed over Merlin’s face at the revelation.

“Arthur’s cooking? Actual food?” Even after his initial shock, Merlin had a hard time believing what he’d just heard. And the shock didn’t diminish as Arwen nodded her head in confirmation.

“Perhaps you should go help him before he burns Gwen’s house down.” Arwen suggested. She knew better than to think Arthur would be entirely capable of preparing a meal all on his own. But at least he was trying. He probably wouldn’t admit to having Merlin’s help when it was all done, but Arwen could live with that. She’d thank Merlin herself.

“Probably.” Her brother was quick to agree. “I’ll see you later. And we’ll celebrate properly when everything is back to normal.” He spoke while simultaneously starting to walk down the street towards the house Arwen had just left, leaving his sister staring after him with an amused look on her face. Oh, how she wished she could be a fly on the wall to watch those two argue about how to prepare a chicken.

Because everyone who knew them knew they’d bicker. Even Merlin himself knew it as he walked through the door of Gwen’s house, eyes instantly turning to Arthur and finding him pacing in front of the chicken as he held on to bottles of spices and stared at them as if he couldn’t read.

“Merlin! Thank God.” The relief clearly spread over the Prince’s face as he caught sight of his servant standing in front of him.

“Arwen says you’re cooking?” Merlin questioned and no matter how many times the words were repeated, they still sounded entirely unbelievable.

“Well, I’m trying to. I’ve never cooked anything before!” Arthur had been left alone for only a few minutes and yet he was already frying at the edges. “What are all these things? How do you use them?” The Prince held up items from all around the kitchen, staring at Merlin as if he were the one who invented with with the sole intention of torturing Arthur.

“You will definitely poison someone.” Merlin shook his head with a sigh, dreading the idea of having to help Arthur, who wouldn’t listen to him, with this. “Poisoned on her birthday, that will be a story to tell.” He muttered to himself, but still, Arthur managed to overhear the words.

“Excuse me?” The Prince questioned in surprise, making Merlin’s eyes widen. When Arwen had said Arthur was making her dinner he’d thought she revealed the secret about her birthday herself, but from the way Arthur was now looking at him it was clear to Merlin that the Prince knew nothing about it.

“Poisoned on her last day… With you… Here… I just think it’s bad timing.” Merlin tried to rectify the situation but it was much too late by now.

“No. You said birthday!” Arthur exclaimed, abandoning the kitchen supplies as he walked towards his servant. “It’s Arwen’s birthday today?” He questioned, wanting to be sure he’s heard it right.

“Oh, she made us promise not to say anything.” Merlin groaned out, already preparing himself for the scolding he’d receive from his sister for being unable to keep her secret.

While Merlin worried about the trouble he was in, Arthur couldn’t stop himself form feeling even worse about everything he’d said and done by now. She hadn’t only gone out of her way to do him a favour, but she’d given up a day that was meant to be entirely about her for it.

His eyes glanced back to the raw chicken still sitting untouched on the table. And then he turned to Merlin just as quickly. “I need you to fetch me two dinners from the palace kitchens.” He announced.

This, Merlin was less surprised by. “So… You’re not cooking?” That sounded more like the Arthur he knew.

“No, but Arwen doesn’t need to know that.” Arthur revealed, making Merlin raise an eyebrow at the blonde. He hadn’t even heard Arthur’s full plan, but he knew it would ultimately crash and burn. “As far as she’s concerned, dinner will be prepared and cooked by me.”

The way Arthur spoke brought the surprise back onto Merlin’s face. “You’re trying to impress her?” He accused, unsure of how to feel about his suspicions.

“Don’t be ridiculous, Merlin. Everyone simply deserves a good meal for their birthday.” Arthur tried to dismiss Merlin’s accusation, but the defensive tone of his voice made the servant doubt it to be true. “And get me a decent shirt, will you? Your clothes are making me itch all over, it’s like having fleas.”

Merlin did his best to keep his reactions in check as he obeyed with Arthur’s demands. But during all that time there was one simple thought stuck in his head; the Prince was trying to impress his sister. And Merlin didn’t know whether he liked that idea or not.

When Arwen came back to the house after her walk, there were two things she noticed first. One was Arthur’s change of clothes and the effort he seemed to have put into his appearance. And the second was the effort he put into preparing everything around the house. There were candles lit on the table along with a fresh bouquet of flowers, replacing the ones Arwen had picked before their arrival.

“Arwen, just in time.” Arthur spun on his heel when he heard her enter the house, looking away from what seemed to be nothing at all that had his attention up until that moment. “Please, sit.” He walked over to her, going as far as pulling out her chair for her.

“Thank you.” Arwen had a hard time hiding her surprise as she looked at him. But still, a smile came over her face as she took her seat, watching him bring over two plates of food. “This looks delicious.” She said honestly as she looked at the chicken on her plate. It smelled just as good as it looked.

“I hope you like it.” Arthur said as he took his own seat at the table. With both of them seated, a short silence fell over them as they both started to dig into the food. Although, it was often broken by Arwen complimenting Arthur on his success. It was even somewhat surprising how good it was, considering Arwen knew Merlin didn’t have the skills to make the chicken taste like that. Perhaps she’d actually underestimated Arthur’s abilities.

“Merlin tells me you’ve been keeping a secret from me.” Arthur was the first to speak after a couple of minutes passed, his words making Arwen look up at him with wide eyes.

“Secret?” She tried to pretend to be oblivious, but from the knowing look on the Prince’s face, it was soon clear that attempts at denial would be futile. Merlin had failed to keep his mouth shut just as Arwen had expected.

“Apparently today is your birthday?” Arthur raised an inquisitive eyebrow at her, watching as Arwen shook her head, a small smile spreading over her face.

“I told him not to tell you.” She sighed, making Arthur give out a small laugh.

“Well, Merlin can’t keep a secret to save his life. You shouldn’t blame him.” Arthur tried to defend his servant, in his own… specific way. And it only made Arwen laugh at the irony of the statement. “I had no time to get you a gift, so I hope this will suffice… for now.”

“This is more than enough, Arthur. Truly.” Arwen reassured him. She never expected anything for her birthday from anyone really. Especially as there was little chance this particular date was actually her birthday. It had just been deemed so by Merlin when they were still children. In reality, it was the day she joined Merlin and Hunith’s family. She never knew what her real birthday was.

“Happy birthday, Arwen.” Arthur said, rising his glass in sign of a small toast and bringing another smile to the redhead’s face as she repeated the action. “So, tell me something.” Arthur spoke again as he placed his cup back on the table, making Arwen send him a curious look.

“Something?” She questioned, unsure of what he meant when making the request.

“Anything. About yourself.” Arthur explained.

“There isn’t really much to say, my Lord.” Arwen revealed. She wasn’t sure what else she could talk about that he didn’t know already. And she had never been too good at talking about herself in the first place. “You already know most of my story.”

“What made you want to be a physician?” Arthur asked curiously. He knew she had been one long before coming to Camelot, and he’d seen how much the people in Ealdor trusted her because of it, but he never knew how she came to be one.

The question brought a smile to Arwen’s face as she thought back to her earliest memories of medicine. “Back in Ealdor, we didn’t have a physician in the village itself. So, whenever someone was sick or we needed medical help, someone would have to go to the village next to ours to get their physician to come.” Arwen started to explain.

“You wanted to help?” Arthur made his guess. It was more than believable that Arwen would have learned whatever she could so she could help her people when she could and ease their burdens. She was exactly the kind of person who’d do such a thing.

“Something like that. The idea didn’t come to me right away.” Arwen couldn’t say that it was just a simple selfless decision. “When I was a child, I got sick with a terrible fever that wouldn’t go down no matter what my mother tired. I was little and scared, so when the physician came, she tried to make me feel better by explaining everything she was doing. What she was checking and what she was giving me, how it would make me feel better.”

Arthur made no further interruptions as he listened to the story, curiosity rendering him silent as Arwen continued on with it. “The healthier I got, the more I became curious, asked more and more questions. After that, every time she came, she brought me a new book on science and medicine. With time, we started calling on her less and less because I became the one to take care of such things.”

“I loved doing it too, helping people feel better and helping calm them and their families by making sure all would be well. I don’t know the moment I knew it’s what I wanted to do, but after some time of doing it… I just realized it felt right, for the lack of a better explanation.” Arwen finished her story, eyes turning back to Arthur as he remained silent for a few moments after the ending. Unable to decipher the look in his eyes, Arwen’s own turned down to the table somewhat shyly. “It’s not some grand story, I know, I apologise for boring you.”

“I don’t find it boring at all.” Arthur revealed, making Arwen’s eyes look back up to his face. Green met blue and for a few moments a silence fell over them, neither able to look away.

It was Arwen that came to her senses first. Looking away, she suddenly broke the silence as she started to reach for their plates once she noticed both of them were finished with their meals. “I should, uh, I should clean this up.” She announced.

However, Arthur was quick to jump from his seat and intercept her form going any further. “No, no, let me.” He offered, taking the plates from her hands. “You sit.” He instructed, and Arwen once again found herself surprised as she looked up at him. She even glanced at the plates in his hands to make sure she wasn’t just imagining what he’d done.

And as she did, looking up from where she was still sitting while Arthur carried the plates away, Arwen noticed the royal seal carved into the bottom of the plates. The sight made her let out a small sigh. “I should have known.” She mumbled but was loud enough for Arthur to hear her.

“What do you mean?” He questioned, remaining oblivious to what had just happened for a few more moments as his blue eyes sent her a curious look. The curious look, however, slowly slipped from his face as he took in the look in Arwen’s eyes.

“I suspected you wouldn’t know how to cook. I thought you’d rope Merlin into helping you,” Arwen started to explain exactly what she’d meant as she stood as well and walked over to him. Her hands took hold of one of the plates as she turned it over to show him what she’d seen. “But I didn’t think you’d blatantly lie.”

“You don’t understand.” Arthur tried to explain to her, but his word choices had her anger only growing as she looked up at him, her eyebrows raised in an almost challenging look. As if she were daring him to try lying again.

“What do I not understand, exactly? What the royal seal looks like?” She questioned. “You didn’t even bother switching out the plates, Arthur.” She pointed out, making it clear she couldn’t be played as a fool.

“I did try to make the chicken, alright?” Arthur started, giving out a small sigh, taking a pause once he noticed she wouldn’t interrupt him, but was letting him tell his side. “But then Merlin mentioned it being your birthday, and I didn’t want to ruin it by making a mess of dinner.”

“Arthur, I wouldn’t have cared if it tasted like it was prepared in Gaius’ leech tank.” Arwen started. “It wasn’t the food itself that made me happy, but the thought. The idea that you were doing something for me, not because you were asked or because you had to, but simply because you wanted to. By God, even offering to help me make it would have been enough.”

“I just…” Arthur struggled to find the right words for a few moments. Or rather, struggled to find the courage to say those which were already on his mind. “I just wanted it to be perfect.” He finally revealed.

The statement had the last of Arwen’s anger disappearing as confusion replaced it. “Why?” She couldn’t help but ask, unable to understand why it would matter so much to him.

I know I have much to learn.” Arthur started to explain, searching for the best words to say what he wanted as he took a step closer to her. “There are some things I’m terrible at - cooking being one of them.” That managed to draw a small laugh from the woman standing in front of him. “But also… knowing what to say to someone I care about.”

The admission had Arwen’s eyes widening in surprise, but still she was unable to look away from Arthur’s face. Standing like that, eyes unable to tear away from each other and neither noticing they seemed to be drawing closer, Arwen’s mind was running a mile a minute with dozens of questions going through it. She didn’t get a chance to ask any.

“Arthur!” Merlin rushing through the door of Gwen’s house had Arthur and Arwen jumping apart to build some distance between them as the servant made his way inside without waiting for an invitation. “There’s an assassin in Camelot. He’s here to kill you.”

It wasn’t long after Merlin’s announcement that Arthur started pacing while the siblings stood at the table, their eyes carefully watching him. The dishes and meal long forgotten and waiting to be cleaned up, they had bigger issues to deal with. “How do you know this?” Arthur questioned, stopping only for a moment to send Merlin an inquisitive look.

“The assassin killed a guard. Your father said Odin sent him.” Merlin explained what he’d found out at the palace, a worried look passing between all three of them at the knowledge.

“Why would Odin want you dead?” Arwen couldn’t help but be confused by that. Odin and Uther’s kingdoms were at peace. And while Uther had many enemies out there, Odin had never seemed to be one of them before.

“Because I killed his son.” Arthur revealed, guilt shining in his eyes as he continued on with the story. “Odin’s son challenged me to a fight. I had no quarrel with him. I asked him to withdraw. Perhaps he felt he had to prove himself. I can still see his face. He looked so scared.”

“You can’t blame yourself for that.” Arwen tried to make him feel better. Everyone who issued a challenge knew what it entailed. It was Odin’s son’s choice and his alone.

“No one but us knows where you are. If the assassin can’t find you, he can’t kill you.” Merlin shared the positives of this situation, and it was enough to make even Arwen more appreciative of this whole scheme than she’d been before. It was certainly playing in their favour right now.

“I understand if you wish to leave, it’s not safe.” Arthur said, his words directed at Arwen who let out a small scoff at the offer, but didn’t get a chance to protest it just yet. “And if Gwen wants me out of her house-“

“Gwen is busy at Morgana’s side, she won’t mind.” Arwen interrupted him quickly and efficiently. They could always have Merlin tell the woman not to come by just in case the assassin did somehow discover Arthur’s location. “And I’m not going anywhere.” Her voice was firm and confident as she added the last part, not about to let anyone dissuade her from it.

“I thought that might be the answer, so I also,” Merlin spoke as he stepped back to the door and opened it to pull something inside. “Brought this.” He announced, revealing Arwen’s sword, and making the redhead smile at the sight of it.

“Thank you, Merlin.” She sent a smile to her brother as she took her sword into her own hands. This city truly did like to remind her it would be better if she carried that thing on her person at all times. Usually when going on a journey to slay some dangerous beast she would have taken it from the start, but she knew this wasn’t such a journey when they first ‘left’ Camelot.

“Thank you, both of you.” Arthur spoke, sending both of the Ambrosius siblings a grateful nod before fully focusing on Arwen as he spoke again. “I’ll sleep on the floor tonight.”

“No, you should take the bed. You need to be well rested for the tournament tomorrow.” Arwen tried to protest. It was the final of the tournament and while she herself found the floor somewhat uncomfortable, Arthur’s pampered behind would find it excruciating.

“I’ll not hear of it.” The Prince, however, was entirely unwilling to entertain whatever argument she would try and put up. “Good night, Arwen.” He said with a tone of finality, sending her one final smile before turning his back and walking to the sectioned off area where she’d been sleeping for the past two nights.

Arwen couldn’t hold back a small smile from spreading over her face as she watched him disappear, closely followed by her brother. And while she was left standing in the main area of the house alone, she still whispered her own good night before making her way to the bed, hoping for some better sleep for the first night in a while.

The next morning, Arthur, and Arwen both moved around the house in silence. Arthur getting ready to head out to the tournament grounds, knowing Arwen wouldn’t be far behind him as she prepared all of her things and organised her medical bag. And as she did so, her eyes continued to glance his way, shifting between the Prince himself and the green piece of fabric she held in her hand. Bringing to an end the debate going on in her head, Arwen stepped towards him.

“One more match.” Arthur spoke as he noticed her coming his way. “The tournament will be over.” His voice came out heavy, both of them knowing what his words truly meant. Once the tournament was over, their time together would come to an end as well. And somehow, neither wanted that to happen.

“You can go back to being Prince Arthur.” And she to being a Court Physician. She tired to muster up a small smile, and yet, it came much harder than she’d expected it to. Glancing down at the cloth in her hands, she proceeded to speak up again before she had a chance to chicken out. “I know ladies sometimes given knights tokens, for luck during these events. I thought you might…” Her voice trailed off, still somewhat hesitant until the moment Arthur reached for the green piece.

However, instead of simply taking it, his hand grasped her own in a gentle hold. “I’d be honoured to wear it.” He said, his voice coming out quiet as their eyes caught each other, their hands not letting go. Not wanting to let go.

Arwen noticed how close they were standing, even closer than they had last night. But she didn’t step away. For a couple of long moments, they remained trapped by each other’s stare, but then Artur leaned down towards her. His lips brushed hers in a gentle kiss. For a moment, Arwen was stunned, but soon enough, she returned the kiss. Eyes closing, she gave into the moment, into her feelings. She forgot that it wasn’t meant to happen. That it couldn’t happen. And she simply kissed him back.

Until the moment he pulled away. “I must go.”

The Prince stepped away, looking as if all he wanted to was walk back to her and kiss her again. But before he could give in, Arthur turned around, quickly walking through the door of the house and leaving Arwen to watch him go as she remained standing in her spot.

Now alone, her hand reached up, fingers brushing her lips where he’d kissed her. Incapable of hiding it, a smile spread over them. For just a moment, she let herself focus on the happiness and not all the consequences which may come in the future. For now, she’d just make sure she remembered the kiss. Because there wouldn’t be another.

On the third and final day of the tournament, Arwen found herself unable to step away from the opening in their hiding tent whenever Arthur was out to joust with the remaining knights. Especially once the final tournament rolled around. Arthur one of the only two men left standing, vying for the victory.

Nervously, she continued to twist and crack her fingers, watching as both men got their lances ready on opposing sides of the grounds. And then they charged at each other. On one hand, watching them draw closer and closer felt like an eternity, everything happening slowly and stretching on for forever.

But ultimately, when Sir Alinor’s lance smashed against Arthur’s armour, it felt like it all happened within the blink of an eye. And as she watched the Prince sway in his saddle, Arwen’s worry grew stronger, a part of her wanting to rush out to make sure he was alright.

Her eyes searched around the tournament grounds for an absent Merlin who was expected to be the one to help Arthur return to their tent. But he was nowhere to be found. It was lucky that they had another person, one who didn’t have to hide, who knew about their plan. It was Gwen who came down from the stands, going to Arthur’s side and helping him return to the tent.

As soon as Arthur was seated inside, taking his helmet off and showing the painful grimace on his face, Arwen quickly got to work. “His lance pierced my armour.” He explained as she knelt in front of him, moving the hand with which he clutched onto his wound so she could see it properly.

“You’re losing too much blood.” She announced, unable to keep the worry from her voice as she grabbed some of the bandages from her supplies. Pressing them to the injury, she continued to do her best in an attempt to stop the bleeding.

“Do what you can. I have to be back on the course within five minutes or I forfeit the match.” The statement had Arwen pausing her actions for a moment to give him an incredulous look.

“You can’t possibly joust, you’re too badly injured.” She tried to object, worried about all the possible ways in which continuing on with the match might make his injuries worse.

“I have never withdrawn from a match. I do not intend to start now.” Arthur stood his ground and Arwen grew more infuriated by the constant need to preserve his reputation and pride.

“You would risk your life to protect your pride?” She questioned. It made Arthur let out a small laugh as he remembered all the times she’d scolded him for the same thing. However, laughing made him wince again and the worry on Arwen’s face grew stronger. “They don’t know who you are Arthur. You have nothing to prove to anyone. Least of all to me.” She tried to speak in a gentler tone, to make him see how foolish this was.

“I have everything to prove. To myself.” He corrected her, and while he could see the displeased look on her face, he could also see the tentative understanding in her eyes.

“I’ll do the best I can.” She gave in. She understood what he meant. No matter how much he boasted about glory and victory, this rouse had never been about that. This was something he needed to do, not to prove to others that he was capable, but to himself.

It took her only a few minutes, but Arwen was happy to know she’d been able to do the bare minimum for Arthur’s wound by stopping the bleeding. And for him, it was enough. She could still see the pain on his face as he started to move again, and not caring about being seen or recognized, the redhead was quick to help him out of the tent and to his horse.

Holding the animal by its reigns, she waited as Arthur climbed on, much slower than he’d been any time before. And yet, none of it deterred him. “You’ll have to pass me my lance.” He instructed.

For a moment, Arwen hesitated. “This is madness.” She mumbled, more to herself than to him before she finally did as he requested. “Good luck.” She said, and the two shared one last look between themselves before Arthur rode off back to the course. And just as he did, someone else ran up to Arwen.

“Merlin! Where have you been?” Arwen questioned her brother once she noticed his presence, eyes constantly shifting between him and the tournament grounds where Arthur and his opponent prepared to face off again.

“Where’s Arthur?” Instead of answering her question, Merlin posed one of his own.

“He’s about to joust again.” Arwen nodded her head in the direction of Arthur’s horse where it was lining up on his side of the arena.

“He’s jousting against the assassin.” Merlin’s announcement had Arwen’s wide eyes snapping towards him fully this time.

For a moment, she remained stunned in silence, but quickly, her mind caught up and she started to push on her brother’s shoulders. “Go! Go!” She shoved him in the direction of the crowd standing around the course, knowing they’d provide him with the best cover for what he had to do to help Arthur; use his magic.

Arwen herself remained standing where she was, not caring about being seen. After all, Arthur intended to reveal himself at the end of the tournament if he won anyways. And if he didn’t… she didn’t even dare to think what his loss may mean. It was, however, fortunate that someone appeared beside her, handing her the cloak she’d been wearing to obscure her identity all these days.

Taking it, she turned towards the person to thank them, expecting to find Gwen. To her surprise, it wasn’t the handmaiden but a familiar knight who stood by her. “Don’t say a word.” Arwen instructed, sounding more like a noble or royal as she sent Sir Leon a pointed look that dared him to defy her.

And only when he nodded his head in a silent promise to do as she asked, Arwen let her eyes glance back to the tournament just as the match started up again. She watched as the two horses charged at each other, Arthur on one side and what she now knew to be an assassin on the other.

She could see Arthur’s delayed reactions. She knew his injuries meant it wouldn’t be a difficult task for the assassin who hadn’t sustained even a scratch in the first round of the final. For a moment, she looked away from them, eyes searching the crowd for her brother. But she couldn’t see him.

And before she could find him, the gasping of the spectators had Arwen’s eyes jumping back to the joust just in time to see the assassin’s balance completely disappear as a cause of his broken saddle. Instead of the final blow being his, it was Arthur’s, his lance crashing into the assassin’s armour. Even from a distance, Arwen could see the splinters flying through the air. And she couldn’t hold in a big breath of relief as she watched the man fly off of his horse which continued to drag him to the other end of the course.

The joust was over.

After the ending of the tournament, Arwen had done all she could for Arthur’s injuries with the supplies she had. They had to make sure it wasn’t too perfect as it was supposed to be an injury treated in the woods beyond the walls of Camelot. A story they’d managed to come up with thanks to an excess of time which occurred due to Arthur sending out William to claim the glory of the victory instead of himself.

However, soon after, much too soon than she would have liked, they found themselves standing in the throne room before the King himself once again. Returning back to their normal lives. Arthur stood in front of his father while Arwen remained in the back of the room, Gaius, and Merlin by her side.

“The assassin attacked us as we returned to Camelot. I was injured whilst killing him.” Arthur repeated the story he and Arwen had concocted to cover up all that they had truly been doing in the past three days.

“Odin must be made to pay for his actions. We must strike back at him.” Uther’s anger shone through as he began to plot and plan his revenge. However, he was interrupted before he could get too far.

“Surely you understand the grief he feels for the loss of his son?” Arthur tried to reason with the King. “We should try to make peace with him. There’s been enough bloodshed.” Arwen couldn’t help the small smile of pride which appeared on her face. There was a time when he would have been as angered and eager to retaliate as his father was.

“Perhaps you’re right.” But his words were enough to dissuade even Uther himself from thoughts of revenge this time. “How was the rest of your trip? Fruitful?” The King moved on, wanting to know whether the other threat to their kingdom had been dealt with.

The question had Arthur’s eyes turning towards Arwen who stood behind his father’s seat. Almost as if they were acting on his own, entirely out of his control. Just like the small smile which spread over his lips as he looked at her only to find her smiling at him already. “Very. I learned a great deal. How was your tournament?”

“Excellent. We have a new champion, Sir William of Daira.” Uther revealed, and multiple people around the room had to do their best to hide their knowing smiles at the information.

“I’m sorry I missed all the excitement.” Arthur, in an attempt to remain as subtle as he could, let his eyes finally turn back to his father. However, as he did so realization dawned on him. Once more, his eyes glanced between the King and Arwen and soon after a heavy feeling settled in his chest. One that did not disappear even as everyone was dismissed from the throne room, and everyone began to filter back out into the halls.

At first, Arthur followed after his father, but once they too found themselves in the halls, he hung back, making sure Uther was a good distance away before he turned back just as Arwen exited the room. She walked alone, Gaius and Merlin remaining inside for a few more moments. And Arthur used his chance while he could to call out her name.

As she turned to him, he motioned for her to follow. Leading her to the side, he didn’t speak until they were somewhat further from the exiting crowd, sure that none would overhear him. “What happened while we were staying together, it, uh…” He tried to say it, but parts of him didn’t want to. He struggled to get it out.

But Arwen knew what he meant. “Can’t happen again.” She finished for him.

“My father, he’d never understand.” Arthur tried to explain still, even if she did seem like she understood. However, Arwen had understood it for a lot longer than he did.

“You don’t have to explain, Arthur.” She told him, her voice reassuring and a heavy smile appearing on her face. It was clear she didn’t like it just as much as he, but there was nothing that could be done.

“Maybe things can be different when I’m King.” Arthur chose to hold on to that shred of optimism. There was nothing that could be done right now. And while they had no way of knowing how long it would be that way. One day, in the future, he’d have the power to change things.

He wanted to change things. Changing things seemed better than ever having to endure this feeling ever again. The feeling of having to walk away from her when all he wanted was to have her back in his arms. To kiss her just as he’d done that morning. A morning that already seemed like a distant past by now.

“Maybe they can.” Arwen offered him another smile, one that didn’t seem at all convincing, not when by now he knew what her real smile looked like. The way it lit up her face with joy. He wanted her to smile like that again. With him. But before he could say that, or anything, really, the sound of his father’s voice calling out to him had Arwen and Arthur exchanging one last look between themselves before the Prince was forced to follow after his father.

Arwen didn’t stand there and watch him leave. Instead she turned her back and started to walk away, as a result missing the way in which he himself turned around to glance at her one more time over his shoulder. She knew from the moment it happened that it would never happen again. And yet, saying it out loud still hurt.

Arwen understood what Arthur meant when he spoke of his father never understanding. Not many would. She was a low born, just a physician while he was the future King of Camelot. Nothing could ever happen between them. Nothing serious. Nothing permanent.

And as Arwen’s thoughts got stuck on such things, for a moment, words flashed through her mind. Words she’d only ever heard in a dream. Words she believed to be fictitious workings of her mind caused by a head injury. And yet, for some reason, she couldn’t let go of them.

She couldn’t know if what she was doing was a smart idea. She was setting herself up for failure. She had to be. The words that kept repeating in her dreams couldn’t be real, no matter how much her thoughts deceived her into thinking it might be some kind of a message.

But despite all that, she felt the need to follow them. To get answers. And she went to the only place she could think of where she’d be able to find them. No lies, no secrets, but simple and truthful answers. The thought of having to come here to get the truth made a part of her hope that she was wrong to believe her dreams.

Walking through the dark and cold halls, Arwen hesitated for just a moment as she finally came upon an opening. She could see the large, enclosed space on the other side. She’d been there only once before. But before her doubtful mind had a chance to win over, Arwen stepped forward. Whatever the answers to her dream was, she needed them.

“Kilgharrah! It’s Arwen! Are you-“ Realizing the stupidity of the question ‘Are you there?’ Arwen cut herself off. “I need to speak with you!” She called out again after a few moments during which she got no response. Just for a second, the thought of the dragon possibly being unwilling to speak to her crossed Arwen’s mind. But before it could take over, the sound of flapping wings echoed against the stone and soon enough, the dragon landed in front of her in all of his glory.

“Arwen, what brings you here? What is it that Merlin needs this time?” The dragon questioned from his perch opposite the small ledge on which she herself was standing. The thought of Merlin sending her here on his behalf seemed to stir some annoyance in the dragon, even if he did fly down to answer her call.

“I’m not here for Merlin, actually.” Because of that she answered him quickly. “I’m here because… I have some questions, and I wasn’t sure where else to get the answers.”

“And what might those questions be.” Something in Kilgharrah’s voice made it seem like he was highly interested in what she might ask him. It made Arwen hopeful that he’d give her some answers. Even if the answer was that she was just imagining things.

“When Sigan attacked Camelot, he said something. Something about me and who I am.” Arwen started, unsure of how to pose the question. In the end, she did have some reservations about seeming like a pompous lunatic.

However, she didn’t need to go any further. Not when it came to the dragon who seemed to know everything. “Ah, I was wondering when you might learn of your true identity.”

“My true identity.” Arwen muttered, more to herself than to the dragon. She took a moment, trying to get her mind to wrap around the words. There was something about her that she herself never knew. That wasn’t much of a surprise when she remembered so little about her childhood before Ealdor. But everything else that might come with the information… “So there is something… Something I don’t know.” She spoke out loud, eyes finally turning back to the dragon, determination sparking within them. “Who am I? Will you please tell me?”

“It would be my honour to give you the answers you seek Arwen Baudissin, Princess and sole heir to the throne of Prairene.”

Arwen had never thought eleven simple words would have the power to knock the breath out of her lungs. But… they weren’t simple words. Not at all. They were eleven words which carried not only her past, present and future, but also what Arwen deemed even more important. They carried lies. Lies of those closest to her. And it was the knowledge of those that made her heart feel like it was breaking.

Chapter Text

All three inhabitants of the Physician’s Chambers had been woken with the dawn due to a disturbance in the Lady Morgana’s chambers. Which was where Arwen now found herself, examining the damage that was caused while Gaius tended to Morgana in another room. Merlin was there too, using a broom to clean up the fragments of cloth and ash that the fire had left in its wake.

“I came back in with some extra blankets. There was a candle, but I put it out.” Gwen was in the process of explaining all that she knew so they could come up with answers on how the fire in Morgana’s chambers had started.

“Are you sure?” Uther questioned her dubiously, something that came as a surprise to no one in the room. Of course, he’d jump at the opportunity to blame anyone he could. Arwen was doing her best as she stood in the room, giving the charred curtains much more of her attention than was really necessary. All to keep herself from focusing on the King and all she knew about him now.

“Gwen’s been Morgana’s servant for years. If she said she blew it out, I believe her.” Arthur jumped to Gwen’s defence. Anyone who knew Gwen knew how dedicated to her job she was. He couldn’t believe she’d ever do something that could possibly put Morgana in any kind of danger.

Knowing her input wouldn’t matter much to the King, Arwen remained silent as she moved away from the curtains and now approached the blown-out window. Curiously enough, the broken glass had barely fallen into the room itself, even if she had to carefully step over some of it to be able to reach her destination. But most of it had been blown outward and into the courtyard below. As if the window was broken from within the room.

“Merlin how about you clean up the glass first before someone gets injured?” Arthur snapped at his manservant after hearing some of the glass break even further as Arwen walked across it.

Not paying any mind to her brother as he silently came over to do as he was told, Arwen sat on the ledge of the window, carefully leaning forward so she could see its exterior, searching for any possible clues it could provide. She even tried looking upwards to the roof of the castle, remembering the storm which had enveloped the city during the night.

“The lightning, perhaps?” She muttered, speaking her ideas out loud even though she addressed the question at no one in particular. Arwen tried to search for any possible sensible explanation as to what had happened. One of the first lessons she’d learned in Gaius’ employ was that she should never reveal her own suspicions of magic to the King until she was absolutely certain.

However, while she didn’t intend for anyone to overhear her, what Arwen didn’t notice was that the Prince had managed to do so from his spot near her. He stood close as she leaned through the window, keeping a watchful eye as he worried that she might slip and injure herself.

“She could've been burnt alive.” Uther spoke in disbelief, obviously angered by what had happened and his concern for his ward was doing nothing to calm that anger within the King.

“Lightning struck the castle roof last night. That could have started the fire?” Arthur offered, sharing a look with Arwen as she returned back to solid ground by the window. The red head didn’t hold his gaze for long, simply nodding her head in agreement before turning away and once again focusing on her surroundings rather than him. Not that Arthur could blame her.

“Perhaps.” Uther muttered, and yet something in the way he said it, in his tone, made everyone around the room understand he had a hard time believing that theory in particular.

“What other explanation is there?” Arthur sent his father a confused look. Unlike the King, the younger Pendragon’s mind didn’t instantly jump to the most paranoid of suspicions.

“Someone started the fire deliberately.” Uther announced, making it sound like it was a finished conclusion, even though there was no sign of anyone even being around Morgana’s chambers during the night. But before that could be pointed out to him, the King briskly walked to the door, exiting the chambers without so much as another glance at anything or anyone inside. And his son was quick to follow after him.

With both the King and the Prince abandoning Morgana’s chambers, which left Arwen, Gwen, and Merlin inside to finish up their own duties. Arwen, who was done with hers, obviously unable to reach any further conclusions from what she could see within the room, started to head for the door too. But then Merlin spoke up, eyes looking to Arwen as if he expected her to answer.

“Do you think it’s possible? That someone did this intentionally?” He questioned, thinking she might say more about what she thought now that Uther was gone and couldn’t hear her.

“I don’t know.” Arwen answered simply, her tone cold and distant. She barely spared a glance in her brother’s direction as she answered the questions, shortly after getting ready to turn around and continue on her way out of the room.

“Do you think they might try again?” But there was always another question with Merlin.

Arwen didn’t bother holding in an annoyed sigh at that, sending a glare his way as she replied. “Do I look all knowing, Merlin?” She asked rhetorically, the unusual response rendering Merlin silent for a few moments, surprise overpowering the rest of his thinking.

“No, uh, sorry.” He muttered finally, signalling the ending to his questions, and allowing Arwen to spin on her heel. With quick steps, she made her way to the door before someone else could start prodding at her for theories that she did not have.

“Is she alright?” Gwen turned to Merlin, a concerned look in her eyes after watching Arwen go. Her responses had been entirely out of character, making Gwen worry about whatever may be troubling her friend. If anyone would know what it was, it would be Merlin.

“I’m… I’m not sure.” But not even he knew what was happening with his sister as of late. In the days following the jousting tournament, Arwen had been irritable and snappy. With both him and Gaius. And when she wasn’t that; she was avoiding them both. Hiding away in all corners of the castle. But no matter how many times he’s tried to ask her what was wrong and get her to tell him, Arwen would always brush him off. Not that Merlin had any intentions of giving up any time soon.

While Arwen had offered to both Morgana and Gwen to stick around and stay as Morgana tried to get some more rest after her troubled night, the Lady had reassured Arwen that it wasn’t necessary. And while it was obvious Morgana was eager to have some time to herself, something Arwen respected, she still made her friends promise to have someone call on her if Morgana needed her.

But no such thing had happened yet. And so, with some free time to spare as she hadn’t gone back to the Physician’s Chambers to have breakfast with Gaius and her brother, Arwen chose to spend it in the Royal Library of Camelot. Having a friendly relationship with Geoffrey, the manager of the library, made it easy for Arwen to get her hands on any book she wanted under the guise of simply studying about things on her own instead of constantly having to pester Gaius with her questions.

Even when it came to books and titles which, should anyone else ask for them, would put them under a lot of suspicion. Such as the book she was reading that morning. “The royal house of Baudissin comes from a long line of sorcerers who, in the olden days, gave up their magic to feed the once desolate lands that became the Kingdom of Prairene. It was their connection to it that made the land prosper and grow in riches, sustaining its people for centuries to come. As long as a Baudissin rules over the lands, their connection to the nature and the earth growing stronger, the people shall reap the rewards.”

Arwen had never really known much about the Kingdom of Prairene, not until recently. When she discovered her own connection to it. And now, the more she learned about it, the more questions she had about everything she’d ever known. She hoped to gain answers in books and old scripts, but even then, some parts never made sense.

And interruptions weren’t much of a help either.

“You won’t believe what Gaius has done.” Merlin’s voice reached his sister’s ears as he slumped down in a chair on the opposite side of the desk that she’d been occupying at the time. And still, Arwen’s eyes didn’t turn away from the words written out on the pages in front of her as she let out a small, disinterested hum. She couldn’t believe a lot of things Gaius’ had done lately.

Of course, even Arwen knew that her lack of interest would in no way dissuade her brother from continuing on with what he wanted to say. “He knows what happened in Morgana’s chambers last night.” Merlin revealed, and this was enough to get Arwen to finally look up. She may be angry with Gaius and Merlin, but she wasn’t about to let that interfere with any attempts at keeping her friend safe.

“It was magic. Morgana’s magic.” Merlin whispered. “And he won’t tell her. He wants to keep her in the dark about all of it.” On any normal day, Arwen would have disapproved of that. But today, well, she couldn’t help but let out an ironic laugh at the revelation. One she knew shouldn’t even surprise her really, not when she knew it wasn’t the first time Gaius was keeping such important secrets from someone.

“She’s scared, and he doesn’t want to help her understand.” Merlin kept going, growing increasingly more confused by his sister’s silence. By now he’d expected her to share an opinion as she wasn’t one to hold her tongue. And he knew she’d agree with him. “He told me to do the same. Not to mention a word of it to her.” And then he finally managed to strike the nerve that made Arwen speak up.

“And like a good little boy, you’ll listen? Right?” She questioned with a newfound venom in her voice. “No matter who it hurts in the end.” The glare in her eyes was entirely out of Arwen’s control. She couldn’t believe they were doing the same thing again.

But Merlin didn’t know what Arwen knew. And so, his sister’s reactions only made him more confused. “What’s that supposed to mean? I don’t want to hurt Morgana, I want to help her. I don’t agree with Gaius.” He pointed out, repeating what he’d been saying from the moment he sat down at the table.

“But you’ve agreed with him on such things before, haven’t you? What makes this time so different?” Arwen questioned. For days now, she’d been wondering how long Merlin could have possibly known the truth about who she was. She found it hard to believe he’s known all their lives and never said a word.

“Arwen, what has been going on with you?” Merlin questioned as he began to lose his patience. For days he’d been trying to remind her he was her brother, her best friend and she could always tell him what was bothering her. But this time, he took a more forceful approach. One that was, in return, met with equal force from her.

“What’s been going on with me?” She questioned in disbelief. “What’s been going on with you, Merlin? When did we start keeping secrets from each other? Lying to each other’s faces?” She posed questions of her own, finally letting them out instead of keeping them locked away in her mind.

“What are you talking about?” But, of course, the questions had Merlin growing entirely lost in their conversation.

“I’m talking about the secret you and Gaius have been keeping. Hunith too, I presume.” Arwen announced as she rose from her seat, watching as Merlin’s face paled, his mind starting to suspect what she might be referring to. “I’m talking about who I am.” She added for good measure, slamming the cover of the book she’d been reading shut as she walked away from the table.

For a few seconds, Merlin stared at the table in front of him as Arwen left the library. His eyes were stuck on the cover of the book she’s been reading and its title. A title bearing the familiar name of a kingdom carved into its leather covers. And as he registered what it was, Merlin finally came to understand what had been going on with his sister in the past days. She was entirely furious with him. In a way Merlin doubted he’d ever experienced before.

“I can stay if that would make you feel better.” It was an offer that both Gwen and Arwen had repeated multiple times throughout the evening. The latest was as they sat with Morgana, each on one side of the Lady who was ready to retire for the night in all ways but one.

“We both can.” Arwen added. She planned to do it either way, but she wanted to give Morgana a chance to ease her troubled mind with the knowledge if she wanted to do so.

“You’ve both done so much already. Especially you, Gwen.” Morgana shook her head at them in dismissal.

“We don’t mind.” Gwen pointed out. Both she and Arwen were more than willing to spend the night with Morgana, sacrificing their own sleep if their friend needed them after what had happened.

“I’ll be fine, really.” Morgana tried to reassure them, and while her own voice didn’t sound too convincing, Arwen and Gwen were ready to respect her wishes. With one last glance shared between the physician and the maid, the two stood from where they’d been sitting by Morgana’s side. “Gwen. Take the candle.” Morgana added on as the two started to move away from the bed, Guinevere doing as Morgana requested without hesitation.

It wasn’t longer before Arwen and Gwen closed the door of the maid’s room which was connected to Morgana’s bedroom, leaving the Lady inside alone while they stood together not too far. “It doesn’t feel right, just leaving her.” Gwen whispered, eyes glancing to the closed door worriedly.

“Gwen, go. You need your rest too.” Arwen tried to persuade her friend who was starting to show the tool some of the sleepless nights were taking on her. “I’ll stay tonight.” She added, revealing that it had been her intention to do so all along.

“I can’t ask that of you. It’s not your job.” Gwen tried to protest quickly.

“Perhaps not as a maid, but as a friend.” Arwen said with a reassuring smile on her face before repeating her previous words again. “I’ll stay. I’ll watch over her.”

It took her a few moments longer, but soon after, Gwen gave in with a small nod. However, before she left, her eyes turned towards the corner of her room where Arwen had settled down the sword she brought with her. “You don’t think you’ll need it, do you?”

“No, I’m sure I won’t.” Arwen said calmly. And it was the truth. But nonetheless, she brought it with her that night. Even if Morgana, Gaius, and Merlin, all believed it was Morgana’s own magic that was causing this, and Arwen too thought it might be possible, she wanted to be prepared if it turned out to be someone playing cruel tricks and plotting against the King’s Ward.

“Call me if anything happens, alright?” Gwen insisted as her hand grasped the handle of the door that would take her out of the small room. She waited for Arwen to nod her head, promising to do so before she wished her a good night.

“Good night, Gwen.” Arwen wished it back, sending Gwen one last smile as the maid left the room. Now alone in the room, Arwen sat down on the bed, her eyes glancing to the small flame of the candle as it danced off of the walls. She could feel as her own tiredness started to seep in, but brushed it off for the time being.

And it was good that she did so, because the peaceful quiet that surrounded her didn’t last for too long. It was the sounds of something crashing or breaking reaching Arwen’s ears from Morgana’s room that had the redhead jumping to her feet and rushing to the chambers as quickly as she could.

And just as Arwen moved through the door of the maid’s room, she caught the sight of Morgana rushing out into the halls of the castle as she abandoned her chambers. Arwen didn’t hesitate in following after her, even with the small delay that quickly resulted in Morgana disappearing within the halls, Arwen still knew where she was going.

Morgana wasn’t running from someone pursuing her but she was running to something. Or someone. She was scared and going to someone she trusted with what was happening to her. Arwen knew she’d find her in the physician’s chambers, and so that is where she made her way to. And even though she was somewhat behind, by the time Arwen reached the chambers, she could still hear Morgana’s voice coming from inside.

“He won't. I don't any more remedies. They won't do any good. It's magic, Merlin.” Morgana’s voice reached Arwen’s ears as she pushed the door of the Physician’s chambers open, catching sight of the Lady speaking with her brother, Gaius nowhere to be seen.

“What?” Flustered and caught off guard by the revelation, Merlin tried to pretend he was startled and confused by it. And in her distraught state, Morgana was unable to see past the act. Arwen, however, knew Merlin well enough to be more than capable of it.

“I'm your friend, you know I wouldn't make this up.” Morgana tried to make him believe her.

“Of course.” But it was clear Merlin wasn’t really sure how to reply or what to say. Arwen knew it was because he was conflicted on whether he should truly believe Gaius’ claims that it was best for Morgana. But to the Lady herself it only came across as disbelief.

“Then you believe me? You think it's magic too.” She tried to ask, hoping she’d been reading into it wrongly. “Please, Merlin, I just need to hear someone say it, so I don't have to keep feeling like I'm imagining it.”

“I… I really wish there was something I could say…” Merlin hesitated, but it was clear his mind had been made up. There was something he could say. Perhaps not everything, but he could at the very least offer some kind of minimal support. And he didn’t. Arwen couldn’t help but scoff at his stupidity.

The sound made Morgana aware of her presence, the dark-haired woman turning around to look at Arwen who’d been standing at the door for who knows how long. Her bright eyes passed between the siblings, and soon after, Morgana was heading for the door. Pushing past Arwen and leaving the Physician’s chambers behind her as the tears which had been pooling in her eyes started to flow.

Arwen didn’t follow after her instantly, but first sent one last glare towards her brother, shaking her head in disapproval. “No one is saying you have to tell her about yourself, but to only make her feel even worse… Yes, I’m sure it’s what’s best for her.” She said before turning on her heel and starting to walk back into the halls, rushing after her friend while ignoring the calls of her brother behind her.

“Morgana! Wait, please!” Arwen called out after the woman as she spotted her in the halls not too far away from her.

“Go away Arwen, I don’t need another person making me feel like I’ve gone mad.” Morgana replied, not even turning to look at Arwen as she continued to move through the halls. However, this time, Arwen was faster and soon caught up with the Lady.

“I won’t.” Arwen said firmly, grabbing hold of Morgana’s arm and making her come to a stop. “I promise I won’t.” That was enough to get Morgana to turn around and look at the redhead with suspicious eyes.

“And how can you promise that?” She was expecting Arwen to try and give her some kind of different explanation. To make her believe that it was her mind playing tricks on her and making her jump to the worst conclusions because of the lack of sleep.

What she wasn’t expecting was exactly what Arwen said next. “Because I believe you.” With that, all signs of resistance were abandoned by Morgana as her eyes widened in surprise at Arwen’s words.

“You do?” Morgana couldn’t hold back a new set of tears from appearing in her eyes as she asked. But these weren’t tears of sadness or fear. They were caused by relief. Relief because someone, anyone, believed her.

“I do, and I promise, I’ll try to help you. In whichever way I can.” Arwen revealed, nothing but honesty laced through her voice. She knew it wouldn’t be the same as her experiences with Merlin and his own magic when they were children, but that wasn’t enough to make Arwen shy away from the challenge. Not when it meant helping her friend.

“Thank you.” Morgana breathed out, her arms wrapping around Arwen’s shoulders and pulling her into a hug so tight that the Ambrosius wouldn’t have imagined Morgana being capable of giving it. But she quickly returned it.

“Come on, let’s get you back to your room.” Arwen whispered gently after a few moments of holding her friend, hoping to provide at least a little bit of the comfort Morgana needed at a time like this. Arwen still wished there was more she could do. She planned to do more. Whatever she could. Because, in her mind, it was the right thing to do. It was what she would have wanted the people she trusted to have done for her.

For the second night in a row, Arwen was once again in Morgana’s chambers. But this time, it was just her and Morgana. The lady had sent Gwen away for the night. Not because she didn’t trust her maid, but because Morgana wouldn’t want to put Gwen in a compromising position, not when Arwen was already there to help. Not when she was sure Arwen believed her, but couldn’t know what Gwen’s reaction might be.

After all, not many would look at the pile of books spread out on Morgana’s bed with approval. Not considering what their topic was. Earlier in the day, Arwen had paid another visit to the Library, using her friendship with Geoffrey to dig up a few more books of a questionable subject.

But this time, it wasn’t for her own searches, but for Morgana’s. She’d found as many books as she could take about Druids and magic without raising any alarms and brought them to Morgana so they could attempt to find some kind of answer or clue to solve the problem Morgana now faced.

“You really think the Druids are the best choice?” Morgana asked as she closed yet another book that seemed to be of no help. Her eyes glanced towards Arwen who sat on the bed beside her, watching as she finished reading the sentence she’d been focused on before looking up from the book in her hands.

“They’re born with magic and taught to use and understand it from a young age. If anyone can help you, it would be them.” Arwen shared her theory. She also knew the Druids were peaceful and friendly people, with other sorcerers she wasn’t willing to gamble their trust away.

“But how do we find them? All of these books speak of where they used to reside before the Purge. They’re in hiding now.” Morgana pointed out the biggest problem they seemed to be facing in that moment. Because they both knew entertaining the idea of a Druid coming to them would be futile.

“I know, but it’s the best chance we have of finding some kind of clues.” Arwen reminded. With Uther’s latest commands to arrest anyone suspected of associating with magic, Druids included, it wasn’t as if they could go to someone in search of the information they needed.

At that, Morgana nodded her head in acceptance, knowing that Arwen was right. “I want to-“ She started to say, wanting to thank Arwen who continued to surprise her, not only with her determination to help, but her lack of fear about everything. She’d expected anyone who found out about what’s been happening to shy away from her in alarm. Not to spend their days and nights sitting by her side.

However, before Morgana could even get out what she wanted to say, their conversation was interrupted by the sound of someone knocking on the door. Morgana and Arwen quickly scurried around, using blankets to cover up all of the books spread out on Morgana’s bed before the Lady got to her feet and moved to open the door. Much to Arwen’s surprise, it revealed her brother standing on the other side.

“Gaius asked me to deliver this.” Merlin revealed, holding up a orange potion that he’d brought with him. The sight of it made Arwen’s brows scrunch up in confusion. She was almost certain that Gaius hadn’t yet prepared a new version of a sleeping draught for Morgana. He’d spent most of the afternoon searching for ingredients which would increase the potency of his previous mixture.

“I don't need any potion, thank you.” Morgana said dismissively, but before closing the door, she paused for another moment. “Merlin? Ignore what I said last night. I had a nightmare, I was upset.”

“I know. I haven’t said anything to anyone.” Merlin reassured her.

In the next few moments, Morgana grew upset again. Turning away from Merlin and walking further into the room as she tried to calm herself. “I’m sorry. It’s usually Gwen that has to deal with me when I’m like this.” She apologised to him as Arwen came to her side. The redhead gave Morgana’s hand a gentle squeeze, reminding her that, despite her silence, she was there for her even then.

“I don't mind. Maybe I could help.” Merlin’s words had both women turning to look at him again. Arwen’s eyes were curious, wondering what he meant by that and whether he’d changed his mind. Morgana’s on the other hand only held doubt.

“I doubt that.” She even voiced it.

“You'd be surprised.” Merlin muttered, proceeding to close the door as he made his way further into the room. It earned him a confused look from Morgana whose eyes soon after turned to Arwen questioningly.

 While Arwen wasn’t entirely sure what exactly her brother was doing, she still held some hope that he’d come to his senses rather than simply continuing to listen to Gaius’ every instruction. And because of that, she nodded her head at Morgana reassuringly, letting her know that Merlin could be trusted. If he dared say even one wrong thing, Arwen was more than ready to kick him out into the hall again.

“I understand. I realise how frightening all this must be for you. Especially for you.” Merlin started, obviously choosing his words carefully. And so as he paused to think of what to say next, it gave Morgana a chance to question what he’d already said.

“Why especially for me?”

“You're the King's ward. You know his hatred of magic better than anyone.” Merlin explained with ease.

“That's what you think has been happening to me? The dreams. The fire. You think it was magic?!” Morgana’s voice turned somewhat accusatory as, just the night before, Merlin had been trying to deny all of it.

“I'm not saying that.” He didn’t want to make statements he couldn’t take back. Merlin was treading down this road carefully. He didn’t want to say something that could land him in trouble or reveal his own secrets.

“But it could be, couldn't it?” Morgana asked, realizing that this time Merlin was much more open to her thoughts on what was happening than he’d been before. And he said he could help. Morgana could only hope he was right.

“I really wouldn't know, but there are people who do.” At that statement, Arwen quickly realized that, while Merlin did want to help, her brother had no intentions of doing so by revealing just how much he truly understood magic. At least not now. And, in truth, Arwen couldn’t blame him for that. If anything, it probably would have been her own advice to him from the start. To help Morgana, but not at the risk to his own safety. Not until he could be sure she’d never tell another soul.

“Who?” Morgana questioned, trying her best to keep the hope from growing too large within her mind at the sign of good news.

“What about the druids? They help people like you.” And that was exactly the reason for it.

“None of their kind would dare show their face in Camelot.” Morgana pointed out what all three of them already knew, having first-hand experience in seeing what Druids who dared step into Camelot were treated like by its King.

“We’ve been trying to think of a way to get to them, but no one knows where they are.” Arwen spoke for the first time, but unlike Morgana she wasn’t as doubtful of Merlin’s idea.

And she was right not to be. Because if there was anyone she’d put her faith in to do the impossible, it would be her brother. “But I do.” And he did do it.­

The Forest of Ascetir. That was the location Merlin had revealed to Morgana and Arwen. Something the two women had spent hours searching for and trying to guess. Knowing they could go to them now, find them and ask for their help gave Morgana and Arwen a new sense of energy as they developed a plan.

Merlin had left shortly after delivering the information, knowing he couldn’t go with them. He did, however, promise to take the books Morgana and Arwen had been reading back to the library. Morgana had even tried to convince Arwen to stay back and let her go alone, but of course, the redhead would hear none of it. And so the two women got ready together to head away from the castle in the middle of the night.

Arwen reached for her cloak on the table, Morgana on the other side of the room standing by her closet as she fastened her own. However, before Arwen could even properly unfold the piece of clothing, the Lady’s voice interrupted her movements and made Arwen look up towards her.

“Here, take this one. It should be warmer.” Morgana said, her hand holding out a cloak from her own closet towards Arwen.

“Mine is perfectly alright, Morgana-“ Arwen tried to protest, not wanting to impose or overstep her bounds. She’s had her own cloak for years and, while yes, it wasn’t lined with warm cloth and material, it had done its job for all this time.

“Please. If you insist on coming with me, the least I can do is make sure you’re warm along the way.” It was quickly becoming clear that Morgana wasn’t about to relent in her offer.

And so, as to not waste any further time on the discussion, Arwen accepted the cloak from Morgana’s hands. “Thank you.” She sent the woman a grateful smile, setting her own cloak back on the table as she wrapped Morgana’s around her shoulders just as the sound of the midnight bell echoed through the air to signal the time.

“We have to go. Guards will pass through the halls soon; we don’t want to get caught.” Morgana said, already headed for the door of her chambers so she could glance out into the halls to ensure they were empty.

Arwen made quick work of tightening the knot of the cloak before she spoke. “I’m ready.” The announcement was paired with the quick actions of grabbing both her sword and bag from the table before she followed Morgana out of the room. They were as ready as they could be for their secret journey, and Arwen spared a single thought to hoping it would be enough.

It was in the early morning hours that the warning bells first sounded, echoing against the stone walls of the city and castle alike and signalling the disappearance of the Lady Morgana who was nowhere to be found. He’d spoken to whoever he could, including each and every guard that had been patrolling the castle, and none had seen Morgana since the night before. Because she couldn’t be found either.

But when ask who they’d last seen her with, the answer was always the same. And the information did nothing to temper Arthur’s worry as he made his way back into the chambers where his father waited. “The guards have completed search of the castle. There’s no trace of her.” He announced quickly, wanting to get back out to search further as soon as he could.

“Encircle the city. No one gets in or out.” The King commanded, his face painted with worry and frown lines. His eyes continued to shift around the room, searching for any kind of clue which might tell them what had happened to his ward.

“You sent for me, Sire?” It was Gaius’ voice that ended Uther’s search and prevented Arthur from walking out the door once again as the Physician made his way into Morgana’s chambers to stand with them.

“Yes. What time did you deliver the sleeping draught to Morgana?” Uther’s question had a momentary confusion washing over Gaius as he tried to come up with an answer while being unsure of what to say considering he knew nothing of a sleeping draught being delivered.

And it was a good thing he said nothing before Arthur jumped into the conversation. “The guards said that Merlin delivered it after she retired to her chambers.” The Prince revealed. And he was about to add that according to them, Arwen had been with Morgana at the time.

But Uther spoke before Arthur could. “So, she was safe them?” Uther turned his question to Gaius, wondering if Merlin had said anything after he returned to the Physician’s chambers. And perhaps he would have, if he ever told Gaius what he did in the first place.

“Yes.” But, unable to tell the truth as he knew nothing about it, Gaius had to play along until he spoke to Merlin and found out what had really happened during his visit to the King’s ward. “Well, I suppose she must've been.”

Using a small pause, Arthur’s blue eyes turned to Gaius as he asked questions of his own. “What about Arwen? Have you seen her since last night?”

“I…” Gaius seemed to take a moment to think, wondering whether it was possible Arwen had snuck in and out while he was asleep. But he remembered seeing no sign that she’d returned. “No, I haven’t, my Lord.” Because of that, things were starting to fall into place within the older Physician’s mind about what may have happened.

“Why do you ask about the Physician?” Uther turned to his son curiously, hoping that by some chance Arwen might be able to provide them with answers on Morgana’s whereabouts and that this would be a mere misunderstanding.

“She was with Morgana. Nobody ever saw her leave the chambers last night.” Arthur revealed what he’d learned, his eyes taking in the room and its each surface until they settled on the table. Walking over, Arthur picked up a familiar cloak. “This is hers. Whoever it was must’ve taken them both.” The realization only made Arthur’s worry grow.

Disappointed by the lack of information still, Uther shook his head as he spoke. “Search every corner of the city. Do not stop until Morgana is found.” He demanded, his steps carrying him out of the chambers in a hurry as his anger continued to grow, leaving no room for argument. Not that Arthur had any, he was just as eager to find both Arwen and Morgana and could only hope they’d do so quickly, and both would be safe and alright when they did.

Arwen and Morgana had been travelling through the woods for a whole day. And even when Arwen had suggested that they make camp and rest for a little as night once again fell over the land, Morgana was eager to persist on. While Arwen was somewhat hesitant about travelling through the darkness, she could still understand why Morgana was too afraid to let herself sleep before they reached the Druids, and so she didn’t insist on stopping.

However, while at first she’d been willing to continue, as sounds of screeching and shuffling started to echo around them, Arwen found herself growing more worried as she walked ahead of Morgana. Her eyes continued to shift around their surroundings in the dark, searching for any possible source of the noise as her hand nestled on the sword at her hip, ready to use it as quickly as possible.

For a moment, the sound seemed to grow closer, creeping up on them from behind and Arwen pulled the sword from its sheath as both women spun on their heels. Eyes glancing in the direction from which it came, they saw nothing there. But it brough them no relief as they turned back around only to find their path now blocked by a scorpion-like creature.

Arwen was quick to swing her sword, not even bothering to take the time to try and identify the creature as she forced it to jump away from them. It managed to evade her blow, and Arwen was about to bring on another, but she was forced to stop as sounds started to echo around them, much higher in number and closer than they seemed to have been at any point before.

It was starting to become clear why they’d been so confused about where it was coming form. The closer the sounds grew the more it seemed to come from all directions. It wasn’t long before Arwen realized that the creatures seemed to surround them in the darkness.

She started looking around, turning her head as she tried to determine the best path to get away, but before she could locate one, her eyes caught sight of a second creature. This one stood much closer than she’d expected it to be, right behind Morgana with it’s tail ready to strike. Arwen grabbed hold of the woman’s arm, trying to pull her back from it, but was too late. With a final sound, the animal’s tail swung forward, slashing against Morgana’s leg and making it buckle beneath her weight.

As Morgana slumped to the floor, Arwen knelt down beside her, checking over the large gash on her calf. But momentary distractions often proved costly, as would have this one if it weren’t for Morgana’s call for Arwen to watch out. The redhead quickly turned her body, sword sliding through the air without even looking before it collided with the tail of another creature, slashing through it, and bringing it to the ground beside them while the creature screeched and screamed in pain.

However, defeating one helped them in no way, Arwen realized. Her eyes took in just how many of them now surrounded them, crawling closer and closer with each passing moment. “Morgana, I need you to stay awake, alright? I’ll find a way to get us out of this.” Arwen pleaded with her friend as she noticed Morgana’s eyes starting to close. But it was futile as with every second that passed Morgana faded further.

But she had no clue how to get them out of this. Closer and closer, the wild screeches soon became all Arwen could hear as she tried to think of any way to protect her friend. However, just as suddenly as they’d all appeared, they shifted, growing silent. And step by step, the animals started to retreat, making Arwen’s brows furrow with confusion.

She started to look around, worried something worse may have been coming their way. But then, her eyes caught sight of a figure walking among the trees, headed towards them. His faded red cloak blew around in the night breeze, its hood obscuring the face. But what Arwen focused on the most was his outstretched hand, pointed in the direction of the creatures as they departed almost as if it was the man himself making them do so.

Even with the creatures now gone and the area around them clear, Arwen didn’t let go of her sword, nor did her eyes at any point leave the man coming forward. “Who are you?” She asked suspiciously, wondering what he may ask of them in return for his help.

“I am Aglain. It is my people you came searching for.” The man revealed, finally lowering the hood of his cloak and letting Arwen see his face. But it was his words that made her somewhat start to relax.

“You’re a Druid?” She asked, slowly lowering her sword, putting it back in its sheath as Aglain nodded his head in confirmation. And to think, during their travels, Morgana had warned Arwen not to scare the Druids away with her sword when they met them, and here she was, nearly ready to use it on one of them until only seconds ago. “What were those things? What did they do to my friend?”

“Serkets carry a deadly poison in their stingers.” Aglain explained as he came to kneel beside Arwen, checking over Morgana’s wound.

Recognizing the name of the animal and remembering to have read about it in one of her many books, Arwen’s worry quickly returned. “Can you help her?” She questioned hopefully, knowing that she herself couldn’t do much for Morgana with the supplies she had carried in her bag.

“We can. And I promise, we will.” Aglain nodded his head. Arwen couldn’t hold in a breath of relief at the promise. “You needn’t worry, Arwen.” For a moment, she froze, wondering how it was that he knew her name, but then she remembered the last time she met with Druids. They’d known it then too. They’d seem to know much more than they were letting on even then.

But instead of questioning the past or even Aglain’s current knowledge, Arwen simply chose to show gratitude in that moment. “Thank you.” She chose to find relief not only in the fact that he promised to help Morgana, but also in the knowledge that they’d reached the end of their journey. They’d found the Druids, and Arwen prayed that they’d get the results they were looking for too by the end of their time with them.

By the time the sun rose, and night faded from the sky, Arwen and Morgana had long ago been brough to the Druid camp. But at no point did Arwen leave Morgana’s side. Even as the lady continued to sleep through the rest of the night in one of the tents within the camp.

“You too should get some rest.” Aglain spoke as he continued to tend to Morgana’s leg. Arwen hadn’t closed her eyes even for a moment throughout the whole night, but rather waited to see what would happen with Morgana.

“Do you know when she might wake up?” Arwen asked curiously, if he had an answer for her only then would she agree to go to sleep. Staying awake wasn’t because of any kind of mistrust with the Druids, but rather solely out of worry for her friend.

“We can’t be sure.” Aglain answered honestly.

“Then I won’t sleep until she does.” Arwen’s voice was determined as she spoke. “She’ll be scared and confused; I don’t want her to be alone in that moment.” She added, not wanting to cause any offence with her actions and how they may come across.

Aglain nodded his head in understanding, giving her the reassurance that he didn’t mind. “You’re a good friend.” He complimented, making a small smile appear on Arwen’s face as she dabbed some sweat from Morgana’s forehead.

“Thank you, again. For helping us and healing her.” Arwen had by now lost count of how many times she’d expressed gratitude to the Druid helping them. But, in her mind, there was never too many times you could say thanks.

“It is what we do.” Aglain reassured her with a small smile on his face before growing quiet as he started to wrap a bandage around Morgana’s leg. Only when he was done with the task did he speak again. “It was wise to bring her to us.”

His words made Arwen stop her actions, suspicious eyes now turning back to him as questions sounded off in her mind. “You know why we’re here?” She asked, curious to know how he could possibly have such information as she herself hadn’t yet said anything about their reasons for coming. It was Morgana’s story to tell.

“Only a part of it.” Aglain remained calm as he answered, intending to keep no secrets. Especially as he knew what it was Arwen truly wanted to ask. Not because of magic or power, but simply because he was good at reading people.

“How much do you know about us, if you don’t mind me asking?” Arwen questioned, for the first time letting her curiosities shine through since their arrival at the Druid camp.

“What you really want to know is how much I know about you.” Aglain didn’t bother hiding the amused smile which spread over his lips not the knowing look which could be seen shining in his eyes.

“And the fact that you say that makes me think you know a lot.”

“It’s good to have you back with us, my Lady.” Aglain’s words were enough to confirm Arwen’ suspicions that the Druids knew who she was without her ever having to reveal it herself.

For a moment, a smile spread over her lips, her mind amused by the fact that she never thought there would come a day where she wouldn’t need to correct people that she wasn’t really lady. Because she was. Even if it was all… entirely complicated and confusing. “Please, don’t call me that.” And because of the confusing and complicated part, she still found herself refusing the title. “I can only imagine how much Prairene meant to your people, but-“ She started to explain her reasons, something that Aglain already seemed to understand.

“You do not wish to give us promises and false hopes.” He finished for her, his voice as friendly as it had been up until now, showing he held no ill emotions on the matter.

“I only recently discovered the truth, and I haven’t yet made any sense of what I am to do next with it.” Arwen explained, somewhat hopeful that the Druids may be able to help her too.

During the day of travelling, the thought of asking about the Kingdom that once used to be her home. If there would be anyone who’d know things about it it would be the people who flocked to it and found safety within its borders when they needed it most.

“I’m afraid the answers you’re looking for aren’t ones we here can give you.” Aglain said, his tone somewhat regretful. However, while he couldn’t tell her what to do with her discoveries, that did not mean he had to remain entirely silent on the subject. “There are many out there who know you’re alive despite King Uther’s lies. They hope for your return one day. If that is the path you choose, know that the Druids would be ready to stand at your side.”

Other had told anyone who’d listen a story about how the baby Princess, the daughter of the King and Queen of Prairene had died in his final attack on the palace. It was a story people of Camelot and the neighbouring kingdoms all believed. Or so Arwen had thought. Knowing that there were those who knew it to be a lie made Arwen believe she had more options than she’d initially believed.

“Thank you, Aglain.” This time, she wasn’t thanking him for his help, but rather for what he said. Because it was something she needed to hear, even if she didn’t know so until she heard it. A part of her wanted to continue the conversation, to ask all the questions that her books didn’t hold answers to.

But before she could, both Arwen and Aglain’s attention turned to Morgana as she started to stir. And moments later, her eyes opened, catching sight of Aglain first, not yet aware of Arwen’s presence in the tent. The sight of a stranger as soon as she woke up made Morgana startle in an attempt to retreat.

“I’m not going to hurt you.” Aglain rose his hands into the air, showing he meant Morgana no harm as he spoke in a calm and soothing voice. But still, Morgana tried to move, but the action caused her to wince as a newfound pain spread through her leg.

“Try not to move. You’ve hurt your leg.” Arwen spoke gently, her hand coming to rest on Morgana’s shoulder and making the woman’s eyes jump over to Arwen, relief flashing through them.

“What happened?” Morgana asked, the question more directed at Arwen than at Aglain but it was the latter who still answered it.

“You were stung by a serket. I came to help. My name's Aglain.” He gave her the short version of events, but it still wasn’t enough for Morgana’s shoulders to relax as she continued to regard him suspiciously. “Relax, Morgana. You're safe now.”

“Who told you my name?” Morgana asked in surprise, her eyes turning back to Arwen questioningly as they’d decided it was for the best to keep Morgana’s identity a secret as they didn’t want to scare away the Druids. However, before Arwen had any chance to explain or try to, as she herself wasn’t really sure how Aglain knew who they were, Morgana’s eyes once again jumped away from her friend and towards the entrance of the tent. “You.”

Curious to know what had so suddenly grabbed Morgana’s attention, Arwen turned her head, glancing in the same direction as the brunette. And as she spotted a familiar face standing behind her, draped in a green cloak that had once been somewhat been too big for him but now fit perfectly, she couldn’t help but smile happily.

“When the serket attacked last night, Mordred was able to sense your distress in his mind.” Aglain explained, revealing to Arwen what she’d been wondering ever since meeting Aglain in the woods. How exactly he’d known they were there in the first place.

“Did you hear that?” Morgana’s surprised eye quickly shifted between Aglain and Mordred, however, Arwen seemed to be the only one unable to understand what was going on. “How did you do that?”

“We don't always need words to speak to one another.” Aglain explained, easily showing the connection between the three of them that allowed them to communicate. Magic.

The next time he spoke, Mordred’s voice was heard by everyone. “Now I can take care of you like you did me.” The boy said excitedly, coming to take a seat by Morgana’s side in the tent, his eyes turning to Arwen equally happy. “Hi, Arwen.” He greeted.

“Hello Mordred, it’s good to see you again.”

Knowing that she couldn’t be of much help when it came to Morgana and her magic, Arwen had let the Lady spend some time with Aglain alone, allowing them the privacy to discuss what was happening. She wanted Morgana to safely get the help she needed without feeling self-conscious in any way with Arwen there during it. Not that Arwen would have ever judged her because of what was happening.

So, while she was with Aglain, Morgana didn’t have much of an idea of where Arwen had gone. All she knew was that Mordred had been eager to show her something once she started asking how he’d been since they last saw each other. And the boy promised to do the same with Morgana when she was feeling better.

But right now, she wasn’t in a state where she could run around with the children. She could, however, walking with Aglain through the Druid camp, her eyes taking in all of the people who lived there so peacefully, many seeming happy and content with their surroundings.

It was during her time walking through the camp as Aglain led her back to the tent that Morgana’s eyes finally found Arwen among the Druids. She stood with an unfamiliar woman, the two watching as a few of the children played around the trees. A little girl, her hair such a light blonde that it seemed almost white, made a flower bloom from the ground where it hadn’t been before.

At the sight, Morgana couldn’t help but notice the way Arwen’s face lit up while watching the girl display her magic. She loved seeing it, and somehow, it gave Morgana some hope. It eased her fears. Because while there would be many out there who’d hate her for what she could do, she started to believe that Arwen never would.

From a distance, Arwen too caught Morgana’s eye, sending her friend a happy and supportive smile. She was glad to see Morgana already on her feet and moving around, looking much better than she had last night when Aglain first brought them to the camp.

“They don’t even know who you are, and still, you inspire such joy and hope among them. They trust you.” The voice of the Druid woman who stood beside her, Bryn, made Arwen look away from Morgana as the dark-haired woman disappeared back into a tent with Aglain.

“I’m sorry I can’t give you what I know many of you would want to hear.” Arwen couldn’t help but frown. She hadn’t thought of the Druids possibly knowing who she truly was and what it might mean to be among them.

“You misinterpret me, my Lady.” No matter how much Arwen asked of the Druids not to call her by her title, they still insisted on using it. “Yes, the people here know who you are, but even without grand promises or ideals, you give us something we haven’t had for a long time. Friends within Camelot are hard to find, and as of today, we are happy to know we have two more.”

The simple explanation brought a smile back to Arwen’s face. “A friend I can most certainly be.” There was no need to discuss the secrecy of the friendship, both the Druids and Arwen alike knew the dangers which came with it being discovered. But she would be more than happy to be an ally to the Druids within the castle should any need something.

Out of the corner of her eye, Arwen spotted Aglain exiting the tent in which he’d been with Morgana. “If you’ll excuse me, Bryn. I’m going to go check on my friend.” Arwen announced, waving goodbye to the children before she started to walk through the camp, smiling at the men and women who greeted her along the way.

“How are you feeling?” Arwen asked gently once she found herself in the tent with Morgana, happy to catch a moment alone with her friend so they could talk for a little bit.

“Better. Thank you for helping me come here.” Morgana sent Arwen a small smile.

“Morgana, you don’t need to thank me for that.” Arwen reassured her instantly. “Did you get any of the answers you were looking for?” She asked curiously. She wouldn’t press if it turned out to be something Morgana didn’t want to talk about, but Arwen still wanted to be sure the Druids would be able to help. To at least know if they had to search for other ways.

“It’s magic, I’m sure of it. My magic.” Morgana, however, didn’t hesitate in telling Arwen the truth. Perhaps she’d been scared before that Arwen would judge her or grow to fear it, but those doubts were now gone from Morgana’s mind.

“And they can help you with it?” Arwen asked hopefully, making a small smile come over Morgana’s face at the way Arwen said it. She didn’t judge or question it, but simply accepted it and continued to focus on what had mattered all this time.

“They can, but…” Morgana hesitated as she realized what she had to say next. “I’d have to stay. Aglain says he can not only help, but also keep me safe from Uther.” She revealed, carefully watching Arwen’s face to see how she’d react to that.

“Is that something you want? To stay?” Arwen asked. Morgana wasn’t sure if she’d try and convince her to come back to Camelot, but she was happy that Arwen didn’t do so.

“It is.” Morgana nodded her head before quickly continuing. “I understand if you want to go back. Your brother is in Camelot, as are your job and whole life. I wouldn’t ask of you to stay with me.”

“And what if I want to stay with you?” Arwen pointed out. A part of her suspected the Druids wouldn’t have been able to help Morgana with her magic and control in the span of a single night. She knew it would take time and require for Morgana to stay with them longer.

And the thought of staying with her and the Druids had already crossed Arwen’s mind because of that. And a part of her like the idea. Because they could help her too. Help her learn about her past and where she came from. And in return, maybe one day, she would be able to help them because of it.

“You’d do that?” Morgana asked in surprise.

“Of course.” Arwen said, taking Morgana’s hand in her own and giving it a tight squeeze. “I promised I’d stay by your side through this, didn’t I?” She watched as a smile spread over the woman’s face at the knowledge that her friend would be with her.

However, Morgana’s smile soon slipped from her face as he eyes focused on something behind Arwen. And hearing the sounds of someone entering the tent, Arwen turned around to look at who it was. Surprise filled her as she came face to face with her brother, the last person she expected to see.

“Merlin! What are you doing here?” Morgana questioned in surprise, the same words echoing from Arwen as well as they both fixed him with questioning looks.

“I’ve come to take you back to Camelot.” Merlin explained, his own voice holding a sense of urgency that made Morgana’s brows furrow. But one thing was clear on the faces of both women, neither were too fond of the idea.

“Are you serious?” Arwen questioned in disbelief while Morgana was quick to voice her disagreement.

“Then I'm afraid you've had a wasted journey. I'm never going back.” Morgana said.

“You have to.” Merlin started to try and persuade her, but before he could get any further, Morgana and Arwen were quick to interrupt him.

“Why? You're the one who said I should seek out the druids.”

“Help can’t happen overnight, Merlin.” Arwen pointed out, knowing that Merlin of all people should understand that as he himself was still learning about his own abilities and what he could do with them.

“I know, but I never realised what the repercussions would be.” Merlin revealed, making a confused look pass between Arwen and Morgana.

“What repercussions?” Morgana asked the question on both their minds.

“The King thinks you've been kidnapped.” Merlin revealed, and while he didn’t fully explain what that meant, Arwen and Morgana knew well enough on their own. They understood that meant Uther was persecuting each and every person he had a smallest belief could somehow be involved. And none of them were. He was turning his wrath on innocent people in their absence.

“He won't stop until you're found. He's arrested dozens of people. He's gonna execute them all.” Merlin added on, hoping it would be enough to persuade the King’s ward into returning. But the task seemed harder than he believed it would be.

“If I return, the same fate awaits me.” Morgana’s fear of Uther and his hatred of magic managed to be more powerful than anything else in that moment.

“Uther doesn't need to know about this. We won't tell a soul.” Merlin quickly promised, eyes turning to Arwen and hoping she’d voice her support on the matter. However, while the younger Ambrosius didn’t want innocent people to die, she wasn’t about to try and force Morgana into something she didn’t want. She would let her make her own decisions and support them no matter what they turned out to be.

“I'm sorry. I'm never going back. These are my people. They're like me. I don't feel so alone here. Do you understand?” Morgana attempted to make Merlin see her side, not knowing how easy it would be to do so.

“Better than anyone.” Merlin revealed. Watching the crestfallen look on his face, Arwen couldn’t help but wonder how many times Merlin himself wanted to do something like this. Go off and join the Druids. But bound by his destiny he couldn’t.

“Morgana, we must go.” Aglain’s voice interrupted their conversation as he rushed into the tent, making all eyes turn to him while his own focused on the unfamiliar face now sitting with Arwen and Morgana. “Who are you?” He questioned suspiciously.

“It’s alright, he’s my brother.” Arwen quickly spoke before Aglain could deem Merlin an enemy.

“What's wrong?” Morgana questioned, Aglain’s distraught and worried state hard to overlook.

“Arthur and his men are coming.” The Druid announced as he stepped forward, his hands reaching out to Morgana so he could help her to her feet. “Your brother has led him straight to us.” Even knowing who Merlin was, that didn’t stop Aglain from glaring at the boy for his recklessness.

But they had no time to scold him over it. Instead, the group of four was forced to scramble around as they rushed out of the tent and into the open camp which was already descending into chaos.

Both Aglain and Arwen were holding on to Morgana’s arms, helping her run as her injured leg had still not healed enough to support her through the rushing and climbing around fallen obstacles and hills that surrounded the camp. Arwen couldn’t help but look around as the Knights of Camelot descended upon the Druids behind them. And as she took in the chaos, her eyes caught sight of where she’d been playing with the children not too long ago.

She could see Bryn trying to usher the kids away, protecting them in an attempt to get them to safety. However, lost in the fray as the group ran, Arwen spotted the boy who stood alone, separated from the rest of his group. “Mordred!” Arwen called out, not even noticing the way her brother froze at the sound of the name. She paused her running for just a moment, hand extending towards the boy who ran to her and grabbed hold before they started to run again, catching up to Morgana and Aglain with ease.

The extensive running and climbing in an attempt to evade the knights while staying hidden was making Morgana’s leg grow weaker and weaker by each second. And so was she herself. Because of that, Morgana stumbled along the path, forcing the running group to come to a pause.

“We’ve got to keep moving!” Aglain called, the fear in his voice hard to disguise as he tightened his hold on Morgana, trying to put as much of her weight onto him as he could so they’d be able to keep going.

“My leg, it’s too painful!” Morgana cried out as they tried to move again, forcing them to stop. Both Aglain and Arwen glanced behind them, hearing the calls of the knights growing closer and knowing it wouldn’t be long before they spotted them. If they did, their escape would be much harder when Morgana was the one they were here for in the first place.

“I'll try to create a diversion.” Merlin’s announcement had wide eyes turning his way.

“No, Merlin, you can’t!” Morgana tried to talk him out of it first, but Merlin’s mind had been made up long before he even said the words out loud.

“You carry on! It's my fault they're here! Go! Go!” He instructed quickly, and Aglain didn’t have to be told twice. He started to pull Morgana away, her weakened state making resistance a waste of time. Mordred was close behind them, but Arwen held back a few moments more.

“Please be safe.” She told her brother in a warning tone. “I might be mad at you but that doesn’t mean I want you to get caught. If anything, it’s a sure way to make me even angrier with you, Merlin.”

He couldn’t help but chuckle a bit at her words. “I’ll be careful, I promise.” He reassured her, knowing that unlike Morgana, his sister was aware of the kinds of distraction tactics he liked to use. And none required him to expose himself. “Now go.” He added in a warning tone. He didn’t want to think of what Uther might think or do if Arwen returned to Camelot and Morgana did not.

Arwen sent her brother one last look before turning her back and continuing her rush forward. Catching up to Morgana, Mordred and Aglain, they hadn’t made it too far before Morgana lost her balance again. The slip had her slumping down against a fallen log on the ground and forcing the others to kneel by her.

“I can’t go on.” She breathed out, the exhaustion more than clear as her eyes started to close no matter how hard she had been trying to keep them open and stay awake.

“We're not leaving you behind.” Aglain argued with determination.

“Morgana, you’ve come all this way. We can carry you if we must.” Arwen tried to convince her friend to keep fighting, she wanted for her to get what she wanted.

 But in her tired state, Morgana was much too exhausted to agree. “Please... Go…” She said, her voice barely above a whisper and her eyes closing shut only seconds after.

Aglain and Arwen shared worried looks among themselves, their panic only increasing as they heard calls of the knights starting to grow closer as they spotted Morgana with them. Without hesitation, the two started to reach for Morgana simultaneously, ready to carry her away before they were caught. But just as they did so, an arrow flew through the air between them. It landed in Aglain’s chest, killing him within seconds and making his body slump to the ground.

“No.” Arwen muttered in shock, eyes, for just a moment, unable to tear away. But then she regained her senses as the guards drew even closer, more emboldened by the death of the Druid ‘threat’. Some were already calling out to Arthur that they’d found Morgana. Because of that, Arwen turned her eyes on Mordred.

“Mordred you need to run! Go!” She instructed him, knowing that there was nothing left that she could do to keep Morgana from having to return to Camelot. But she knew she could at least spare her friend of the pain that Mordred’s death would bring on top of it.

The boy hesitated for a few moments, but once his eyes caught sight of the knights who’d drawn close enough to start reaching for him, he started to finally run, going as fast as his legs could carry him and leaving Morgana and Arwen in his wake. Some of the knights crowded around Arwen and Morgana but it didn’t stop others from pursuing the boy. Those who didn’t called out to their Prince once again, and this time a response could be heard.

“Where is she? Where is Arwen?” Arthur’s voice reached Arwen’s ears before she could see him. But it wasn’t long before he rounded the boulders that had been obscuring her vision, rushing to the scene with a whole new hoard of knights behind him.

He walked towards them without hesitation, eyes first settling on Arwen where she knelt on the floor. “Are you alright?” But it wasn’t long before he noticed Morgana’s sleeping form next to her. “What’s happened to her?” He added, hand going to Morgana’s shoulder to check whether she was alright.

“She was injured. The running made her exhausted, but she’ll be fine.” Arwen revealed simply, not wanting to go into too much detail as she feared slipping up about how it happened.

“They hurt you?” Arthur asked, some of his disbelief shining through at the thought.

“No.” Arwen denied the accusation quickly, stopping herself to take a breath and keep her emotions in check before she made Arthur suspect his beliefs of them being kidnapped against their will were false. If he did it would land both Morgana and her in trouble they could not afford. “No, they didn’t. It was an animal in the woods.”

Relief washed over Arthur’s face at the explanation. But still, he took another moment, kneeling there, close enough to see her. His eyes scanned over Arwen, feeling the need to make sure she too was safe and unharmed. Noticing the look in his eyes, Arwen gave him a silent nod of reassurance before tearing her eyes away from him soon after.

She looked around at the knights surrounding them, only now noticing Sir Leon’s extended hand beside, offering her help to get off the ground. “Come, we must get you both back to Camelot.” Was Arthur’s next command after he picked Morgana’s sleeping body off of the ground, ready to carry her back to the horses and leave this place for good.

Arwen said nothing but simply followed after him as he started to lead the way, all of the knights around them doing the same. As they passed through the camp once again, Arwen did her best to ignore the tug at her heart as she saw the damage caused to a place which had just that morning been so vibrant with life.

She did her best to keep from looking at the bodies which littered the ground, but even then, she caught sight of a familiar face. Bryn’s eyes remained wide open, blankly staring up at the sky, but she herself was gone. It made Arwen stumble and she nearly froze, worried about what may have happened to the children who’d been with her.

“Are you alright?” Leon’s voice made Arwen slightly jump, reminding her that she couldn’t let them see what she truly thought or felt about all of this. Looking down at her feet, she blinked a couple of times, forcing the tears to disappear from her eyes before she finally looked back up at Leon, forcing a small smile onto her face.

“I’m fine. Just eager to get back home.” She answered simply before continuing to walk. She didn’t even spare a glance at Arthur who she noticed had turned around when he heard Leon’s question. And it wasn’t that much of a lie. After all that had happened, she really did just want to leave.

Luckily, she didn’t have to wait too long before the knights of Camelot departed from the campsite. Riding on a horse with Leon, Arwen was relieved to leave the Forest of Ascetir behind them. Even if she did know that forgetting what had happened in it wouldn’t be as easy as leaving was.

Arwen walked through the halls of Camelot on her way to Morgana’s chambers. Night had fallen in the time since their return to the castle. And much of that time, Arwen had spent in her room in the physician’s chambers, catching up on the sleep she’d lost in the past few nights.

But tit was a guard coming by the chambers to announce that Morgana had asked for Arwen to come and see her that had the redhead now making her way through the halls again. As she rounded a corner, Arwen caught sight of her brother coming towards her form the opposite direction. She made no attempt of side stepping the encounter or ignoring him, but instead continued to walk forward until she met him halfway.

“Thank you for all you did to help Morgana.” She was the first to speak once they stood in front of each other, Merlin obviously flailing around for a way to start whatever he too wanted to get out there.

“It was the right thing to do.” He said simply, Arwen nodding her head in agreement. And as a small silence stretched between them, Merlin used it to say what he knew he had to. “I’m sorry for not doing the right thing with you. Gaius said…” He paused for a short moment before continuing. “It doesn’t matter. All that matters is that I’m sorry. And I hope you can forgive me.”

“Promise me that, no matter what it is, you won’t keep secrets from me anymore?” Arwen requested. From the moment she found out about the secret he kept, some of her trust in him diminished. And while she hated it, Arwen needed to be sure there would be no situation like this again.

Merlin didn’t hesitate in answering her. “I promise.” He nodded his head eagerly, hoping it would be enough of a step towards fixing things with his sister. Because what he didn’t yet say was how much he’d missed her in the time she’d been angry with him. Especially as this was worse than it had ever been before.

She had her moments where she got mad and angry, but all those times resulted in some scolding and yelling, and forgiveness usually followed soon after. Having her ignore him for al these days made Merlin much sadder than he dared admit at the time.

“Then I forgive you.” Arwen said, a small smile appearing on her face, but it couldn’t beat the one which spread over Merlin’s, wide with happiness and relief alike. In the next second, Arwen was being pulled into a tight hug by her brother that he wouldn’t let her out of until she hugged him back. Not that he had to wait too long.

“And Gaius-“ Merlin started to say but was soon cut short as Arwen pinched his shoulder and made him yelp out in surprise.

“Can apologise to me himself.” She finished in his place. “So don’t ruin the moment.” Listening to his sister’s demand, all Merlin could do was laugh at the comment instead.

The siblings stood in the hall for a few moments longer after separating. With a few last words shared between the two, it wasn’t long before they parted ways again, each returning to their former paths. And it wasn’t long after that Arwen reached Morgana’s chambers.

After gently knocking on the door, she waited to hear Morgana call her inside before opening it and making her way into the room. She easily spotted Morgana, already in her bed and ready to retire for the night, Gwen seemingly gone as well. Closing the door behind her, Arwen made her way over to the bed.

“How are you feeling? Has your leg been bothering you?” She asked. She had listened to Aglain’s explanations about what he’d done and how he’d treated it. She knew the serket poison wouldn’t be causing any more trouble, but that didn’t mean the other symptoms of such a wound couldn’t occur.

“I’m alright, that’s not why I called you here.” Morgana reassured Arwen, motioning for her to sit on the bed. Arwen did so, her eyes looking down to her fingers as she started to twist and play with them. A short silence lapsed over them, but she made quick work of breaking it.

“I’m sorry you didn’t get everything you were looking for. I’m sorry you didn’t get to stay.” Arwen said regretfully, wishing there’d been more she could have done at the time.

“You don’t have to apologise for something that’s not your fault.” Morgana reassured her. “I remember you offering to carry me. I know you did all you could.” Morgana knew Arwen wanted to stay with the Druids too even if she didn’t know her reasons for it. She could have ran with Mordred and left her to the knights, but instead Arwen stayed. Just as she’d promised.

“Whatever happens next, we’ll figure it out along the way, together. I promise, I’ll help you in any way I can.” Arwen reassured her. She could only imagine how scared Morgana must be, forced to be back in Camelot and under Uther’s watchful eye. She wanted to remind her that she wasn’t entirely alone in this.

However, Arwen’s words had the opposite effect than what she’d expected. “Why?” Morgana asked, growing somewhat suspicious as she finally posed the question that had been swarming her mind all this time.

“I’m sorry?” Arwen’s brows furrowed as she grew confused, unsure what exactly Morgana was asking of her.

“Why are you so willing to help? Why aren’t you more scared of this?” Morgana questioned. Now that they were back in Camelot, a part of her wondered how Arwen could be so willing to put her own safety on the line so freely.

“Because this, the magic, it’s part of who you are.” Arwen started to explain with a smile on her face. She couldn’t give Morgana all of the details of why she supported magic, but she could let her know why she supported her. “And I know who you are Morgana. You’re a good person. Magic itself is not a bad thing. It’s the people who misuse it.”

“Not many people would agree with that.” Morgana commented, knowing that, until recently, she probably would have been one of those who disagreed for the most part.

The comment drew a small laugh from Arwen. “I suppose it’s in my blood.” She couldn’t help but note, only realizing the now confused look on Morgana’s face a few seconds later.

Because of it, Arwen reached her hand into one of her pockets, pulling out the envelope she’d brought with her. One she’d taken from the drawer the night after her conversation with Kilgharrah. The drawer where Gaius had been keeping it all this time. She brought it with her with the intention of showing it to Morgana anyways. Because she knew it was easier to trust others with your secrets when you knew they trusted you with their own.

“I have secrets of my own to keep.” She said simply, handing over the envelope and all of its contents to Morgana who was still giving her a confused look. But she took it nonetheless.

For a moment, Morgana sent Arwen another questioning look, ensuring that the Ambrosius was comfortable with sharing whatever was inside of it. And once Arwen nodded her head reassuringly, Morgana didn’t hesitate to open it, curious about how the letter may be connected to everything they’d gone through in the past few days.

She took the papers first, ignoring another weight within the envelope as she unfolded the parchment and started to read over the words. Halfway through reading the letter, by which time her eyes were already as wide and as round as the moon, Morgana reached her hand into the envelope once again, pulling out the golden pendant adorned with a unicorn crest.

Her eyes started to shift between Arwen and the objects in her hands. One moment she was looking at Arwen before focusing on the letter again and the pendant soon after before her blue eyes, full of shock and wonder, ultimately returned back to Arwen herself.

“I’ve known only for a short time, and I haven’t yet told anyone else.” Arwen started to say. She was sharing her secret with Morgana because she trusted her, but she didn’t care implicate anyone else into it unless they were alright with it.

“You’re a princess…” Morgana mumbled, trying her best to process the information she now knew. “Of a kingdom that… Uther destroyed…” She wasn’t sure which of the questions on her mind she should ask first. So, she just asked the first she could think of clearly. “What will you do?”

“I have no clue.” Arwen breathed out, for the first time showing just how overwhelmed she was with all of it. Especially since everything that had happened at the Druid camp. “But I understand now that… I have to do something.” She added.

She had to do something for people like the Druids. For people like Merlin and like Morgana. So, they would no longer have to spend their lives in fear, looking over their shoulders as Uther persecuted them simply because of how they were born. It couldn’t go on like this.

Dropping the letter and pendant on top of her covers, Morgana reached out, taking Arwen’s hands within her own as she spoke. “We’ll figure it out along the way, together.” She repeated the words Arwen had told her only moments ago. And they were just as true when Morgana said them. Because she planned to be there for Arwen as she was there for her. Morgana was certain that was something that would never change. Not after tonight.

But the future is entirely unpredictable…

Chapter Text

Arwen stood in the courtyard of the palace, joined by Morgana and Gwen by her sides as the three women talked, Morgana thanking the both of them for accompanying her on her pilgrimage to her father’s grave. And each one reassured her that she didn’t need to thank them. However, as Arwen went after Gwen, if there was anything else she wanted to say, she didn’t get a chance to as her eyes were drawn to the top of the steps once she spotted a figure making his way towards them.

“We should get ready to go.” She told Gwen, pulling a smile onto her face as to not give away the fact that she simply wanted to step away before the prince reached them. And luckily, neither Gwen nor Morgana questioned it, but rather agreed, giving Arwen the perfect time to walk away just as Arthur appeared by Morgana’s side. With her back turned as she walked to her horse, Arwen didn’t notice as the prince’s eyes lingered on her for a few long moments before he finally managed to tear his eyes away.

“With you around, the Lady Morgana doesn’t need the protection of us mere knights.” Sir Robert’s words made Arwen look over at him with a small chuckle as she stopped securing her sheathed sword to the saddle on her horse.

“Don’t worry Sir, I’ll let you take some of the glory for yourself if something happens.” She replied in a joking tone, making a laugh escape him too. “Hopefully we’ll all come back without any though.” She added. After all, nobody wanted any trouble to fall upon them while on the journey.

The sound of Arthur’s voice calling out to Sir Robert had the knight walking away from Arwen, leaving her to climb atop her horse as the majority of their riding party was ready to depart. And once Arthur gave the knight some final instructions, they did just that.

Riding through the forest silently, Arwen let her mind wander for a little bit, thinking back to the book she’d spent a good part of her night reading. Histories about where she came from, about her kingdom and all that had happened to it. Most notably, the attack led by Uther. About the way in which he laid siege to the city while everyone within it had been fooled by his talks of peace.

“Arwen?” The sound of Gwen’s voice rising above the sound of hooves hitting against the ground managed to snap the redhead out of her thoughts, green eyes quickly snapping to her friend as she realized she’d entirely missed whatever she said before that.

“I’m sorry, did you say something?” Arwen asked with an apologetic look on her face.

“Are you alright? You seem rather quiet?” Gwen asked, sharing a look with Morgana who too had noticed the troubled look that had spread over Arwen’s face because of whatever was occupying her thoughts.

“Oh, yes, yes. I’m fine. Just imagination running wild for a moment.” Arwen let out a small laugh that didn’t sound too convincing. It was clear that whatever the real reason was, she wasn’t too eager to share. And, considering she knew a bit more than Gwen did, Morgana quickly came to her friend’s rescue.

“Imagination? What might you be imagining? I’m beginning to think there’s a man involved in your life.” She questioned in a joking tone, hoping to distract Gwen from any of her further suspicions.

“Is that true? How could you not tell us?” And it seemed to work as Gwen focused on Morgana’s words entirely, gasping at Arwen as she questioned in surprise. And the physician couldn’t hold back her laughter at the sight of Gwen’s excited face.

“Maybe because Morgana has a wild imagination of her own.” She teased, sending a smile towards her friend. “Where in the world could I have possibly met a man?” She pointed out. And in a way all of that was a lie just as much as her previous evasions, but this one slipped out more easily.

Because while a man wasn’t on her thoughts in a way that the two women seemed to be suggesting, thought of Arthur still often flashed through her mind. Not because of what had happened between them all that time ago, which seemed longer that it really was. But because of the additional obstacles standing in their path. Possibly standing in the way of even a mere friendship between them now.

Eager to change the subject, Arwen opened her mouth, ready to start up a conversation about anything else. However, before he could speak up, the sound of yelling surrounded them, her horse rearing in surprise as a swarm of bandits jumped out of their hiding spots. They rushed down the hills surrounding the path they were on, and the party didn’t have nearly enough time to prepare for the incoming attack.

Arwen quickly drew her own sword, slashing at some of the men that reached them first. “My ladies, you must follow me!” Sir Robert pulled up to them on his horse, ready to lead them to safety. Before he could move again, that idea was quickly brought to its end as a bolt embedded itself in his back and he slumped forward before falling off of his horse.

With the knight dead, men continued to charge at them, dragging both Morgana and Gwen off of their horses. Arwen herself, slashed at those who tried to reach for her before clearing a path for herself and managing to jump down. She didn’t spare a moment before slashing at the men holding Morgana’s arms. She brought one to his knees while the other was rendered immobile as he sword stabbed into his back.

“Head for the path! Go!” Morgana instructed, all three of them quick to move as the attackers were distracted by the knights. However, as they climbed up one of the hills, soon enough it became clear that the path wasn’t as clear as they’d initially thought.

More riders appeared, jumping down from their horses, and blocking their path. As the three women came to a stop, realizing there was no where to go, the men approached, circling around them, and cutting off any possible direction in which they could run. One in particular, didn’t stop at the edges of the circle they made but rather came to stand right in front of Morgana herself.

“I warn you. I am Uther Pendragon’s ward. He’ll have your heads if any harm comes to me.” Morgana warned in a firm voice, but even then, a small quiver of fear could be heard within it. And it made Arwen tighten her hold on her sword, even if she did know the odds were severely against her.

“I have no intention of harming you. At least not yet. You're much more valuable to me alive, Lady Morgana.” The man said, pulling down the cloth covering his face to reveal a smirk painting his lips; pleased and content with what was already a clear victory.

While Arwen had focused on the man standing closest to the Lady, she didn’t realize one of the men sneaking up behind her. Not until she could feel him ripping her sword from her grasp, spinning on her heel with a glare only to find it then pointed at her throat, preventing her from retaliating in any way. She let her eyes glance back to where the knights that had accompanied them now lay dead.

Sharing a look with her two friends, they were quick to come to one simple realization. They were on their own. And with their chances rather slim, there was no other option but to cooperate with the bandits who now held them hostage. At least in an attempt to buy themselves time. With time, they could come up with a plan to get out of this. They had to.

Coming up with a plan was exactly what they did. The moment they’d been taken to the camp of the men who’d captured them, and stored away in a tent that was only guarded from the outside, the women used their chance to discuss their next move among themselves.

And while it was somewhat uncomfortable, and tricky, it was the best they could do on such short notice. And Arwen had no intentions of letting it get too far as they stood on the banks of a river once the leader of the group, Kendrick as they came to learn his name was, gave in to Morgana’s demands for a bath.

She now stood at the front of the group, right by the edge of the river as she began to take off her cloak. She was the only one who wasn’t as closely guarded, Arwen and Guinevere themselves forced to stand with the men holding on to them and preventing them from doing anything. For now.

“You may find the water a little icy.” Kendrick said in a mocking tone as he watched each and every move Morgana made.

“I'm sure I'll manage.” Morgana bit back. She turned silent for a moment, looking to her two friends in silent communication. For their plan to work, she needed to do one thing; goad the men into looking at her. And she planned to do just that. “If you were any kind of gentleman, you'd give me some privacy.”

“Well, unfortunately for you I am no kind of gentleman. Now get on with it.” Kendrick said impatiently, growing tired of her protests and demands. In his mind, clearly he thought he was already showing her a kindness by obliging by her requests.

And knowing she wouldn’t get far by doing it any further at that point, Morgana proceeded to do what she had to. Taking off her dress next, leaving her only in a simple white undergarment. Both Arwen and Gwen knew their plan was working as the two men holding them now released their grips so they could step forward and get a better view.

Morgana, however, clutched the purple silks to her chest as she glared at the men again after a few moments. “You can at least turn your backs.” She spat at them in a sharp voice.

“So you can make a run for it. Do you think I'm that stupid?” Kendrick smirked at her, eyes gleaming as he thought himself so clever for ‘catching on’ to their plan. Only problem was, he didn’t.

“I think you're very stupid.” Morgana couldn’t hold back the small smirk from her face as she watched Gwen and Arwen take their chance, moving while the men were distracted.

Gwen reached for Kendrick who was closest to her, pulling the sword from his hip. It was Arwen’s, the one he’d claimed after it was taken from her. He had deemed it beautiful marksmanship; too beautiful to be carried by a woman as he’d said. Only, now, Arwen planned on showing him exactly how much a sword belonged in her hand.

Perhaps it wasn’t with her own since Gwen threw it to Morgana quickly. But while she’d worked on Kendrick, Arwen focused on her own target. The guard who’d been standing closest to her was soon disarmed too, his own blade now slicing against his shoulder. It was heavier than Arwen was used to, but she could still wield it easily.

“Run!” Morgana exclaimed as soon as they’d built some distance between themselves and Kendrick and his men. And none of them had to be told twice before they turned around and began running along the edge of the river, disappearing into the woods before Kendrick had a chance to organize his men to follow them.

But they knew, while the surprise of their actions gave them a small head start, it wouldn’t last forever. They needed to make use of it while they had the chance. So when Gwen continued to run straight, Morgana was quick to stop her, directing her down a new path in hopes of confusing the men on which direction they’d gone in.

However, as they continued to run, Arwen ignoring as some leaves and bushes scratched against her cheek when she ducked to evade a low hanging branch, Gwen stumbled. Her foot caught on some of the roots sticking out of the ground, and before she could even stop it, she fell to the ground right in front of Arwen, the redhead quick to kneel by her side. Morgana ran back too, the two women starting to work together in helping Gwen back to her feet.

“Put your arm around my shoulder, come on!” Morgana instructed in an urgent voice, and as quickly as possible, they managed to help their friend rise from the ground. However, with the two of them now supporting Gwen’s weight, their speed drastically decreased, and by now, they were already hearing the yelling of the men who’d started to search for them.

And Gwen noticed it too. “No, no, no. We'll never outrun them. You must go on without me!” Gwen said as she tried to stop again. Only neither one of her friends was willing to let her.

However, Arwen knew she did have a point. It wouldn’t be long before Kendrick’s men caught up to them. But they couldn’t just give up. “Take her.” Arwen announced suddenly, an idea coming to her mind as she passed all of Gwen’s weight onto Morgana.

“What are you doing?” Morgana questioned her in a confused tone.

“I’m giving you time. You go this way; I’ll lead them in another.” Arwen instructed, her voice firm as she hoped they wouldn’t argue with her. Of course, that wasn’t something she should have expected.

“We can’t leave you behind.” Gwen protested instantly.

However, as the voices of the men grew louder, now clearly distinguishable as they called out Morgana’s name mockingly, she knew they were dangerously running out of time. “Go and get help! Go!” She pushed on their shoulders, not leaving any more room for argument as she started to head off in the direction she said she’d go in, leaving Morgana and Arwen with no other choice but to do as she told them.

Arwen glanced back only once, just to make sure Morgana and Gwen were gone before she turned back and continued to run. She didn’t care about leaving tracks in her wake, if anything, the more she left. However, while she could fight with a sword and was rather good at it, one thing Arwen always lacked in was running. So it came as no surprise as she could soon hear the men hot on her heels and drawing closer.

Soon enough, she knew she had no other choice but to turn back. To stand her ground and fight them or they’d simply catch up and grab her. That would mean their chase was over too soon. By fighting, she continued to keep their focus on her. And as long as their focus was on her, they weren’t going after Morgana and Gwen. And after all, that was the main point of Arwen’s plan.

Merlin walked through the woods, sticking close to Arthur’s side as he and the knights, everyone in their group, had their eyes peeled to their surroundings. After finding the riding party which had left Camelot slaughtered along the path they were meant to take for Morgana’s pilgrimage, they were all on high alert once it became clear that Morgana, Gwen, and Arwen weren’t among them.

And once they found the ransom note stuck on one of the arrows sticking out of the body of a knight, they continued to search for tracks, trying to find any sign that might point them in the direction of where the kidnappers had taken the three women. And as they did, Merlin couldn’t deny that he was worried out of his mind. Unlike the last time when Morgana and Arwen went missing, this time he didn’t know they were actually okay and safe. This time, they’d truly been kidnapped.

Amidst his own worry, Merlin could still notice the way in which Arthur moved beside him. So far, his eyes had been entirely focused on the ground, searching for any sign as his own worries coursed through his mind. However, in that moment, the prince suddenly paused, eyes looking up and towards the foliage which surrounded them.

Not long after, Merlin himself could hear the reason for the change in Arthur’s demeanour. Everyone could. The sound of someone moving through the woods, headed right for them could be heard as they drew closer. Arthur was the first to act, reaching over to one of the knights to exchange his sword for a crossbow before running forward and hiding behind one of the trees.

He waited until the most opportune moment, until he heard whoever it was breach the edge of the foliage surrounding them. And then he jumped out, the crossbow poised and ready to be used, however, he never let its bold fly. Because he quickly realized those who’d been running through the woods weren’t a threat.

But the sight of them, it still didn’t sit right. Arthur’s eyes started to glance around, checking over both Morgana and Gwen as they stood before him, but also checking their surroundings as he seemed to wait for one more person to be close behind them. Only she wasn’t. And soon after, Arthur noticed one more important detail.

“Wh-Why do you have that?” He questioned, pointing to the sword in Morgana’s hands. One that he easily recognized as Arwen’s. “Where’s Arwen?” He asked in a worried voice, knowing she wouldn’t have just let go of that. And he only grew worried as he watched Morgana give a small shake of her head.

The action made Merlin’s blood run cold. He forced his legs to move, stepping forward and once again joining Arthur’s side as he sent the two women a pleading look. “What happened? Is she…?” He couldn’t even finish the question because of how much it worried him. How much just the thought scared him.

“She was alive when we separated.” Gwen explained quickly, not wanting Merlin to instantly jump to the worst conclusions. And while it was somewhat of a relief, Merlin was still distracted by his own worry. Enough to miss the small sigh of relief which left the prince beside him.

“But she never caught up with us again.” Morgana added on in a more sombre tone. And from the way she said it, they all quickly knew it wasn’t good, fearing to think what it may mean.

At best, Arwen was lost somewhere in the woods. But they all knew she was too skilled for that. She could be injured or taken again. Or… None of them wanted to think of the worst possible outcome. Not yet. Not when their determination to find her and bring her back to Camelot, safely, was starting to overwhelm their minds. Because they had to try.

Despite the fight she put up, Arwen had soon after been overpowered by the men who managed to capture her again. But, to her surprise, they didn’t simply kill her. Instead, they took her back to Kendrick who’d been waiting in their camp. Leaving it to him to decide what should be done with her. And he most certainly wasn’t pleased.

“How could you let her escape?! Eh?!” Kendrick screamed at his men while Arwen stood surrounded by all of them, watching as their leader kicked over a bowl of stew that had been cooking over the fire. “You bring me the servant! She's worthless to us!” He continued to scream, and Arwen suspected now wasn’t the time to point out she was actually a physician. She doubted it would matter.

Kendrick quieted down for a moment, taking a few steps forward and coming to stand in front of her. Arwen had no time to react as his hand reached for her face, grabbing hold of her chin, and turning it in multiple directions with a thoughtful look on his face. Only a few moments later, he motioned one of his men forward, taking Morgana’s discarded clothes from him and pushing them into Arwen’s hands. “Put 'em on.” He instructed.

“Why?” Arwen couldn’t help but question, the defiance obvious in her tone. She refused to simply do as she was told. If these men were going to kill her, then she wouldn’t waste her final moments being meek and scared.

“Hengist has never met the Lady Morgana. For all he knows, you could be Uther Pendragon's ward.” Kendrick announced proudly, making Arwen’s brows furrow in confusion. Why were they so eager to get Morgana and keep her alive?

“You really think that is going to work?” She asked, a humourless chuckle pushing past her lips as she taunted him.

“You can refuse.” Kendrick nodded his head, seeming to accept her side of things. However, he soon after pulled out his sword, placing it under her chin as he made her options clear. “Then you will die where you stand.”

Arwen pulled her head back, avoiding the scratch of the sword, but her glare never left his face. “Fine. I’ll pretend.” She gave in. She didn’t know what this Hengist wanted with morgana, but by pretending to be her, Arwen knew she was buying herself more time. Planning another escape would be harder the second time around, and without Morgana and Gwen’s backup. The men would be watching her closer than ever before, and tricks wouldn’t work. But she had to try. Or she would die either way.

While Morgana was happy to be back in the safety of Camelot and its palace, she still rushed into the council chamber with an unwavering sense of urgency. She couldn’t waste any more time before organizing help for Arwen. They had to do something as soon as possible.

“It's such a relief to see you safe. I couldn't bear the thought of anyone harming you.” Uther rose form his throne, enveloping his ward in a happy embrace as the rest of the people filled up the council chambers. Gwen walked alongside Merlin, leaning against him as she avoided putting weight on her injured leg. And Gaius remained close by their side. All three worried and hoping Morgana would be able to convince Uther to send help for Arwen.

“The bandits still have Gwen.” Morgana said quickly, not bothering too long with the reunions before she pulled out of Uther’s embrace. Everyone knew that she wouldn’t just let this be. That is why Merlin and Gwen eagerly watched the scene transpire. Merlin was hoping to go with the search party as soon as possible. This was his sister, after all, he couldn’t just leave her out there.

At Morgana’s words, Arthur too took a small step forward as he spoke up. “I believe they were Mercian. We’ve received reports that Hengist has crossed the border.” He announced to his father. He knew asking him to help Arwen would be a tough thing to convince the King to do. However, he hoped by explaining just how much of a grievance they may be dealing with, perhaps Uther would be more willing to send men after Morgana’s kidnappers, and as a result, after Arwen.

“Hengist?” The king looked to his son in surprise.

“You must send a rescue party.” Morgana demanded instantly. Unlike Arthur, she was too eager and rushed to put heavy thought into how to deal with Uther.

“If Hengist is holding her, it would take a small army to rescue the girl.” Uther shook his head at the suggestion, not even willing to entertain the thought of it. Despite what either his son or ward said.

“We can't abandon her!” Morgana’s voice was full of disbelief at Uther’s refusal, and the same emotion could be seen painted all across her face.

“How many men would you have me sacrifice to save a mere physician? Gaius can easily train another.” Uther said in a dismissive tone, his words making Gaius himself do his best to hold back a frown or glare. He did manage to succeed. But that didn’t mean he was any less angry at the words on the inside.

While things between himself and Arwen had been strained as of late, he wouldn’t dream of getting another apprentice. Of having to train someone while they did nothing to try and get Arwen back and to rescue her. But he also knew the king would never agree to such a mission. He knew to expect this.

“As many as it takes! Arwen gave herself up so that I might escape. I owe her my life.” Morgana pointed out, trying to play on Uther’s sense of justice. Arwen saved her life, the least they could do was save her too.

“She did so willingly, and she will be honoured for it.” But the king wouldn’t budge. He simply waved his hand before turning back to his throne, ready to take a seat once more, but Morgana didn’t let him. Gabbing his arm, she forced him to stop.

“I don't want her honoured, I want her rescued!” She yelled at the king without a care in the world, forcing him to turn back and look at her. His eyes also scanned around all the faces turned to them, everyone gathered in the chamber giving the two a look as they watched the scene transpire. “She is more than just a physician. She’s my friend.”

“A lowborn is of no value to these bandits. I fear she is dead already.” Uther tried to make his voice as sympathetic as he could, hoping to provide his ward with some comfort.

His blunt words made solemn looks pass between those gathered around. Arthur knew that, while his father’s words were harsh, there was a good chance they could be true. They’d already wasted much time getting back to Camelot, and the more they stood around here, the longer Arwen was out there with no one coming for her. He refused to believe that she was dead. He couldn’t. And neither could Merlin. The more the king refused to offer any kind of help in finding his sister, the more his own determination grew. Even if it did mean having to go at it alone. He could handle it.

Morgana most of all was distraught by the king’s blunt words. “No! We cannot give up hope!” She yelled, stepping away from him and glancing around the chamber with pleading eyes. She looked to Gaius, but ultimately knew he couldn’t speak against his king. So, she turned to the one person who, besides her, might have the power to sway Uther. “Arthur? I'm begging you. You have to do something.” She stepped in front of him as she pleaded.

But Arthur continued to remain stone faced, maintaining his composure. Because, while all he wanted to do was reassure Morgana that he was going to get Arwen, he couldn’t risk his father catching on to his plans. “My father’s right. I’m afraid there’s nothing we can do.” He announced in a distant voice, crossing his arms over his chest.

His words made many of those closest to Arwen snap their eyes towards him in surprise. Clearly Gaius and Gwen had both been hoping he’d at least try to reason with his father. And Merlin’s angry look was a hard one to miss. And a hard one to resist rolling his eyes at.

“How can you say that?!” Morgana yelled at him before focusing her anger on the whole room and everyone in it. “How can you live with yourselves?! All of you!” Her voice echoed against the stone walls of the council chamber, and it was clear she intended to continue yelling. Only, Gaius stepped in before she could, knowing a scene would be of no use to anyone.

“We’ll find a way.” He whispered quietly so only she could hear him as he started to lead her away. “We’ll find a way.” He repeated, and as he did, his eyes turned to look at Merlin, knowing he wasn’t just about to sit back. Not all hope was lost just yet.

Arthur stood at the table in his chambers, tying up some of the straps on the arms of his armour as he readied himself to leave the city. The sound of the door opening had him turning his head, eyes focusing on Merlin as he stepped inside, responding to Arthur’s call on him.

“Ah, good. I need you to-“ The prince started to speak, ready to tell Merlin all the things he’d need to get before they left. However, he never got a chance to actually get it out before Merlin interrupted him.

“Whatever it is, I can’t do it.” Merlin’s voice came off somewhat harsher than he’d intended it to be. But ultimately, he wasn’t sorry about it either. His anger still bubbled inside of him at what Arthur had said and the way he’d sided with his father.

“Merlin, are you really-“

“You should know, I also won’t be able to tend to my duties in the following days.” Merlin interrupted again, his voice firm and unwavering.

“Yes, you will, actually.” Arthur started to point out, ready to tell his servant what his plans were, if only to stop this misplaced anger of his, but again, Merlin continued to yap on. It made Arthur roll his eyes this time, growing impatient as they wasted precious moments.

“You and I both know where I’m going and that you can’t stop me from it. You may be too cowardly to-“ Merlin didn’t intend to lose his composure, but it happened faster than he could stop it. So perhaps it was good that Arthur himself did.

“Now that’s enough!” Arthur raised his voice. It wasn’t because of Merlin’s clear attempt at an insult. Nor was it because of his pride. Or even because of the time they were wasting. But the real reason… Well, he couldn’t tell that to his servant. “Your duties, Merlin, along with shutting up when I speak, are tending to me. Whether it is in the castle, or outside of it; on hunting trips, when going into battle, or when going off on a rescue mission…” He let his voice trail off, allowing Merlin a chance to catch on.

For a few moments, Merlin remained quiet, his eyes widening as he registered the information before a smile spread over his face. He was both relieved and happy to know that Arthur hadn’t just left Arwen to fend for herself without hesitation. “You’re coming with me.” He concluded.

“No, Merlin. You’re coming with me. Because, if we’re being realistic, we both know I have much better chance of rescuing your sister than you do.” Arthur said, sending his servant a pointed look which only earned him a glare in response. “Now, are you ready to do what I need you to and prepare some horses?”

“Yes, right away!” Merlin exclaimed, turning on his heels at the speed of light and rushing out of the room, leaving Arthur to shake his head at the spot where his servant stood only moments ago. With the horses being tended to, Arthur grabbed a bag and continued to pack things they’d need along their journey. But he wasn’t left in silence for too long before the door of his chambers opened again.

This time, he didn’t even have to look up before Morgana’s yelling voice reached his ears. “How can you be so heartless?! Arwen is the most kind, loyal person that you would ever meet. She has already done so much for all of us! And you would leave her at the mercy of those animals?!” Morgana scolded, but Arthur didn’t take it to heart as he continued with his packing.

“Morgana-“ Arthur tried to speak as he carried some bandages over to the table and started packing them away in his back. And just like before with Merlin, she too refused to let him talk.

“Have you no shame? Do you think of no one but yourself?” Morgana questioned, standing by his side and glaring daggers at him. If looks had the power to kill, he certainly would be incapable of rescuing anyone after being on the receiving end of hers.

“Morgana…” He tried to calm her again.

“I knew you were many things, Arthur Pendragon, but I didn't know you were a gutless coward!” Morgana bit back.

At this point, Arthur found himself rather thankful for Merlin’s passive aggressive quips when comparing them to Morgana’s own interruptions. And yet, he still dealt with her in the same way as he did with his servant. “Morgana!” The rising of his voice finally made her quiet down long enough to give him a chance to speak some more. Which he did, lowering his voice back to his normal volume. “Perhaps if you would stop shouting at me for one second, you would notice that I am packing.”

“You're going after Arwen.” Morgana realized, her shoulders now relaxing as she understood just how wrong she’d been in her assumptions.

“Of course, I'm going after her. What do you take me for? I couldn't disagree with Father in public.” Arthur reminded her as he closed his bag, ready to head out. However, as he looked back at her and noticed the remaining surprise still lingering on her features, he still didn’t move as he spoke again instead. “I would never abandon her.”

There was something about the way he said it, his voice showing more emotion than either of them truly expected it too. But before Morgana could dig into that further, Arthur stepped past her and started to head for the door, leaving her to call out to him one last time and make him turn back. “Bring her home.”

To that, the prince could only nod his head in silent promise. Because that was exactly what he intended to do.

Ransom! That was why she was there. Well, that was why Hengist wanted Morgana there. He wanted to force Uther’s hand into paying him a good and hefty sum. Money Arwen knew would never come. Because based on how much time had passed, she knew that by now, not only had the King sent out a large search party, but they’d probably even found Morgana and taken her back to him. With her safe, he would never pay anything to the brute. Arwen knew the gold wasn’t coming. And the longer it didn’t, the less time she had before Hengist caught on to the lies of both her and Kendrick. At which point she’d be dead.

And she was stuck in a cell of all places. Locked away behind bars with little ways of escape. She was starting to doubt she’d get a chance. After all, if Hengist planned to keep her here while he waited for Uther’s ransom, she’d never see the sun again. It was the thought of that that made Arwen begin fiddling with the pin holding Morgana’s cloak tightly around her shoulders. Perhaps, if she could pick the lock, she could at least try to escape.

However, before she can fully rip the pin from the cloth, she began to hear the sound of footsteps echoing through the halls and approaching. And a few moments later, Kendrick came into view through the small window on the door of her cell. With him was another man who proceeded to quickly to unlock her cell

“What are you doing?” Arwen questioned in a wary tone, trying to step away from him but unable to do so as he grabbed hold of her arm and pulled her forward, leading her through the door with quick steps.

“Hengist has requested your presence. After all, you’re our guest of honour, Lady Morgana. It is only proper we hold a feast to welcome you.” He explained, making Arwen finally understand what was happening. And it made her pay attention to every corner, hall and tunnel they passed through as they walked through the fortress, memorising each of them.

But she knew her chance for escape wouldn’t come now. Not when Kendrick continued to maintain a firm hold of her arm, obviously unwilling to risk giving her even an inch of a chance to do something. And soon, after a few turns and different halls, they came out into a large room which she soon realized to be the banquet hall. Men gathered together; tables filled so much so that some were forced to stand even. And Kendrick led her through all of them, up to the main table where Hengist and some of his most loyal men sat.

However, before they reached it, the man holding her arm brought them to another stop, leaning closer as he whispered in her ear. “Careful with your words, my lady.” The pointed tone of his voice made the message clear. Saying a single wrong thing could expose their lies to Hengist, and then both of their lives would come to a swift end.

Pushed into her seat right next to Hengist, Arwen chose to remain quiet. And the man didn’t pay her much mind as food was passed around the table. Arwen watched as the yelling and hollering men all ate like brutes. Just the sight of them made her own appetite lessen. Not that she was too focused on eating the food set before her in the first place. Rather, Arwen let her eyes roam the large room, looking past all the faces occupying it and noting each exit and hallway leading away from it.

And during all of that, she did her best to keep her eyes from the makeshift cage positioned in the centre of the banquet hall. However, sooner or later, her eyes had to wander towards it too. And when they did, she couldn’t keep the frown off her face. Arwen didn’t dare think of what the cage may have been built for or its uses. She hadn’t noticed Hengist, aware of her reaction, until he started to stand, amused by her reactions as he continued with the brutish theatrics.

“Silence!” His loud voice boomed over the hall, making all of the men who’d so far spoken as loudly as they wanted without a single care, suddenly turn quiet. “Our royal guest, Lady Morgana has grown bored!” Hengist announced, putting his hand on Arwen’s shoulder while she did her best not to flinch away from him. “She needs entertaining.”

The bandits laughed at his words, all drawing amusement or glee, knowing what he meant by that. Arwen didn’t. Not until Hengist nodded at someone in the crowd and soon enough, a gate opened up within the cage. A large man rushed into it, large in size and stature as he walked along the edges of the cage. However, Arwen didn’t put much focus on the man himself, but rather on the tunnel through which he’d appeared, wondering where it leads.

“Bring on the challenger.”

Another man, this one smaller and leaner than the first rushed into the cage. And while he may be different in size, he still stood tall, seeming confident as he looked around the crowd yelling and cheering on for the fight. But then his eyes settled on the main table. Not on the man who led all those around him, not on the brutes surrounding Hengist and placing bets among themselves. Instead, his eyes focused on the woman sitting by his side, her red hair impossible to miss even in the thickest of crowds.

And soon, feeling his eyes on her, she finally tore her own away from the tunnels so she could look to what she expected to be the face of a stranger. Only, when she met those familiar brown eyes, all thoughts of escape in that moment managed to disappear from Arwen’s mind. Because she recognized those eyes. And she recognized that face. They weren’t ones she could easily forget. She recognized Lancelot.

The room around them seemed to turn quiet as they caught sight of each other, eyes meeting across the distance and unable to tear away. But it was the sound of Hengist’s voice as he spoke again that forced them to do so. “Only one of you will emerge from the cage alive. Do you accept the challenge?”

Hengist’s words made Arwen’s blood run cold, but her eyes could only watch as Lancelot gave the man a small bow. As if it came as no surprise to him that he was fighting to the death. As if he was there of his own accord. And that was something she couldn’t believe. Not even as the fight began between the men.

She flinched with each blow that Lancelot’s opponent delivered; aggressive and ferocious, not even hesitant about the idea of killing him. All Lancelot could do was continue to defend himself for the longest time. Watching the fight made Arwen forget her surroundings, eyes glued to the cage alone and unable to look away as worry swarmed her mind. Only as the large man’s sword clashed against Lancelot’s own, nearly throwing it from his hands, did Arwen remember. Only because she nearly rose from her seat at the sight.

Luckily, she managed to stop herself in time. And with that, she put in the effort to school her expression back to a natural one, not wanting to risk anyone in the room, especially Hengist catching on to the fact that she and Lancelot might know each other. She couldn’t put him at risk by letting someone know he could be used against her. It became easier to act as if she didn’t care once he managed to gain the upper hand in his fight, and soon enough, his opponent was sprawled out on the floor while Lancelot’s sword pointed at him, ready for the final blow.

A final blow which never came. Instead, after a few moments of subtly looking around, Lancelot pulled away. Instead of killing the man as the rules of the fight were, he walked past him and stepped out of the cage. He didn’t dally at any of the tables, but rather made his way straight to the main table, doing his best to keep his eyes on Hengist rather than letting them wander to the redheaded beauty sitting by his side as he wanted to.

Arwen watched as the leader of the bandits threw a small sack of coins, Lancelot catching it with ease. Her brows furrowed at that, unable to keep herself from wondering what the man she’d once known was even doing there, fighting for money of all things when he could do so much more. “What is your name?” Hengist questioned.

And then, as he answered, Arwen heard him speak. She heard that familiar voice, and merely the sound of it brought back so many memories. “My name is Lancelot.”

“You have proved yourself to be a skilful warrior. I believe you may even have impressed our royal guest, Lady Morgana.” Hengist’s taunts had Arwen doing her best to keep on a calm face because, until that moment, the thought of what knowing Lancelot may mean didn’t even cross her mind.

Subtly, she sent the man a pleading look, hoping he’d understand what she was trying to ask of him. To play along. To pretend he didn’t know her or her real name. because if Lancelot said one wrong thing, or even reacted in the wrong way, the truth could so easily be exposed to Hengist. And that would be the end of any kind of chance for an escape that she might’ve come up with during her stay here.

Luckily, while the surprise was still somewhat clear on his face, Lancelot seemed to understand Arwen’s silent message. Bowing respectfully, he played along as he spoke. “My Lady.” He said in a humble tone, and at the words Arwen couldn’t help but think back to when he used to call her that in Camelot. She thought of just how things had changed since then.

The sound of Hengist’s laugh had their attention flying back to him again. “Next time you fight, do not expect any mercy. Release the Wilddeoren.” He instructed into the crowd and Arwen watched as the gate within the cage opened once again.

She remembered reading about the Wilddeoren, but the sight of it still couldn’t compare to the drawings she’d seen in her books. And the outcome became clear soon enough. This part she couldn’t watch. Not as the screeching creature charged at the fighter, his screams of fear soon drowned out by the crowd celebrating his death. That is who Hengist was. Ruthless and showing no mercy. Just like his men. And it made Arwen’s fears continue to grow, knowing that if she waited too long, she too would end up in that cage sooner or later.

It wasn’t long after the feast that Arwen had been escorted back to the cell Hengist was keeping her in. The stone walls radiated with the cold, forcing her to wrap Morgana’s cloak around herself and hold it tight as she sat on the bed. By now, she’d managed to free the pin from its stitches, but glancing up to the small window above her, she knew she had to wait for night at least. Hopefully, by then, the majority of Hengist’s men will be out and asleep unable to stop her before it was too late.

“Arwen.” The sound of her name being whispered, made Arwen’s green eyes widen as she looked around the small cell before noticing a small grate at the top of the wall she’d been leaning against. Standing up, she had to climb onto the bed to be able to reach it.

And when she did, she came face to face with the familiar man she’d only been able to watch from a distance earlier in the day. “Lancelot.” She breathed out, relieved to see him. Although, she was also still somewhat stunned by his presence in the fortress too.

“I could not believe my eyes when I saw it was you.” He said, the surprise still laced through his voice as he looked over her face through the bars separating them.

“I thought… I thought I was dreaming.” Arwen admitted. And she really had thought that for just a moment. Thinking it was her mind playing tricks on her and giving her false hope. Because, seeing him there, Arwen started to believe that she might not be as alone as she thought in the beginning.

“Why does Hengist think you are Lady Morgana?” Lancelot couldn’t help but ask, still confused by the entire situation.

“He believes he's holding Morgana to ransom.” Arwen explained shortly before giving out a small sigh. “But by now, Morgana’s safe, back in Camelot, and Uther… He won’t…” The redhead shook her head, her voice growing strained as she found herself unable to finish her words.

But Lancelot still understood what she was leaving unsaid. The time which was running out before Hengist realized he’d been tricked. “I won’t let him hurt you.” He promised almost instantly, making Arwen’s eyes jump back to him.

She couldn’t hold in a small breath of relief, happy to have someone there. Someone to help. Happy to know she wasn’t entirely alone and abandoned. But, as she looked back to him, she also wondered how it came to be in the first place. “What are you doing here, Lancelot? Are you one of Hengist’s men?” She couldn’t help but ask.

“No.” Lancelot’s reply was simple and quick, and Arwen noticed the way in which he seemed hesitant to elaborate or speak of how he ended up here.

“What happened when you left Camelot? How did it lead you here of all places?” She continued to ask, her voice gentle and showing that whatever the answer may be, she wouldn’t judge him for it.

“There are few opportunities for men like me. So, I've been earning a living the only way that I know: with a sword in my hand.” Lancelot explained shamefully. “It seems it is my destiny to entertain men like Hengist.”

“I don't believe that for a second. You were so full of hope.” Arwen shook her head, wishing he’d look at her again. But even after her words, his eyes seemed to be glued to the ground rather than daring to meet hers.

“I was wrong. The world is not like that.”

Despite the bars between them, ones she’d so far been holding on to, so she doesn’t slip from the bed, Arwen pushed her fingers through, letting them brush over his. “Don’t lie. I can still see it in your eyes, that same hope. It’s still there.” She said softly, happy to have him turn to her again as his hand reached back, holding onto hers even just a little, as much as they could.

“I have thought of you often.” He revealed in a shy voice, making a smile come over Arwen’s face as she felt some heat rise to her cheeks. She looked down for a moment before focusing back on him again.

“And I of you. I worried I’d never see you again.” She admitted, remembering the time after he first left when she often wondered where he’d gone and what he was doing. She did so less frequently now, but every once in a while something would remind her of him, and she’d wonder again.

Her words made Lancelot smile too, understanding what she meant by that. If she worried about not seeing him, that meant she wanted to see him again. As he did her. The two looked at each other for a few moments, smiles on their faces and unable to look away. And then the sound of an opening door somewhere in the halls near them had them looking around with wide eyes.

And soon, Arwen could hear the door slamming shut, footsteps heading down the halls between the cells. “Someone's coming.” She said in a warning tone, clearly urging him to go before he gets caught.

And Lancelot did start to move, ready to heed her warning, Arwen letting go of his hand and starting to look back down so she could get off of the bed before she too was caught. However, before she could, he spoke again, making her eyes jump back to him one last time. “No matter what it takes, I will find a way to get you out of here. I will.”

Arwen smiled at that, grateful and happy to have him by her side. “Thank you.” She whispered, so quietly she couldn’t be sure if he’d heard her before he walked away. And with Lancelot gone, Arwen quickly jumped back down, sitting on the bed as if nothing had happened.

And she did so just in time, because only moments later she could see Hengist’s face appearing in the small window of her cell as the door began to unlock. As he stepped into the cell, Arwen rose to her feet quickly, the confidence back on her face even thought she didn’t feel it on the inside.

“I've not yet received word from Uther that he intends to pay your ransom.” Hengist announced, taking slow steps forward until he was right in front of her, towering over her. “I was informed that the King was extremely fond of his ward. Are you not surprised he is content to leave you here to die?”

“How can I know the King's mind when I am locked in your stinking cell?” Arwen questioned defiantly, doing her best to remain calm even when she knew what his words meant. Her time was near its end.

At her quip, Hengist leaned down close to her face, speaking in a low and threatening voice that made Arwen do her best to stand her ground. She knew Morgana wouldn’t show him fear. She would believe Uther was coming for her. “If I do not hear from Uther by dawn tomorrow, this stinking cell will be the last place you ever see.” He threatened before turning back to the door.

He walked out of her cell, his cackling laughter echoing through the halls as it mixed with the sound of the lock clicking back into place as the door shut. As soon as he was gone, Arwen slumped back down onto the bed, heaving out a heavy sigh as she tried to calm her racing heart.

She knew he was growing suspicious. And it was only a matter of time. After all, it had been nearly two days since Kendrick attacked their riding party. By now, Uther would have already had the Knights of Camelot storming the fortress at the very least. If not paying the ransom in full.

Her time was running out. And while Lancelot had promised to help, she knew he couldn’t do so if, by the time he returned again, she was gone…

Arwen found herself sitting on the bed in her cell, pushed up into a corner while her eyes remained glued to the window above her as she watched the sun move. She could feel the air around her growing colder and knew that soon the sun would begin to set. Once it did, it was only a matter of hours before it rose again. And then all hope would be lost.

And then a familiar whisper sounded above her. The call of her name making the redhead quickly climb atop the bed again, hands reaching for the bars between them. Once she was in view, still there and alright, relief spread over Lancelot’s features. “I was terrified I might find your cell empty.”

“I’m alright, for now.” Arwen reassured him. “Hengist is growing suspicious about Uther’s silence.” She spoke in a worried tone, fearful of the lack of time she had and yet no plan for an escape.

“You must keep up the pretence. I will not allow you to die here.” Lancelot tried to reassure her. This time it was him who reached for her hand through the bars, and Arwen didn’t hesitate in holding his quickly. As if holding on will make everything seem better, even if for just a few short moments.

But while at first all she felt was relief, soon she caught on to the way in which he spoke, his tone making her brows furrow as she looked away from their hands and back into his eyes. “What about you?” She couldn’t help but ask.

“I have little to live for.” Lancelot tried to make it seem like a simple answer, but in Arwen’s eyes it was anything but.

“Don’t say that.” She protested at once.

“It's the truth. For all my words, for all that I believed, I have come to nothing.” Lancelot explained, making Arwen’s eyes grow sad at the thought of him giving up.

“You can’t speak like that.” She whispered back to him, giving his fingers a gentle squeeze. “Not you. You’re good and you’re kind and you’re noble. You are everything that is right with this world.” She surprised, not only him, but even herself with her own words. Surprised at what the thought of him being gone, the thought of losing him… What it made her feel.

“I did not know you felt that way.” Lancelot muttered out, wide eyes staring back at her.

“I… I didn’t either, until now.” Arwen admitted, but she did nothing to attempt taking it back. It was what she felt. And she wouldn’t hide it. Not at a time like this when so much could change within the span of simple hours. Not when it may be her last hours.

“Then you have given me a reason to live.” Lancelot announced, a new confidence sparking within him as he began to move again. “Be ready. I will come for you before nightfall.” He said before starting to detach his hand from Arwen’s hold, but she held on for one moment longer before he could fully turn away and leave.

“Be safe, please.” She pleaded in a quiet voice, worried about something happening. Not for herself or her own escape, but for him just as much. She didn’t want to think of something happening to him.

“I will see you soon. And I will get you out of here.” Lancelot promised one last time, giving her hand a final squeeze before he pulled it away and stood back to his feet. Arwen watched him go, listening to his footsteps as they disappeared through the halls. And even with him gone, she didn’t let go of the hope he gave her. Because, right now, it was the last thing she had left to hold on to.

Large baby rats… Those most certainly weren’t baby rats! Merlin was ready to do whatever it took to get to Arwen in time, even if it did mean walking into a monster infested tunnel. He would have just liked to know that was what he was walking into. He did keep his grumbles to himself though, focusing rather, on washing his face from the smelly berries that he’d coated his cheeks with.

“Gaia berries worked. Huh.” Arthur muttered out from beside him, his voice a mix of shocked and impressed. And the sound of it made Merlin pause what he was doing so he could turn to him with a glare.

“You didn’t know if they worked?” He asked incredulously.

“Not for sure.” Arthur announced honestly, rising to his feet as he started to walk away from the stream. His back was turned to Merlin, but not for long as his servant found himself no longer capable of keeping his criticism in.

“Now you tell me?! Oh! Oh, what's that Wilddeoren eating? It's all right. It's just Merlin.” He spoke in a sarcastic tone, voice somewhat raised as he scolded the prince. “You trying to get us both killed? We’re of no use to Arwen if we’re dead!”

And what he said made Arthur give out a small sigh as he turned back with an apologetic look on his face. “I'm sorry. I shouldn't've risked your life like that, even if it was our best chance.”

For a moment, Merlin shook his head at the prince, but in the end he remained quiet as he let it go. Because his thoughts started to go off in a different direction now. And Arthur didn’t even notice the thoughtful look which came over his servant’s face because of it. It wasn’t one Merlin could control as he began to think of all the things Arthur had said during their journey. Of how impatient he was; how worried for Arwen he seemed to be. And the more he thought of it, the more things became clear.

“Well, they do say love makes you do strange things.” Merlin’s voice trailed off as he spoke, looking to Arthur from the corner of his eye as he watched to see his reaction to the words.

“What are you talking about?” The prince asked, growing suddenly serious. And Merlin didn’t miss a small done of defensiveness laced through his voice either.

“I’ve seen you care about things before, but not this much.” Merlin explained in a knowing tone. “Why can’t you just admit you have feelings for her?” The question felt odd. It all felt odd. Thinking about that fact that this was his sister they were talking about, after all. But Arthur wasn’t as subtle as he’d like to think. And Merlin not as stupid either.

All the prince did was scoff at the accusation, hoping if he remained quiet Merlin would let go of it. But Merlin never was good at that. “It's so obvious. A blind man could see it.” Merlin thought that perhaps he was a little bit stupid for now realizing it until now. “Is it really that hard to admit you like her? Just say it. I promise I won’t overreact.” At least not out loud.

“I can't!” Arthur exclaimed in a somewhat desperate tone, turning back to Merlin who watched with curious eyes. “How can I admit that she’s all I can think about? Or that...I… That I care about her more than anyone else, more than I ever have for someone? How can I admit that...I don't know what I'll do if anything happens to her, if she’s hurt or harmed? How can I admit that just the thought terrifies me?”

“Why can't you?” Merlin couldn’t stop himself from asking. If it was true, if Arthur truly felt that much for his sister, Merlin could never imagine even trying to keep such things inside and hidden.

“Because nothing can ever happen between us! To admit my feelings knowing that…” Arthur trailed off, unsure of how to put it, unsure of whether to tell Merlin the truth. But in the end, he did. “Hurts too much.” Because that was exactly what it was. Every time he looked at her, or even thought of her and what could never be, it hurt. And he wished nothing more than for things to be different.

“Who's to say nothing can happen?” Merlin didn’t stop his questions. But he still approached them a lot more carefully than he usually would have. After all, the things Arthur thought stood in his way to Arwen, Merlin knew they weren’t actually obstacles. They weren’t real.

“My father won't let me rescue a physician because she’s lowborn. Do you honestly believe he'd let me marry one?” Arthur answered his servant’s questions with one of his own, sending him a pointed look.

His words, however, had anything but the desired effect on Merlin who began sputtering and coughing in shock and surprise. He had been talking about feelings. Not about marriage! “You want to marry Arwen?! You want to marry my sister?!” So much for his promise of not overreacting.

“No! No… I… I don't know…” Arthur tried to give an answer, but his denials didn’t seem all that convincing to Merlin, who only continued to stare at him with wide eyes. They were talking about Arwen… His sister! Arwen! “It's all talk, and that's all it can ever be.” Arthur finally finished, hoping to bring this conversation to its end.

“What if there could be something?” Merlin asked before he could even think to stop himself.

“It’s not a thought worth entertaining. Not when it cannot be changed.” Arthur gave out a heavy sigh, firm in his belief. And Merlin knew there was nothing he could say to convince him otherwise. Not right now. Not based on what he knew. So he tried a different approach.

“When you’re King, you can change that.” He pointed out, reminding Arthur of the power he will one day hold. No matter what happened with Arwen’s social rank, no matter what she did with her secret, one day, Arthur would have the power to marry whomever he chose.

“I can't expect Arwen to wait for me.” The prince pointed out firmly, it was something he refused to do. His father was still healthy and in perfect form. There was a long time yet before Arthur would be King.

“If she feels as you do, she'll wait for you.” Merlin pointed out, resisting a shudder which threatened to pass through him at the thought. Oh lord, did she feel as he did? Did his sister actually manage to fall for the prince? The same prince that they’d once sat in their room thinking of mean nicknames for and laughing at each one that was better than the last? That prince?

“We don't even know if-“ Arthur started to point out, his voice now scared but he never even got to finish his words before Merlin firmly interrupted him.

“Don’t say that. She is. We will find her.” He refused to entertain the idea of it. Not until there was no other option. Not when, in his heart, he knew she was still alive. She was waiting for them and they couldn’t let her down.

And Arthur seemed to realize the same thing. “Come on. We've got a long trek ahead.” He started to turn away, but the next second he was back to looking at his servant with a pointed glare on his face. “Oh, and Merlin...if you dare tell anyone about this, I promise I will make your life a living hell.”

“You mean, more than you already do?”

“Yeah.” Arthur nodded his head, a taunting smile playing at his lips before he finally turned for good and began to walk away, leaving Merlin with nothing to do as he followed after him.

“We could talk about your feelings while you walk.” The servant spoke up suggestively. “You know, as her brother, I do need to give my approval before anything can happen.” He had to laugh at his own words, thinking them a nice thing to lord over the prince’s head. Even if he did know they were far from the truth. As if he, or anyone else, could stop Arwen from doing whatever she wanted with her own life.

“Shut up, Merlin.”

Arwen found herself standing in the same cage in which Lancelot had fought the night before. Dragged there by Hengist’s men after they took her out of her cell, she’d found their leader already waiting for her inside. And as he spoke, Arwen’s eyes continuously glanced towards the tunnel from which the fighters came into the cage. She’d look towards it, and then back to Hengist, eyeing his waist as she searched for a weapon.

But ultimately, she knew it was a foolish idea. The heavy door to the tunnel was closed, and for the element of surprise to work in her favour in any way she needed it to be open. Not only that but using a chance to escape now would mean leaving Lancelot behind. And she couldn’t do that.

“I keep asking myself, ‘Why does Uther not pay the ransom? He's a rich man, why would he leave his beloved ward to suffer a slow and terrible death?’” Hengist pondered in a thoughtful tone as he stepped away from where he’d been leaning against the bars, coming towards her now that they were locked inside together.

“I don’t know, I really don’t.” Arwen tried to keep her voice calm, but ultimately she failed to do so as she was forced to begin backing away from Hengist the closer he got to her. She feared why he’d called on her again. Brought her to the cage no less. She feared he knew.

“It must be very upsetting to know that Uther has abandoned you.” Hengist taunted, his arms reaching for her and grabbing hold of her hand to keep her from backing away any further. His vice grip made Arwen give a small flinch as she turned her head away from him. “It seems like no one in the world cares for you.”

“I don’t know why he doesn’t pay. Please, I don’t know.” Arwen tried to persuade him. “Maybe… Maybe try sending another message.” She tried to suggest, unsure of which lie she could even tell anymore to explain Uther’s lack of response. But if she convinced him to try again, maybe if word got to Camelot that she was still alive. Maybe someone would come.

“Which part of you should I send with it?” Hengist questioned in a threatening tone, his free hand coming to push some of her hair aside, fingers grazing her ear as he seemed to think on the idea. It made Arwen’s resolve crack, and she tried to push away from him and free herself. Had he not let her go, she wouldn’t have succeeded.

“Take her to her cell.” He instructed the men who’d remained waiting outside of the cage. And they didn’t hesitate in opening the door again, dragging Arwen out before she could even try and do something. However, they didn’t do so fast enough, giving her a chance to hear Hengist’s next words. “Bring Kendrick to me. Perhaps he can tell me why the Lady Morgana has the hands of a serving girl.”

And as she heard that, Arwen knew that her act was up. She was caught and time had run out.

Arwen stood in her cell, alert and scared as she heard approaching footsteps. Someone had come to her door and was now trying to unlock it. She gripped Morgana’s pin in her hand as tightly as she could, her heart racing as she tried to blink away some tears. She was ready to use the pin as a weapon in one last attempt to save herself. However, when the door finally opened, it wasn’t Hengist or any of his men standing on the other side. It was Lancelot who rushed in, bringing a wide smile to spread over Arwen’s lips.

She didn’t even hesitate to run to him, throwing her arms around his neck in relief. And she could feel his own wrap around her waist, pulling her closer and holding her tight for just a few seconds before he stepped back again. “We haven’t a moment to lose.” He announced, taking hold of her hand before he led her out of the cell.

Soon enough, they both began to run, not even sparing a glance at the sleeping guards that were supposed to be watching over the cells. They simply moved past them, rushing through the halls as Arwen let Lancelot lead the way. The hallways seemed to grow darker by the second before turning into stone tunnels. And that was where he brought them to a stop once more.

“Follow this tunnel. It will take you out beyond the castle walls. I will buy you as much time as I can.” Lancelot announced, making Arwen’s eyes widen as she quickly started to shake her head.

“What? No. No, I refuse to leave you behind.” She protested instantly, his plan sounding far from good. She couldn’t just leave abandon him. If they needed to fight, she too could do it.

“You must.” Lancelot tried to persuade her, his hands reaching up to her face as he stood in front of her, eyes looking at her as if he was trying to memorise every last moment.

“No. I will not leave you here to die.” Arwen still refused to listen.

“I would die for you a hundred times over.” Lancelot whispered out as her hands came to hold onto his arms, clutching onto them for dear life as she hoped to convince him to come with her instead. “Live for me, or everything that I am has been for nothing.”

“Fight. Fight and survive so you can come back to me. Promise me that. Promise me you’ll try.” Arwen pleaded with him, her eyes filling with fresh tears at the thought of being separated again.

“I promise. Now run. Don't stop running until you are well away from here.” He instructed her, not missing the way in which she continued to hesitate. So he did the same as she. “Promise me.” He pleaded.

And Arwen gave in. “I promise.” She said, but for a few more moments, she didn’t run. Instead, she leaned closer to him, closing the already small space between them and letting her lips brush against his. At first the kiss was tentative and soft, but then he returned it, trying to convey all that he was feeling with one simple act before he let go of her.

“Run.”

And this time she did. She ran into the tunnel, sparing him one last glance before she pushed beyond the corners, following the path. Even as the sounds of clashing swords started to echo against the stone walls. Even as she heard one of the bandits scream out in pain. She wanted to stop. She wanted to turn back and help him. For both of them to run away and be safe, together.

The thought was what made her stop for a moment. Because in that moment, Arwen realized she’d made a promise she couldn’t keep. Not when together they might stand a chance. But before she could make up her mind of in which direction to go in, the choice was made for her. She could see the lights coming from the other end of the tunnel, in front of her and drawing closer as they illuminated the walls.

Soon enough, a handful of Hengist’s men were coming towards her. And Arwen tried to run back, but they were much faster. And it wasn’t longer before she could feel hands latching onto her shoulders, pulling her back and making her trip. Her back slammed against the floor, the men surrounding her at once. And she was left with no where to go and no chance to escape. She was captured once again.

Arwen found herself standing in a dark hall, narrow and tight with only a few torches lighting up the stones which surrounded them. She thrashed against the hold two of Hengist’s men had on her shoulders, a third standing behind her to make sure she doesn’t manage to escape. But nothing she did yielded any results. Not before the doors in front of them started to rise, and she soon realized where she was.

She was in the tunnel leading up into the cage of the banquet hall. She could hear the cheers and screams of the bandits long before she could see the cage itself. But once she did, she also saw another person trapped within it. Pushed inside by the men, she fell on her hands and knees next to him, and their eyes met, his horrified at the sight of her still there. Still trapped.

“You thought she got away. No. You failed her. And that must hurt you more than I will ever understand.” Hengist stood by the bars of the cage in front of them, taunting Lancelot while the men laughed all around him.

The two still within the cage made quick work of dragging Arwen over to Lancelot, her back now pressed against his as they tied their hands together with rope. Forced to remain like that, neither could move, neither could do anything in an attempt to save them. With each passing moment, this seemed more and more like the end.

“What do you say?! Shall I spare them?” Hengist asked as he walked over to his own table, standing on a podium above the rest of the men and looking down into the cage with a pleased look while all around him men chanted, encouraging the death and the kill.

“I am sorry. This is all my fault.” Arwen called out to him, turning her head as much as she could. She felt a tear slip down her cheek as she came to understand that there was no hope for them. Not only will she die, but she’d dragged him into it with her. She never should have put him at risk, no matter how much she wanted to escape.

“You have nothing to be sorry for. You reminded me of who I am. I will die with faith in my heart. That is worth more than anything.” Lancelot said in a firm tone, she could feel his hand take a hold of hers as they sat together, her head leaning back on his shoulder.

And then the familiar call came, Hengist barking the final instruction. And the door lifted again. The screeches of the wild and ugly beast can be heard over the chanting men as it jumped into the cage, right beside them. But first it focused on the screaming crowd, all cheering for their deaths.

Lancelot tried to move, but Arwen only gripped his hand tighter, shaking her head and hoping he takes the sign. She could remember reading about the creatures that were entirely blind, led only by their smell and hearing. But even if she’d managed to come up with a way to use it to their advantage, it was already too late

With Lancelot’s movements, the Wilddeoren’s attention turned on them and soon it began to stalk towards them. Both Arwen and Lancelot tried to scoot back, build a distance, and get further away from it as it snaps its jaws at them, making Arwen flinch back as it gets too close.

But before it could get too close, a man suddenly jumped into the cage, landing right between the Wilddeoren and Arwen, his sword slashing at the beast in an instant. And only when he removed the cloth covering his face did Arwen realize who it was. “Arthur!” She breathed out in surprise.

Using his sword, the prince cut the ties holding Arwen and Lancelot’s hands bound and neither of them hesitated in jumping to their feet. Lancelot eagerly accepted the sword that Arthur handed him before pulling Arwen to stand behind him while they fend off the Wilddeoren.

“What are you doing here, Lancelot?” Arthur called out the question, his voice rising above the bellowing crowd and beast alike as they stood shoulder to shoulder.

“I came to save Arwen. What about you?” The man who’d once been a knight replied simply, wondering the same thing as the blonde standing by his side.

“Likewise.” Arthur answered as they worked together on pushing the Wilddeoren back. “Get behind us.” He added, pushing Arwen further back as they retreated while slashing at the creature.

Arwen couldn’t help but roll her eyes at that. “Men.” She grumbled out before turning to the edge of the cage, her eyes scanning all the men crowded around it, searching for something in particular.

“For the right price, I might be willing to save a lass as pretty as you.” One of the men noticed her looking him over. And while he’d misread the situation, Arwen was still willing to make us of it.

“What about my price?” She stepped forward, standing right in front of him with a smirk on her face that made his own turn confused.

“Price?” He questioned in a curious voice, not even having a chance to react as Arwen’s arms reached through the bars, grabbing hold of the two daggers stashed at his waist and pulling them from their sheaths.

“These.” She announced proudly before stepping away before he could grab her and turning back. Stepping forward, she pushed in between Arthur and Lancelot despite their protests, throwing one of the daggers at the Wilddeoren and watching at it embedded itself in its shoulder, forcing it to cower back for a few moments.

“The tunnel, that's our only chance.” Arthur announced as he saw the opening in their path, his eyes searching through the crowd soon after until the fell upon the face he was looking for. “Merlin! Don't sit there cowering, let's go!”

They ignored Hengist’s call to his men to stop them. As soon as Merlin managed to make his way into the cage, they rushed for the tunnel just as the men began to open its doors, Hengist in the lead. “Take Arwen! I'll hold them off.” Lancelot instructed as they stood at the door of the tunnel.

“Enough with the sacrificial heroics!” Arwen grumbled out, pushing her way to the front even as Arthur tried to pull her back and get her to go. Instead, using the second dagger which remained in her hand, she slashed at the rope holding up the door of the tunnel, pulling her hand back just as it started to fall and trap Hengist and his crew, preventing them from following. “Now we all go.” She announced, this time letting Arthur pull on her arm as they began to run again.

They didn’t stop at any point, Arthur leading the way up until they were forced to as yet another barred crate blocked their path out of the tunnel. On the other side, they could see the dark night sky, and forest spreading out beyond the fortress. All they needed to do was break the locks holding it closed. And Arthur quickly got to work on it. Arwen took a moment to sit down on the ground as they waited, letting herself rest just a little.

“It’s good to see you both. Where are your knights?” Lancelot looked to Merlin and Arthur with a smile on his face, however, they didn’t return it as a look passed between the prince and his servant.

“It's just us.” Arwen, of course, understood what he meant by that. Uther had no idea they were here. He never would have allowed it. She wasn’t worth sparing the lives of his knights. “Got to keep moving.” The prince announced soon after, finally breaking the lock and managing to push the gate open.

Merlin was the first to rush out, standing on the other side as he waited for the rest to follow after him. Arwen too, started to rise to her feet when a hand appeared in front of her face, and with a smile, she let Lancelot help her the rest of the way. “Together.” He said, words quiet as his eyes shined happily.

“As promised.” She whispered back, smiling up at him as she gave his hand a tight squeeze. They were both getting out of here. Just as she hoped they would. With her hand still in his, Lancelot helped Arwen step over some of the rocks in her path before she too made her way out of the tunnel and into the crisp night air, the smile never leaving her face as she looked around.

“Hold on a second.” Merlin said before anyone else had a chance to keep moving. Not that they would have since Lancelot seemed to stop Arthur within the tunnel to tell him something. And Merlin used that short moment to throw his arms around his sister. “Never scare me like that again.”

“I’ll try not to.” Arwen let out a small laugh as she returned his embrace, pulling away once she spotted the other two men finally exiting the tunnel. “Come on, I’m eager to get away from this place.” She announced, and no one needed any persuading on the matter as they continued on their way, running and disappearing in the woods.

The sky had started to brighten as the sun teetered on the edge, about to rise by the time the group had decided they’d gotten far enough from Hengist’s fortress to get some rest and stop moving for at least a little bit. Arwen sat by her brother, leaning into his side while Merlin had an arm wrapped around her shoulders in an attempt to keep her warm.

“I'm surprised you would undertake such a rescue mission...with just the two of you.” Lancelot couldn’t help but comment while he used a broken off branch to stoke the fire burning in the centre of their camp, hoping to make it rise higher, so they’d all be warmer.

“My father would not risk the lives of his knights for a lowborn.” Arthur revealed after a few short moments passed in silence.

“And yet you disobeyed him and came here anyway.” Lancelot couldn’t help but point out, watching as Arthur’s eyes turned towards Arwen for just a moment, looking at her with something within them that the man easily recognized soon after. But it disappeared in the next moment as the prince spoke again.

“Truth is, I only came because Morgana begged me.”

Merlin could feel his sister tense at the revelation, and he couldn’t help but roll his eyes at it. So much for all they spoke of during their journey. One sign of something happening between Arwen and Lancelot, and Arthur had turned into a prat once again.

“I think I will get some rest.” Arwen announced a few seconds later, her voice terse as she rose to her feet, not wanting to stay around them any longer. And no one tried to stop her as she walked away from the fire and to a more secluded area of the camp before settling down on the ground against a tree. And after many sleepless nights and all she’d just been through; it wasn’t long before her eyes close on their own accord and sleep consumed her. Her last thoughts being of both Lancelot and Arthur, and which one may turn out to be the better choice between the two.

Arwen snapped awake, head rising quickly as she was woken by the sound of approaching footsteps. Only when she realized it was Merlin and not anyone else did she relax again, eyes looking around the camp which she soon realized was empty bar the two of them. “Where is everyone?” She asked her brother as she rose to her feet, ignoring the aching bones and muscles that protested against the action.

“Arthur’s gone to collect some water before we continue on to Camelot…” Merlin’s voice trailed off after that, not wanting to break the news of his conversation with Lancelot to his sister.

“And Lancelot?” Arwen questioned, noticing that her brother seemed to be holding something back. He could never hide things from her for long.

“He’s gone.” Merlin announced, spitting it out before he could stop himself or try and think of something else to say to lessen the blow.

“What do you mean gone? Gone where?” Arwen questioned, her head shaking as she refused to believe it was as he’d made it sound. He wouldn’t have just left. Not after all that had happened at the fortress between them. Not without saying goodbye at least.

“He said that some things can't be.” Merlin said in a regretful voice, hating having to watch as tears started to pool in his sister’s green eyes. “He wanted you to know that you've changed him forever.”

Arwen shook her head at that, letting out a short and humourless chuckle once Merlin finished. She did her best to stay calm, but as Merlin walked forward, wrapping her up in a comforting hug, Arwen couldn’t hold back the few tears which slipped down her cheeks as she closed her eyes. Because of that, she didn’t notice Arthur walk back into the camp. She didn’t see him watching the siblings or the heartbroken look in his eyes as he watched the pain Lancelot’s leaving caused Arwen.

And, not wanting her to see it either, Arthur soon composed his emotions before he spoke up. “We have a long walk ahead of us.” His words made Merlin and Arwen pull apart, the redhead wiping the remnants of her teas as she nodded her head. And so, their group, smaller by one now, continued on their way to Camelot.

Arwen was happy to be sitting in her own bed, in her own room within the physician’s chambers. She was happy to be home. And to be safe, surrounded by her two friends as they kept her company after insisting Gaius checks her over as soon as the trio had come back to Camelot.

“Are you sure you’re alright?” Gwen questioned, her voice still somewhat worried as she sat on one side of Arwen’s bed while Morgana occupied the other.

“I’m fine, I promise. Just a few bruises that will heal in no time.” Arwen sent a reassuring smile to both women before asking a question of her own. “How about you? How’s your leg?” She asked Guinevere.

“It’s better, don’t worry about me.” Gwen shook her head dismissively, the leg being nothing she couldn’t handle. And according to Gaius it would get better soon enough. She was fortunate to have an understanding mistress who let her take it easy with her duties while she recovered.

“We’re just so happy you’re okay. Thank you for what you did, I don’t know how I’ll ever repay you.” Morgana said, her voice not nearly as palpable with the gratitude she truly felt in that moment. But Arwen didn’t care about it either.

“You have nothing to repay me for.” She reassured her friend, taking Morgana’s hand into her own and giving it a tight squeeze.

“I do, and I promise I will.” Morgana said firmly, returning Arwen’s hold with equal force.

“Whatever you need. We’re both here.” Gwen promised. Perhaps she couldn’t repay Arwen in the same measure as Morgana, but she had all intention to do whatever she could. She’d saved their lives after all.

“Thank you, both of you.” Arwen said with a smile, reaching over and pulling the two of them into a tight hug. The three women help onto each other happily, staying like that until the door of the room opened and Merlin made his way inside.

“Sorry, I didn’t mean to interrupt.” He apologised once he’d noticed the moment he walked in on.

“It’s alright.” Morgana said as she started to get back to her feet, Gwen following after her. “We’ll let you get some rest.” She looked back to Arwen, sending her one last smile before she began heading for the door.

“I’m so glad you’re okay.” Guinevere gave Arwen’s hand one last squeeze before the two women walked out of the room together, leaving the Ambrosius siblings on their own again. And Merlin didn’t linger for too long before making his way over to where Morgana had been sitting only moments ago.

“How are you feeling?” He asked.

“Tired of everyone asking me that.” Arwen commented with a small smile, making her brother too chuckle at the statement.

“I meant about… everything else?” He pointed out. Arwen hadn’t told Morgana and Gwen about Lancelot or all that was shared between them during her captivity. After all, it was not a happy ending, so why ruin the happy moment they were sharing?

“How am I supposed to be Merlin? Sit here heartbroken and sad?” Arwen questioned with a raised eyebrow before giving a small shake of her head. “Lancelot made his choice. And… I don’t understand it, I really don’t, but there’s nothing I can do about it now.”

“And Arthur?” Merlin couldn’t help but ask. He’d heard the prince’s side of the story, what Arthur himself felt and tried to hide. But he couldn’t stop wondering about Arwen’s.

“What about him?”

“He lied, you know?” Merlin said, knowing she should know the truth. “When he said he only came because of Morgana. He was packing the moment he was out of his father’s sights. He was so worried about you. And the things he said…” Even though the prince had threatened him never to repeat it, Merlin would never hide such things from his sister.

“It doesn’t matter what he said.” However, before he could actually tell her, Arwen interrupted him with ease, making Merlin’s brows furrow as he struggled to understand why.

“Why not? Unlike Arthur, you and I both know your birth right isn’t something standing in the way.” He pointed out what he’d been thinking throughout all of his time with Arthur.

“But it is.” Arwen said with a sad smile appearing on her lips. “My birth right is kingdom slaughtered by the hand of a Pendragon. Arthur and I? We were born to be enemies. And that isn’t what I want us to be, but…” She trailed off, knowing just how unsure the future was.

“You’re going to do something about it?” This was the first time he found himself talking to her about this. The first time he was starting to realize she actually wanted to do something to take back her kingdom.

“I have to. With time, the land will start to flourish again, the crops will grow, the magic will return, it’ll all come alive again. And people will know I’m alive. Those who need what it once was will flock back.” Arwen started to explain all that she’d been thinking about lately. “I need to do it for them. For people like the druids, and Morgana… and you.” She took a hold of his hand, because truly, he was the main reason she wanted to do it.

All those times when she wished there was a safe place for him. One where he could be himself without the need to hide or the danger of being exposed. Prairene was that place. And it was up to her to create it again. “I know your destiny is tied to Arthur’s, and I promise, I won’t try to put it at risk-“

“You’re my sister.” Merlin interrupted her quickly. “It doesn’t matter if it’s written down as some grand prophecy or not, it’s tied to yours too.” He promised. Because no matter what happened, she was the one person he could never turn against.

“I’m so lucky to have you as my brother.” Arwen said as she sent him a small smile, her words making Merlin pull her into a tight hug.

“I’m the lucky one.” And he truly was.

Chapter Text

On a particularly sunny morning, Arwen could be found collecting things into her basket, ointments, medicine, and ingredients alike. She was nearly ready to do her rounds and distribute the needed medicine among the lords and ladies within the palace. She didn’t leave, however, before Merlin walked into the main room of the physicians’ chambers from the bedroom, grumbling about Gaius waking him so early on one of his rare mornings off.

“Why can’t you bother Arwen to carry around your pots?” He questioned Gaius while pulling on his jacket, the expression on his face showing just how displeased he was with having more chores pushed on him.

“Because Arwen is no longer an apprentice, but a physician. She has her own duties and patients to tend to.” Gaius reminded, his words making Arwen laugh as she walked towards her brother.

“Hear that Merlin? I’m a big important physician.” She teased him, her hand reaching up and messing with his hair, making him glare towards her as he let out a few silent curses.

“Doesn’t mean you can’t collect pots.” He finally retaliated.

“Oh, poor Merlin.” Arwen pouted at him mockingly, her voice sounding as if she were speaking to a baby. “Are the pots too heavy for you? Do you need the help of a girl?” She continued to question, doing her best not to burst out laughing while Gaius watched the two with an amused smile on his own face.

“If you wish to escape her taunts, I am ready to leave.” The older physician announced to the boy, who by this point, eagerly headed for the door. Pots were better than his sister, it would seem. The speed at which he walked out had both Gaius and Arwen laughing at him as the former followed leaving Arwen alone in the chambers again. She made quick work of collecting the last of her things before she too made her way out into the castle.

Much of her morning was taken up with new and old patients alike, checking on those with chronic conditions as well as a few cases of fever that had spread among the palace staff, luckily, none were too serious. By the time she was done, she realized she’d been quicker than she expected and decided to use the time she had to spare to go and pay a visit to her friend.

Arwen made her way through the halls to the Lady Morgana’s chambers, about to knock on the door once she reached it only for it to open before she could. Standing on the other side, balancing a basket of laundry on her hip, Gwen gave a small jump at the sight of Arwen. “Oh lord, you scared me.” The maid scolded, but the smile on her face made it clear she wasn’t too bothered. “I take it you’re here to see Morgana?”

“Well, the both of you really. But I won’t keep you if you have more pressing matters.” Arwen answered her friend’s questions, making Gwen give out a small breath of relief.

“I forgot about these yesterday. Hopefully Esme at the kitchens won’t scold me too badly.” She revealed to Arwen honestly, making the redhead laugh in amusement. “Go on in, you can keep Morgana company while I’m away.”

“I’d be my pleasure.” Arwen said with a smile, adding a promise that she and Gwen too would have to find some spare time for themselves as she held the door for the woman open so she could exit without struggling too much due to the basket in her hands.

“You picked the perfect time. Make sure to close the door.” Morgana greeted her friend with a pleased smile, making Arwen’s brows furrow but she did as she was told before making her way further into the room.

“Why? What’s happening?” She asked curiously, standing at the table as she watched Morgana walk over to one of the cupboards on the other side of the room after snagging a key from her bedside table.

“I managed to get some more books from the library for you.” The lady announced. Ever since Arwen had shared her secret with Morgana, she had tried to get some of the restricted books about Prairene for her, knowing that she could ask Geoffrey for them, and he wouldn’t mind sharing them with her. Especially not after she spun a story that after her ordeal with the druids she wanted to learn more about the dangers of magic that were out there. It was a lie, but still, the books were of help to both her and Arwen alike.

“Thank you so much.” Arwen said, unable to hold back a small smile as she set her own basket on the table before walking over to join Morgana’s side. “You really don’t have to do this. I wouldn’t want you to get into any trouble.”

“Nonsense. Geoffrey didn’t even bat an eye when he handed them to me.” Morgana reassured her as the locked drawer opened, allowing her to reach her hand inside and pull out two leather bound books. “This one is about Alfred the Great, he was a Druid who helped the original settlers build much of Prairene, including the city and its palace.” She explained as she handed them to Arwen. “And this one is about the history of the Baudissan line, from the first rulers who gave their magic to create it up to… Up to your parents.”

The physician stared down at the larger of the two books, the second one that Morgana had given her. The leather cover, a fading brown colour, showed off a familiar crest, the name of the family line engraved and painted in gold letters below it. “Thank you.” She breathed out, unsure of what else to say as she held on to both.

“Don’t thank me. After all you’ve done, it’s the least I can do.” Morgana reassured her friend, giving her arm a tight squeeze as the two smiled at each other. However, soon after, Morgana continued on, feeling the need to point out one more detail about the books she’d managed to get. “The second book, it includes names of people on each King and Queen’s court. Some of the names from your father’s advisors… You might want to take a look.”

“What do you mean?” Arwen’s brows furrowed as she began to flip through the pages of the book until she reached the last names that filled it out. She pushed her curiosity about everything that was written to the side, focusing solely on the part Morgana spoke of. Her eyes scanned through the names, and at first none stood out to her. But then she took a second look. And soon enough, she recognized one.

A sudden knock on the door had both women jumping to attention, Arwen quickly closing the book and hiding them behind her back while Morgana quickly shut the drawer of her cupboard before calling out a summons. In walked a guard, eyes scanning around the room until they fell on the two of them.

“My Lady, Arwen, the King requests your presence in the council chambers.”

Knowing they had to heed the King’s call, Arwen did her best to push thoughts of what she’d just read from her mind. But, as she and Morgana started to head out of the room, Arwen placing the books in her basket and covering them with some towels, she couldn’t help but think of it still.

She couldn’t help but think of the man she’d met so long ago. On the week of Arthur’s coronation as Crown Prince of Camelot. And knowing what she knew now, suddenly, much of her interactions with the man began to make sense. For so long, Arwen had no clue where to start what she wanted to do and accomplish, but now… now she might know where she might find some help with it. Lord Geoffrey Warren…

Arwen stood by Merlin and Gaius’ side as members of the council, the knights and the entire royal family gathered in the council chambers to welcome the guests which had recently arrived to Camelot. Both Uther and Arthur were quick to stand to their feet as the doors opened and two people made their way into the chambers. A woman walked at the front, followed closely behind by a man in a tattered cloak, clearly her servant.

“Lady Catrina, is it really you?” The King spoke in greeting, stepping forward to properly welcome the woman now that she stood before him and his son.

“I can hardly believe it myself.” Lady Catrina said, her voice exhausted as she looked up at the king, seeming relieved to finally be here, within the safety of Camelot.

“We had tidings from the north that the House of Tregor had fallen to invaders.” Uther shared, and Arwen could easily remember the meeting of the council from not too long ago when the messenger with the news arrived. It was news which seemed to weigh heavily on Uther at the time.

“All that you heard was true, My Lord, and worse.” The Lady nodded her head in a saddened manner, Uther quick to inquire about the state of her father, his own close friend. “Gone, Sire. The enemy attacked without warning. We were outnumbered five to one. He could not endure. I would never have survived had it not been for my faithful servant Jonas. But we did survive, and we have made it this far...”

Lady Catrina’s voice trailed off as she grew more exhausted simply as she spoke of all that she’d endured. In the next moment, she seemed to lose balance, swooning and making many jump forward, but ultimately it was Uther who was closest and managed to catch her before she fell. “Forgive me, My Lord. I fear my trials have taken a toll.”

“Your sufferings are beyond imagining, My Lady. It would be an honour to help you in any way we can.” Uther announced in a sympathetic tone, extending him services without hesitation.

“A bed for the night would be most welcome.”

“And consider yourselves our esteemed guests. It's the least we can do.”

It wasn’t long after that everyone is once more dismissed from the council chamber, the king demanding their new guests are given time to properly rest and recuperate. Exiting the council chambers, Arwen found herself walking alongside her brother and Gaius as they made their way back to the Physician’s chambers.

“She’s very brave.” Merlin was the first to speak up and break the silence which had fallen over them. Looking to her side where both men walked, Arwen couldn’t help but notice the distant look on Gaius’ face as he barely acknowledged Merlin’s words.

“It's just terrible what she's been through.” Arwen offered up more of a response, certainly agreeing with her brother. She was thinking of suggesting she and Gaius go by at some point in the day, simply to check on the woman and her servant and make sure they were fine aside from the exhaustion.

“Terrible, indeed.” Gaius muttered out, once again, his voice aloof and distant. And this time, Merlin caught on to it too.

“What's wrong?” He questioned, eyes turning to Gaius curiously as both he and Arwen anticipated an answer.

“Nothing…” Gaius said vaguely, making the siblings share a look between themselves. One that clearly communicated neither of them believed him. Not even for a second.

“You don’t seem like-“ Arwen started to say something in an attempt to get Gaius to come clean, however, before she could finish, a voice called out from the other end of the hall.

“Merlin!” The sound of Arthur’s voice had all three of them turning back to look at the prince. “Job for you.” He announced once he was sure he had his servant’s attention, disappearing soon after as he expected his servant to follow.

Merlin sent one last look to his two companions, the smile on his face obviously fake and anything but amused or happy. “Work, work, work.” He muttered in annoyance before finally running off down the hall through which Arthur had disappeared, leaving Arwen and Gaius to continue on their way.

“So… Do you want to tell me what’s troubling you?” Just because her brother had gone, didn’t mean Arwen wouldn’t continue their previous conversation.

“No. Not yet. Not until I’m sure.” Gaius, knowing he couldn’t continue pretending it was nothing, simply answered. He didn’t want to make any accusations or even ask any questions until he was sure his suspicions weren’t misplaced.

“But you will tell me?” Arwen asked, eyebrow raised as she looked over at him. It was safe to say that the trust between the two was still somewhat rocky. And the idea of Gaius continuing to keep secrets didn’t sit well with her.

But her question finally seemed to do the trick, making Gaius snap out of his own head long enough to finally look over at her as he nodded his head. “Yes, I will tell you when I know more.” He promised, making Arwen nod her own head, accepting the answer for now. “Now come, I have remedies to prepare, and I am sure you do too.”

“Oh, that reminds me. Lady Allatair is going to need a new dose of the cream we make for her aching joints and we’re running out of some of the ingredients.” Arwen pointed out, remembering the mental note that she’d made earlier in the day while doing her rounds.

“Then add taking stock to our list of duties too.” Gaius nodded his head in agreement, knowing that they’d been running low on some important resources as of late.

“Think we can send Merlin to the markets?” Arwen asked hopefully.

“So he can bring us dandelion root instead of beetroot?” Gaius raised an eyebrow at her, making the redhead let out a small laugh, amused at the fact that they were teasing Merlin even when he wasn’t with them. Some habits were just too hard to break.

By now, night had fallen over Camelot and after a productive afternoon, Arwen was checking a few final things as she looked over the list of supplies she’d need to get from the market the next day. While she was busy with that, Gaius stood at the table, preparing a potion for another one of his patients. Merlin, finally done with his grumbling about it, helped by cleaning up after dinner.

“There's something really different about the Lady Catrina.” The boy announced once his task was done, coming to a seat at the table bench while Gaius and Arwen both looked away from their own jobs, sharing a curious look at the tone of his voice. “Most of Uther's guests just treat me like I'm dirt in their shoes, but she was really nice, even after all she's been through.”

“Yes. She always was very gracious.” Gaius nodded his head in agreement, making both the siblings send him surprised looks.

“You've met her before?” Arwen asked. She instantly remembered Gaius’ previous aloof behaviour after the council meeting and Lady Catrina’s arrival. She thought that, perhaps, it may have had something to do with his former memories of her.

“Oh, it was many years ago. I doubt that she would remember.” Gaius explained as he capped the bottle in which he’d poured the potion he spent the afternoon making. “Now, Merlin, I've got a job for you.” He announced, turning to the boy.

“Does it ever end?” Merlin sent Arwen a ‘You see what I have to deal with?’ look that made the redhead laugh while he slowly got up from his seat, taking the potion from Gaius’ hands.

“Give this to the Lady Catrina with my compliments.” The physician instructed simply. And rather secretively.

“What is it?” Merlin, ever the one to stick his nose into things, asked only a second after it was in his hands.

“She'll know what it is.” Gaius reassured.

And, of course, that wasn’t answer enough for Merlin. “But what is it?”

“You know, Merlin, a physician’s job comes with a certain level of secrecy. Our patients’ health is not everyone’s business.” Arwen pointed out. If they went around sharing every type of patient they tended to and what ailed them, they’d never have anyone’s trust around Camelot.

“Okay, okay. I get it.” Merlin gave up once he realized he wouldn’t get his answers and made his way to the door instead. The sooner he finished this job, the sooner he could get to bed.

“So…” Arwen spoke up once the door closed behind her brother, eyes turning back to Gaius. “What is it?” That earned her a less than impressed look from the physician. “What? I’m your co-worker, I’m meant to know these things. What if the Lady Catrina needs more of it made while you’re unavailable? How would it look if I told her I didn’t know how to make it? Or even what she needed? I’m certain that is not what Uther intended when he proclaimed her an honoured guest.” She pointed out.

“You’re as bad as your brother, do you know that?” Gaius asked, obviously deflecting from the question. But for now, Arwen let him as a small smile came over her face at the thought.

“A few people have pointed it out through the years.” She nodded her head shamelessly. Could they be annoying? Yes. But it got things done. So, really… How bad could they truly be?

“I’ll explain when Merlin is back.” Gaius announced, making Arwen let out a small groan.

“Oh, you’re no fun. Merlin’s as slow as a snail.” She muttered out, making the physician shake his head at her and her impatience.

Alright, perhaps that was a bit of an over exaggeration. It really didn’t take Merlin that long to get back again. Although, his announcement when he did, came as quite a surprise to Arwen. “She didn’t ask for it. She didn’t need it. She didn’t even want it.” Merlin proclaimed as he placed the bottle back on the table in front of Gaius.

“Interesting.” Gaius muttered ominously, making Arwen through her hands up into the air. Were they ever going to get to actually talking about whatever it was that he was thinking?

“If you say so.” Merlin muttered with furrowed brows.

“You said you’d explain once Merlin was back. What did you think she needed it for?” Arwen asked, putting her list on the table as she moved over to take a seat on the bench, fixing Gaius with a questioning look.

“When I treated her as a child, it was for an incurable disease.” Gaius revealed, finally sharing what he’d been thinking all day. “Catrina had a rare bone disorder affecting her joints. She often had difficulty walking, especially after a long ride. My tonic was the only thing that brought her relief.”

“She walks as well as you or I.” Merlin pointed out. And while he himself was confused, Arwen quickly began to catch on to Gaius’ train of thought. Incurable diseases were called incurable for a reason. One does not simply recover from them as they grow older.

“So I noticed.”

“So… the tonic was some kind of test?” Merlin asked, connecting the pieces as he glanced back down to the bottle of red liquid.

“And that’s what had you all thoughtful after the council chamber meeting.” Arwen concluded, not even posing it as a question, she was certain of it. And happy to finally understand what his behaviour was caused by.

“Indeed. I'm starting to wonder if the Lady Catrina is really the Lady Catrina at all.” Gaius shared, making Merlin and Arwen share wary looks between themselves.

“Oh, why do I not like the sound of that query?” Arwen couldn’t help but groan out, running her hand through her air as she took in a heavy breath. She needed a vacation.

The next morning, Arwen walked back to the palace after her trip to the markets, basket heavy with all the ingredients she’d had to buy. Once they dove into the task of taking inventory, Gaius and she had realized they were missing more ingredients than they anticipated. The weight in her hands now made Arwen eager to get back to the physician’s chambers and set it down again.

However, she wasn’t close enough to it yet. And so, she decided to take a short break once she spotted her brother in the courtyard in front of the palace, standing by one of the horses as he brushed its mane. “Hello, brother. How’s your morning been so far?” Arwen asked as she approached him, her voice curious. She knew that Merlin had intended to search the Lady Catrina’s rooms. Something she didn’t yet how the outcome of.

Merlin, understanding what she was asking about, spoke in a low voice once she got close enough. “I’m not sure yet. I did what-“ He didn’t get to finish what he had to say though. Not before a third voice joined in and cut him off.

“Merlin, need I remind you you’re here to work? Not socialise.” The prince scolded his manservant as he appeared standing on the other side of the horse, his blue eyes sending Merlin a small glare.

“I am working.” Merlin pointed out, shaking his shoulders dramatically to show he was actually tending to the horse. Although, the animal was making it somewhat more difficult than usual as it placed all of its focus on Arwen and the apple she was feeding it.

“Arwen.” Arthur finally looked to her, his head nodding in a small form of greeting.

“My lord. I’m sorry for disturbing Merlin during his duties. I simply needed a break and struck up a conversation.” Arwen sent him a small smile, pointing down to the basket at their feet as she apologized.

“It’s alright. No harm done.” Merlin had to roll his eyes at the shift in Arthur’s demeanour. The two couldn’t get any more obvious. Although, at least he was grateful that they were now past the stage during which they’d simply turn away down random hallways of the palace when they saw the other coming towards them.

Sadly, before he could tease either one of them about any of it, all three had their attention taken by the sound of hooves hitting against the stone of the courtyard as Uther and the Lady Catrina returned from their picnic beyond the city walls. Uther was quick to jump from his saddle once he brought the horse to a stop, going over to Catrina’s to help her climb down too. The two continued giggling together all the while doing it.

“Honestly. Look at them.” Arthur’s voice came out in an unimpressed tone as he watched his father act like a lovesick fool. It was a highly unusual sight, that was for sure.

There were multiple comments and teasing jabs that came to Merlin’s mind at Arthur’s words. Things to say about Arthur commenting on his father’s behaviour with Catrina while his own with Arwen was less than subtle. But instead, he chose to use this moment to test Arthur’s opinions of what was happening and the woman herself. “Don't you think it's odd how quickly they've become close?”

“There's nothing odd about that. My father's a wealthy and powerful man.” Arthur pointed out in a somewhat suspicious tone, but that alone was answer enough. He perhaps didn’t think Catrina’s presence as court was as dire or dangerous as Gaius, but he still didn’t trust her motives.

“I should get back to the physician’s chambers. Gaius will be waiting for me.” Arwen announced a few moments later. While she was glad to know where Arthur stood, she wanted to get away from this conversation before the risk of it turning to topics that might make it all rather awkward were brought up.

“Of course, sorry to keep you.” Arthur’s eyes instantly turned away from his father and back towards her. Arwen was ready to remind him she was the one who stopped of her own accord, but he spoke again before she could, his words now directed at Merlin. “Help your sister carry the basket and then meet me in my chambers once you’re done.” With the instructions give, Arthur turned and walked away, following after his father before Merlin could protest.

Surprisingly enough, he didn’t even when Arthur was gone. Instead, the servant turned to his sister with a pleased look on his face. “Good, I have things to tell you.” He announced, making Arwen raise an eyebrow curiously.

“Things?” She questioned as the two of them leaned down, each taking hold of the basket handle on their own ends before they began carrying it together and moving back towards the palace.

At least until Merlin stopped again, forcing Arwen to do the same and giving him a chance to lean closer, whispering so only she could hear him. “Things about Jonas and how he has a tail.”

The statement had Arwen’s eyes widening in surprise, unsure of what to say or how to react even. Yelling ‘Jonas has a tail?!’ didn’t seem like the right reaction in such a public place, so she forced herself to keep it in. But it certainly was what she wanted to say in that particular moment. Because… What in the world were they dealing with this time?

Arwen couldn’t stop it. Despite Merlin’s glare. Gaius somehow managed it, even if he did have an amused smile painted across his own face. But Arwen… She simply couldn’t stop herself from bursting out laughing once Merlin’s story finished. And it was the part that included Arthur that had her wheezing in an attempt to catch her breath.

“Arthur just thinks I’m a pervert. You know I’m not!” The boy exclaimed in an exasperated tone, but his words only made Arwen’s laughter increase. “Can we please get back to what’s important here? Like the Lady Catrina being a troll?” He questioned, reminding his sister that the main part of his story wasn’t Arthur catching him spying on the woman by hanging a mirror out the window of his chambers.

“Oh, yes, yes. Sorry.” Arwen nodded her head, trying to turn completely serious again. And yet a few more giggles escaped her no matter how hard she tried to keep them in. The sound prompted Gaius to be the first to speak up.

“What you saw is seldom seen, Merlin.” The older physician shared. “Trolls despise all other living things, especially humans. They prefer to lurk in the darkness of their nests, feasting on rotten filth.”

“And Jonas? Is he a troll too?” Merlin asked curiously. While that morning he’d been somewhat hesitant to believe he’d actually seen a tail hidden beneath the coats of Lady Catrina’s servant, after what he saw tonight… it wasn’t that hard to believe anymore.

“Do trolls have tails?” Arwen asked. Her curiosity had her rising to her feet and moving towards some of the shelves, her eyes now scanning the spines and titles of the books in hopes of finding something that could provide them more information on the creature they were dealing with.

“Who can tell what manner of creature he is.” Gaius shook his head, believing it best not to make such assumptions before they were sure. It could result in damaging consequences if they misjudged the man.

“It makes no sense. If trolls like to lurk in their caves so much, what's this one doing in Camelot?” Merlin asked. If they wanted to stop her plan, they had to actually figure out what it was.

“Trolls are greedy. Lady Catrina's like the rest of her kind; she lusts after wealth and power.” Gaius explained what he knew of the creatures. And it was those words that made Arwen stop sifting through the shelves and look back towards the two men.

“And what’s the best way to get some? Or better said, who?” She questioned in a pointed tone, realization dawning on her face as she connected the dots.

“Uther.” Merlin breathed out as he came to the same conclusion. Just earlier in the day he’d been commenting on how odd it was that the bond between the king and Lady Catrina seemed so instant and quick.

“We've reached the point of no return.” Gaius quickly rose from his seat as he spoke. “Uther has to be told.” The announcement had Merlin and Arwen sharing somewhat hesitant looks between themselves before both looked back to Gaius again.

“You're going to tell Uther that his lady friend's a troll?” The highly dubious tone in which Merlin asked the question made his stance on it quite clear. He was more than capable of imagining the possible catastrophe that conversation might turn out to be.

“That's exactly what I'm going to do.” Gaius announced confidently, already heading for the door.

“Good luck.” Merlin puffed out with a shake of his head. And it was that that made Gaius pause a moment, his hand on the door as he realized what he was about to do.

“Thank you, Merlin.” He finally said, pulling the door open before he had a chance to second guess his decision or back out of it. Uther needed to be made aware. Even if he didn’t believe it or didn’t react well.

“That…” Arwen wasn’t sure which words to use to describe Gaius’ predicament once he was gone and out the door.

“Is not going to go well?” Merlin finished for her.

“Nope.”

Arwen was hard at work, preparing some tinctures and potions after their supplies had been replenished. For a good part of the morning, she’d been working alongside Gaius, however, not too long ago a guard had come to announce he’d been summoned by the King. And she can’t help but worry a little, knowing how badly his first attempt at warning Uther of Catrina’s true identity had gone

“He wouldn’t throw him in the cells now, right? After the fact? I mean, it has to be about something else.” She spoke in a concerned tone, eyes looking away from her pot and to her brother.

“I’m sure he’s fine.” Merlin reassured her. And, as if the universe had planned and timed it all perfectly, just as Merlin’s words finished, the door of the physicians’ chambers opened, and Gaius walked back inside.

“What happened? Why did Uther call on you?” Arwen questioned instantly.

“Was it about Lady Catrina again? Did he come to his senses?” Merlin couldn’t help but hope that the answer to his questions would be a resounding yes. It would be nice if their problems were so easily solved for once.

“I’m afraid you were right, Merlin. I can tell him she's a troll until I'm blue in the face, he simply won't listen. He sees a charming, beautiful woman.” Alas, nothing was ever that easy.

“Yeah, with a body like a tree trunk.” Merlin muttered in a displeased tone.

“But we only know that because you saw her in the troll form.” Gaius reminded him quickly.

“So, what do we do?” Merlin asked. If Uther didn’t believe them then they had to find a way to prove it. Or go to Arthur. Although Merlin doubted the prince would find it a very convincing story either.

“Trolls were allowed to live and find shelter in Prairene. I’m sure there were some kinds of rules or ways to avoid their deceptions.” Arwen suggested, remembering that she’d read about all of the magical creatures that had once called the land home. Trolls were on that list.

“There were. But we might not have time to search for their ways, I’m afraid.” Gaius knew her idea was the safest course of action, but it could turn out to be a rather long one. “We must open Uther's eyes, show her for what she really is. The sooner the better.”

“Using magic?” Merlin was unable to hide his surprise as he realized what Gaius was suggesting.

“It's the only way to reveal her true form.” Gaius knew enough about the creatures, especially after reading up a bit more in the past few days. There was nothing else for them to do if they wanted to put an end to this before the consequences became apparent.

“But she never leaves his side.” Merlin pointed out the flaw in the idea. “You want me to use magic in front of the King?”

“Yes, Merlin, I do.” Gaius didn’t even hesitate with his response, and Arwen couldn’t stop the glare from appearing in her eyes.

“He can’t. If he’s caught, Uther won’t care if he’s used it for good reason. He’ll have him executed.” She exclaimed. Uther didn’t care whether one used magic for good or bad, he saw all of it as evil. His paranoid mind wouldn’t even entertain the thought of sparing Merlin because he’d helped.

“I'm sorry. I know how dangerous this is, but we cannot allow it to gain any further control over the King. Who knows what the consequences might be?” Gaius spoke his mind, and Arwen was more than ready to continue fighting him on it.

Merlin could see it too. Which was why he spoke up before his sister had the chance to. “Just one problem. I know nothing about troll magic.” He pointed out, showing that he might be willing to take the risk, but he had to be ready and know what to do.

Arwen shook her head, clearly displeased with his decision. But she knew Merlin could make his own choices. So she let him. If something happened, she’d be right there to help him out of it. “Then we best find something.” She said, and with that, all three of them got to work. A long night ahead of them as they searched for a way to defeat their newest foe.

Arwen, Merlin, and Gaius stood together in the council chambers, sharing wary looks between themselves as they debated the cause for Uther’s sudden summons. Everyone was there. Members of the council and nobility who lived within the castle, Morgana, and Arthur too. Anyone of importance had been summoned.

And the lack of information as to why was already worrisome enough, only to be made worse as the doors of the council chambers opened, and Uther finally walked inside. The Lady Catrina on his arm. The two made their way to the front of the chamber, never separating or parting, not even as Uther began to address everyone gathered before him.

“Thank you all for coming. You are, no doubt, wondering why I have gathered you here today. Though we live in dark times, today I bring you light, and love.” Confused and curious looks passed among everyone gathered, but Gaius, Arwen and Merlin grow worried at the words unlike the rest. “It gives me greatest pleasure to inform you that the Houses of Tregor and Pendragon are to be united in the closest bond of all. I am to marry Lady Catrina of Tregor.”

“Why do I feel like we’re ending up in the cells if we ever mention a troll again?” Arwen whispered to her brother and Gaius while Uther listened to something Catrina said in his ear, to silent for any of them to hear.

“I am to marry Lady Catrina tomorrow.” Uther quickly corrected himself, and this time, shock was the more prominent reaction among the people. But no one dared ask any questions as Uther continued on with his little speech.

Arwen tuned him out, her thoughts starting to wonder. She couldn’t help her own suspicions, curious about what she’d observed in the moments before. How was it that Catrina had so much power over him? She could bark an instruction so simply and he followed it a second later. Arwen couldn’t help but suspect that this seemed like more than just the behaviour of a fool in love.

The thoughts were soon pushed to the back of her mind as she noticed Merlin moving away from her side, stepping back and further into the shadows. Both Arwen and Gaius reacted to it instantly, moving to stand closer together and provide at least a little bit of cover as her brother’s whispering voice reached their ears, the chanting of magic slipping out as quietly as possible.

“I could not hope to have made a better match.” As Uther continued with his talking, Arwen focused on Catrina. And because of that, it was impossible to miss the moment her smile suddenly fell, replaced with a serious expression as she began to look around the room. Arwen could see a small tinge of panic in her eyes and that was how she knew Merlin’s spell was working. “I hope you will all share in our joy.”

Applause spread over the council and all of its members, others following suit quickly despite the shock they all felt. And Catrina used it to her advantage. The first chance she had, she pulled on Uther’s arm as he thanked his people, a wide smile on his face while he began to follow where she was leading him. And they were gone long before anyone could even approach them for a proper congratulations. Perhaps Merlin’s plan didn’t succeed this time, but he’d managed to do something. They just had to keep trying. Before it was too late.

After Merlin’s plan to use the spell of revelation on Catrina had failed, he decided it was time to involve someone else, someone who might be able to get through to the King. He’d gone to see Arthur and tell him all that they knew. That was last night. And for a whole night, Arwen had waited for her brother to return. Only it never happened.

Which was why she was now bursting through the doors of the prince’s chambers, not caring that there was a wedding to get to and not caring about propriety. But before she spoke up and asked him all of the questions she had on her mind; Arthur spoke first once he spotted her.

“Arwen, I was hoping you’d be my incompetent servant. Tell me, what is more important this morning that he couldn’t be here to help me prepare for my own father’s wedding?” Arthur questioned, his tone annoyed.

“What…” Arwen though, found herself confused by the question. “You were expecting him to help you?” She came to him because she’d thought Arthur may have done something when Merlin went rambling on about Catrina being a troll. Thrown him in the cells only to put him in the stocks in the morning, or piled on a whole night of chores as punishment. She hadn’t expected the prince to be as clueless to her brother’s whereabouts as she.

“It is his job.” Arthur reminded as he fastened some buttons of his ceremonial jacket.

“Did he ever come and see you last night?” If Arthur didn’t know where he was, then she had to find out. The sooner the better. Because something must’ve happened. She just couldn’t be sure if it happened before or after he came to see the prince.

“Yes, it was rather amusing the way he kept insulting Catrina because he thought it was what I’d want to hear.” Arthur laughed again at the memory as he began to head for the door once he was ready. “Come, we have a wedding to get to. And then we can get to the bottom of where your brother’s disappeared.”

Arwen, knowing she couldn’t keep him form going, reluctantly followed after him, walking through the halls towards the throne room by his side. But just because they were out of his chambers didn’t mean she was done with her questions. “Insulting?” She checked, wanting to know exactly what Merlin had said and done before she chose on how to proceed herself.

“He…” Arthur hesitated instead of continuing, looking around until he made sure no one would overhear him once he lowered his voice and leaned down closer to her. “He called her a troll. Can you believe it?” He pulled away again, laughing merrily. Truly, he appreciated Merlin’s loyalty, even if it was displayed in a misguided way.

“You fool.” Arwen shook her head in disbelief, not even bothering to hide her reaction that made the prince now grow confused as he looked down at her once they came to a stop in front of the doors of the throne room, people moving around them as they made their way inside eagerly. “One day, you’re going to think to yourself and realize how many times you should have listened when someone tells you something.”

Arwen really was doing her best not to raise her voice at the prince, wanting to avoid a scene. And it wouldn’t be helpful if she gave into her urge to smack him on the back of his head either. So, it was rather lucky when Gaius appeared by her side and managed a small distraction.

“Any news on Merlin?” The physician asked after greeting the prince, eyes questioningly turning to Arwen who shook her head in denial. “Well, we must go in. We’re already on thin ice with Uther, we don’t want him to misinterpret our absence.” Gaius warned, knowing that she would much rather go on searching for him. But they couldn’t.

“Why are you on thin ice with my father?” Arthur questioned before the two could walk away from him while he was supposed to wait there for his father. He didn’t know of any tensions between the physicians and the king.

Arwen’s restraint, while often abundant, wasn’t powerful enough to keep her from rolling her eyes this time as she turned to the prince again. “Because Gaius tried to warn him his new bride is a troll. Not as a metaphor or insult, an actual, vile, ugly, stinking, greedy, power-hungry troll.” She said in a low volume, allowing only him and Gaius to hear her. “Enjoy your new stepmother Arthur, and don’t worry, we’ll find a way to solve the problem as we always do.”

With her little scolding finished, Arwen took Gaius’ arm and started to walk in the direction of the throne room, leaving Arthur to stare after the two physicians as they disappeared among the masses. The confused look on his face was a sight to behold, and perhaps would have made Arwen laugh had she looked back at him. But she didn’t.

They had more pressing issues to deal with. Her missing brother now on top of the fact that it was time for the wedding. It was time for the King od Camelot to marry a troll. If she weren’t endangering the kingdom, Arwen supposed it would be a rather funny situation. Alas, their trouble would only grow now.

Chapter Text

While Merlin had resurfaced during the wedding, by the time he arrived it was much too late. Arwen had to admit, she was relieved to have her brother back and safe, sure that he was fine after too much time spent worrying. Even if it did mean that Camelot woke the next morning with a new Queen.

It certainly made matters more difficult, but until they were sure on how to handle the situation, they were forced to resume their lives as they were. Which was why she and Gaius were back to their duties as physicians, discussing all that they had to do during the day.

“I’ll make an extra stop to deliver Lord Morrigan’s potion, since we’ve already made it. And then I’ll come back so we can-“ She was cut off in the middle of her sentence as the door to the physicians’ chambers burst open, Leon and a few other guards rushing inside as they began to search the place. “What in the world is going on, Leon?”

Instead of answering her question, Leon asked one of his own. “Where's Merlin?” He fixed both physicians with a questioning gaze even as confused and curious looks spread over their faces.

“Where he always is at this time: working for Arthur. What's this about?” Gaius repeated Arwen’s inquiry, raising an eyebrow at the knights now rustling about. After all, there weren’t that many places where Merlin could be hidden around here.

“We've come to arrest him, by order of the King.”

“I’m sorry, what? What for?!” Arwen questioned in disbelief before Leon even properly gave his reasons. Perhaps he would have continued to explain why if she hadn’t interrupted, but she couldn’t control it.

And that fact was what made Leon slightly more hesitant to continue. “Theft.” He announced, watching as a highly dubious look mixed with the anger which was already painted across Arwen’s face. “The Queen has accused him of stealing from her.”

“I swear to…” Arwen stopped herself before she could continue, taking in a deep breath. And then a few more. In and out. She remined herself to say nothing in the presence of the guards. The last thing she needed was to be accused of treason and arrested too.

“Arwen, you shouldn’t-“ Leon tried to say something, hoping to get her to calm down before she did something rash.

“I didn’t ask for advice, Leon.” Arwen pointed out before he could give it. She suspected that if he tried to finish, it would only make her anger increase. Even if he wasn’t its true target.

“We should still remind you; you are of no use to Merlin if you too get arrested.” Gaius took over for the knight.

“Good luck to anyone who tries.” Arwen grumbled out, the anger in her eyes making Leon hold back a wince as she pushed past him. With her bag long forgotten, Arwen rushed through the door of the physicians’ chambers, disappearing in the halls before anyone even had a chance to try and stop her.

With a sigh, Leon looked down to Gaius as he spoke again. “I’ll talk to some people. Make sure she doesn’t get arrested too.” He promised, making Gaius send him a grateful smile.

“Thank you, Leon.”

With that done, Leon motioned for the guards to follow him. Merlin obviously wasn’t there, and with his sister on a warpath to find him before they did, Leon suspected this wouldn’t end well for anyone.

As he walked through the halls after a meeting with his father, Arthur continued to remind himself that despite what he thought of her, Catrina made his father happy, and she was Queen now too. He only hoped Merlin would heed his advice and use the extra time he’d given him to get away from Camelot and all the guards and knights now pursuing him.

He walked into his chambers, expecting to find them empty and not paying attention as he closed the door behind him. Only when he turned, he felt as if he was jumping a thousand feet into the air at the sight of someone sitting at his table, fixing him with a demanding look, obviously expecting answers.

And he was quick to start giving them. “I got to him before the guards did and sent him away. No one’s found him. He’s safe.” He made sure the door was firmly shut before making his way over to stand at the table as he met her green eyes as she rose from the chair she’d been sitting in.

“Where? Because I can’t find him either. Do you know where he went?” Arwen questioned, and while she was clearly trying to remain calm, Arthur could see the worry she felt for her brother shining through.

“There was no time for him to tell me. And it’s best if I don’t know.” He pointed out, not only because Catrina already seemed suspicious about his lack of effort in hunting down Merlin, but also because he knew it was information he wouldn’t have been able to keep from his sister. If he didn’t know, he couldn’t tell her, and she couldn’t go following after him.

“And what of Catrina’s accusations? How do I get those dropped? Find the seal she claims he stole?” Arwen questioned, clearly not about to let any of this go so easily. Not that Arthur was expecting her to.

“You shouldn’t be doing anything.” He still pointed out, wanting her to think of her own safety at least. “The longer Merlin stays hidden the more people will start to search for someone possibly helping him. You don’t want to get caught up in that.”

“Arthur, I’m his sister. They’ll look to me no matter what I do. So might as well do something then.” The redhead exclaimed in a pointed tone. She didn’t have to be a genius to guess one of the first suspects for aiding Merlin would be her. Anyone who knew her would suspect her. And truly, she wouldn’t blame them for it.

“Arwen…” Arthur gave out a small sigh.

“The seal is a short-term solution. There’s still the matter of Catrina herself.” Arwen muttered, seeming more as if she were speaking to herself rather than him. But then she turned to Arthur again. “Feeling more inclined to listen?” She questioned with a raised eyebrow.

“I agree there is something off about her, but-“

“The fact that she’s a troll.” Arwen was the one to say it as it is.

“That’s enough.” Arthur spoke in a warning tone, making the redhead roll her eyes in exasperation. How was he still refusing to believe what they were telling him? Sometimes he could be as pig-headed as his father.

“God you’re stubborn.” She grumbled out. But ultimately, Arwen knew that she’d accomplish nothing by trying to convince him again. “Fine, I’ll just-“ She began to walk off while speaking, about to go past the prince, but before she could, Arthur grabbed onto both her shoulders, forcing her to stay standing in front of him.

“You need to stop this. Merlin went against her and look at him now.” He warned her, a new concern now shining in his eyes. He didn’t want Arwen to land herself in the same kind of trouble as Merlin. “Catrina is demanding his execution. Every guard in the city is looking for him while he’s forced to run and hide.”

Something that he said seemed to spark an idea in Arwen’s mind if the look on her face was anything to go by. “Run and hide…” She mumbled thoughtfully. Because she knew that, despite whatever Arthur may think, that would be the last thing Merlin did at a time like this. “You think he’s left the city?” She asked.

“No one can find him.” Arthur confirmed with a nod.

“Then there’s nothing I can do for him, is there? I should get back to my work.” Arwen announced. And she announced it much too quickly and easily for Arthur to believe her. He liked to think he knew her well enough by now to know when she was secretly planning something. And he opened his mouth in an attempt to protest but got no chance to. “Sorry for the disturbance, my lord.” With a short curtsy, even further proof she was up to something, Arwen quickly walked past him and rushed out of the chambers.

Arthur paused in surprise for just a moment, but it still turned out to be a moment too long. By the time he tried to follow her into the hall, she had already disappeared beyond one corner or another. Arthur gave out a small sigh, glancing around one last time. And while he didn’t spot her familiar red hair, he did catch sight of a guard coming his way down the halls.

“Tell Sir Leon I need him to come to my chambers. As soon as he is able.” Arthur instructed before retreating back into his chambers. He knew better than to believe Arwen would just let things be. So, the least he could do was make sure that, should any charges be brought against her by Catrina, he’d be the first to know. And Leon would pass on the message to any guards that if she is caught she should first be brought to him instead of the King or Queen.

“You know, now that we’re like this, I can air some grievances I’ve had with you. Like your incessant refusal to clean up your side of the room. Or how, when you cook, you always put too much salt into everything.” Arwen sat in the physician’s chambers, seeming as if she were talking to herself since she was the only one there. “Oh, and about that time you-“

At least it appeared that she was the only one there. Not for long though. Soon enough, she was being showered with grain as it spilled out of the barrel she’d been sitting beside. “Am I really forced to listen to this?” Merlin questioned in an annoyed tone, making his sister smirk in amusement.

“You’re supposed to be hidden, dear brother.” She pointed out. It was rather clear how much she was enjoying torturing him.

“I needed air.”

“Can’t you just use some spell to give yourself gills?” Arwen asked, although this time she began sounding more curious than she did like she was teasing. The question still had Merlin rolling his eyes.

“Those are for water.” He pointed out simply.

“Hmmm… Land gills?”

“That is also known as a nose.” For someone so smart, he couldn’t help but wonder how it was possible for his sister to ask such stupid questions sometimes.

“Well, I’m sure you-“ Whatever Arwen was about to suggest next, she never got a chance to as the sound of the door opening had her reaching over and pushing Merlin’s head back into the barrel below the surface of the grain. However, once the newcomer turned out to be the only other in on their secret, she pulled Merlin back out by his hair. “It’s just Gaius.”

“That was comfortable.” Merlin grumbled out, sending his sister a pointed glare as he started to climb out of the barrel once and for all. He never planned on doing that again. There were other places to hide.

“A necessary evil, I'm afraid.” Gaius said, walking over to them once he was sure the door was locked, and no one could overhear them talking. “They picked up the trail that Arwen left, but it won't fool them for long.” He announced.

“Then I'd better get busy.” Merlin announced, already starting to head for the door when Gaius called him back.

“And Merlin, be careful. The guards are still searching for you.” The physician reminded him quickly before he could disappear, making Merlin nod his head in understanding.

“I should come with you. Just in case.” Arwen tried to suggest, only to have both men turning to her with scolding looks as they called out a swift and resounding “No.”

“People will grow suspicious if you divert from your routine. Merlin’s best chance is to use the time people think he’s out of the city.” Gaius pointed out, in his mind, this being the best plan they could have come up with in the situation they were now in.

“And it’s dangerous.” Merlin’s own reasons were much less thought out or crafty.

And both still had Arwen giving out a small sigh of annoyance. “Fine, but if something happens to you or you get caught, I’ll kill you myself.” She threatened, finger pointed at her brother who shook his head at her.

“Noted. I’ll see you both later.” With that, Merlin finally rushed out of the physicians’ chambers before anyone could stop him again, leaving both Gaius and Arwen to only hope and pray this would all turn out fine in the end. It had to.

After a day of spying, Merlin had returned with plenty of new information which they could use to bring an end to the troll that played at being Catrina once and for all. In the end, their plan had taken the whole night and a whole lot of guessing and experimenting, but ultimately, Gaius had managed to do what was needed. To replicate the potion Catrina was taking to make herself look beautiful, to hide her true appearance.

“What's in it?” Merlin asked curiously as he sat on the steps within the physicians’ chambers, eyes focused on two potion bottles Gaius held up side by side as he compared their appearance.

“Nothing too potent. Rat's guts.” Gaius started, thinking back to list all of the ingredients he and Arwen had managed to scour up in an attempt to replicate the potion.

“Nice.”

“Toad paste.”

Seeing the confused look on her brother’s face at the ingredient, Arwen interrupted for a short moment as she started to explain how it was made. “Take two toads, grind them up-“

It didn’t take long for Merlin to put a stop to the explanation. “No, I get the picture.” Perhaps it was better if he didn’t know.

“Horse dung. Crushed sheep's eyeball. Pond scum. Three wolf spiders.” Gaius added more of the ingredients, Merlin’s face contorting into a disgusted expression with each new one added to the list. “And what potion isn't complete without a dash of sheep's brain?”

“Sounds delicious.” The sarcasm in Merlin’s voice was more than palpable, and Arwen couldn’t help but let out a small laugh. She more than agreed with him.

“Good, because I need someone to taste it.” Gaius’ announcement had both siblings turning to him with faces of surprise and disgust. Arwen was the first of the two to recover and speak up.

“And that is my cue.” She exclaimed in a rushed tone, waving a pouch of gold coins through the air as she started to head for the door to make her escape. They watched her go, reminded that she already made plans for her morning as she disappeared before she could get roped into their little tasting experiment.

Arwen made her way to the lower town, the small pouch of coins now stuffed in her pockets so no one can take it from her before she managed to do what she intended. While she tried to refuse it as much as she could, sometimes people she tended to insisted on paying in one way or another.

So, whenever she found no way to get out of accepting the offer, she always saved up the money, knowing she might one day need it. Well, now they were the ones who needed it. And Arwen intended to return whatever anyone had given her. With the new raise in taxes, she knew many wouldn’t have enough to pay them.

She walked through the streets of the lower town, watching as the guards were already working on collecting the money. And some were already at the house that would have been one of her first stops. “You’re short.” She overheard one of the guards as she walked closer.

“Please, we have no more to give.” The man Arwen had come to see said in a pleading voice. His name was Tywin, and he and his wife ran one of the herb stands Arwen often visited on her trips to the market. Partly because of the herbs, and partly because she adored their little girl who always asked her all kinds of things about science and medicine whenever she came.

“It is just a couple of coins.” One of the guards tried to suggest leniency to his companion, but the other seemed set in stone.

“The King and Queen were clear in their instructions.” Not that Arwen could blame him. He wasn’t in a position to decide whether the few coins should be forgiven or not. However, as he started to reach for Tywin, Arwen rushed over before the scene could escalate any further.

“Wait! Wait!” She called out, making both guards turn to her with questioning looks, obviously displeased with the interruption, but it still made them stop. “How much do you need Tywin?” She asked the man quickly.

“Arwen, I can’t ask you to do this.” Tywin tried to refuse the help, making the physician simply turn to the guards instead.

“How many coins are missing?”

“Two.” The more lenient one replied.

With a nod of her head, Arwen made quick work of pulling out three coins from her bag. She handed two to the guards, while the third she turned over to Tywin himself as she spoke. “You gave me three last week.” She reminded. “I’m simply returning them. You’re not asking.”

Pleased with the resolution, the pair of guards didn’t linger for long and soon enough, Arwen and Tywin were left in peace again as they moved on to the next house. “Thank you, thank you so much. I’m sorry you had to give it back, it’s just we-“ Tywin started to speak in a rushed voice until Arwen interrupted.

“It’s alright. It’s why I came in the first place. It’s not right for me to keep them.” She reassured him with a small smile on her face before continuing. “I’m sorry, but I have more people I need to see.” She announced, and once the two shared their goodbyes, Arwen continued through the streets of the lower town.

Arwen had managed to reach a few more houses she intended to before the guards came to them. Once her visit with Alanna, a mother of two girls who owned a bakery in the lower town was over, Arwen walked back out into the street, only to see two guards forcing an elderly man down to his knees while others looked on, the man pleading with them to understand.

She was about to step forward and put a stop to it, even if the man could not pay the tax, there was no reason to be so rough with him. He was an elderly man, after all, surely not too big a threat. However, before she had a chance to do it herself, another spoke up instead, this one with much more sway and power over the guards.

“What do you think you're doing?!” All eyes now turned to Arthur who stood on the other side of the street, watching the scene transpire and stepping forward to intervene instantly.

“He's refusing to pay the King's tax.” One of the guards holding the man down announced, as if that justified treating him like he’d committed a violent crime.

“You… You ask for too much. I've given all I can.” The man explained, not wanting to appear to the prince as if he were being selfish. He tried to pay, but he like many of the rest could not.

“That's not enough!” The guard shoved him lower to the floor, making Arwen glare at the man even though he was unaware of her.

“Let me see.” Arthur said in a firm voice, his own eyes sending the guard a harsh look of scolding as he extended his hand, waiting for the pouch of money to be handed to him. And once it was, he looked inside, seeming to count the money for a few moments before he closed it back up and spoke again. “Release him.”

“The King said...” For some unknown reason, the guard still tried to continue on with what he was doing, but Arthur wouldn’t stand for it.

“Release him.” This time, his tone made it clear what he was saying wasn’t a suggestion but a command. “Give them back their money. All of it.” Arthur instructed, proceeding to hand the money pouch back, not to the guards but to the elderly man himself before starting to walk away.

He didn’t pay mind to the people around him, all staring at him with either surprise or admiration on their faces. Because of that, he didn’t notice Arwen’s familiar face among them either. But along with admiration and a smile, her face seemed to depict something else too. She was proud of him.

Once her business in the lower town had finished, Arwen returned to the palace. However, instead of going back to the physicians’ chambers right away to check on how Merlin’s task of replacing Catrina’s potion had gone, she made a small detour, finding herself at the door to the prince’s chambers once again. And this time, she even knocked.

“Come in.” She opened the door once she heard his call come from inside. Stepping into the chambers, he found him sitting at his desk, eyes widening as he saw her. “Arwen!” It was rather obvious that she wasn’t someone she was expecting to see, but soon the surprise was replaced by concern. He was about to ask whether everything was alright, but she spoke before he could.

“I saw what you did earlier. The people owe you a debt of gratitude.” Arwen spoke in a soft tone as she closed the door before stepping closer to the table. For a moment, the room was silent, making her send him a curious look as she noticed his dejected state.

“The people owe me nothing. My father's still going to impose the tax.” Arthur announced in a displeased tone, making Arwen’s brows furrow in disappointment.

“Will he not be persuaded?” She asked, knowing that Uther was always most open to advice when it came from his son rather than anyone else.

“Not by me. He can't stand the sight of me.”

That statement had Arwen shaking her head in disbelief as she took yet another step closer while she spoke. “I don’t believe that to be true. Everyone who knows him knows how much your father loves you.” There were many things she disliked about Uther, but that was one she would never deny or belittle.

“You should've heard the way he spoke to me.” Arthur, having a hard time believing her after what had happened, stood from his seat, about to walk away but with a hold on his arm, Arwen made him turn back to look at her.

“He has a short temper; you’ll see it’ll be fine with time.” She provided reassuring words in an attempt to comfort him. “Everyone appreciates what you did. You tried, and they’ll remember that.”

“Maybe he's right. One day I will be the King of Camelot, and I cannot be a friend to the people as well as their ruler.” Arthur said in a heavy voice, giving out a small sigh as his hand lingered above Arwen’s for a moment before taking hold of it.

“I know I don’t know much about ruling, but I don’t think that’s true.” Arwen said, ignoring the thoughts screaming out in the back of her head at the words. “A good ruler takes care of their people, stands up for them. That is what you did today. You have a kind heart, Arthur. Please don’t let others convince you it’s a weakness.”

Silence passed over them, Arthur’s blue eyes entirely trapped by Arwen’s as his face showed all the emotions he was feeling. However, before Arwen had a chance to decipher them, a knock on the door and the sound of it opening forced them to break apart, each taking a step back as they turned to look at the knight who interrupted them.

“Oh, I’m… I’m sorry for the intrusion, my lord.” Leon’s eyes bounced between Arthur and Arwen in surprise, slightly awkward as he was unsure of what he’d just walked in on. Not that he’d overstep his bounds and ask.

Arthur coughed to clear his throat before he spoke. “It’s alright, Leon, what is it?”

“The King has sent for you.” The knight announced soon after, pushing his surprise to the back of his mind as he brought up what he came for in the first place. Eyes turning to Arwen, he added more information. “The whole council has been summoned.”

Arthur and Arwen shared a curious look between themselves, wondering what the summons may be about. Still, they both followed after Leon quickly, and by the time they reached the council chambers, everyone was already there. Quietly making their way through the doors of the council chambers, Leon and Arwen stood off to the side while Arthur walked forward to stand in front of his father and Catrina.

Once all were present and a hush fell over the room as Arthur addressed his father, Uther finally spoke. “I'm relaxing your duties, revoking your title.” His announcement had many people sharing confused looks between themselves, expecting that they were simply misunderstanding their King and what he meant by that.

And Arthur was the most shock of all, the surprise written all across his face as he struggled to mask it. “What?”

Behind his back, Arwen and Leon too shared a concerned look between themselves. Arthur was Uther’s only heir. If Uther revoked his title, that would leave him without one. As soon as anyone who held a grudge against Camelot heard of that they’d descend upon them in swarms.

“We live in dangerous times; I cannot allow you to undermine my authority.” The King said as if it was the simplest of all decisions he’d ever made. As if he weren’t even thinking of the possible consequences which was highly unlike Uther.

“You've always welcomed my counsel in the past.” Arthur’s words were clearly a statement, and yet they also sounded like a question as the prince struggled to understand what may have brought this on.

“You stood against me for all the people to see.”

“I'm sorry.” Arthur was quick to apologize, pausing for a moment as he wondered how this time was so different from all those when he’d done it before. “Any future grievance I have will be held in private.”

“No, it's too late for that.” Uther remained adamant in his decision, and by now, silent whispers started to spread through the council chambers. None of them were capable of understanding what was driving their King into making this decision. Nor were they too happy about it, Arwen assumed, if the faces of her fellow council members were anything to go by.

“Father, this is...” Arthur tried to reason with him, but Uther was unwilling to listen or even give his own son a chance to speak his mind.

Not only that, but he was losing his patience rather quickly. “You are to be disinherited, with immediate effect. You are no longer Crown Prince of Camelot.” Uther proclaimed, his mind made up and determined, making it clear that someone other than Arthur needed to at least try persuading him to rethink this.

“Sire,” Gaius was the one to step forward bravely, others, Arwen included, simply kept glancing between themselves, unsure of what to do or how to stop this before it became official. “Arthur is your son, your natural heir…” The more Gaius spoke, the more Uther’s impatient glare hardened.

“Gaius…” Arthur looked back at the elderly man, giving a slight shake of his head in a silent sign to keep quiet. His father was clearly beyond reason, and he didn’t want anyone else getting in trouble for him. Especially since the King would be much less lenient with others. “You’ve always taught me to be true to my heart, and that’s all I’ve ever tried to do. To be the man you wanted me to be. Someone you were proud to call your son.” Arthur told his father again.

And not even the heartfelt words, showing all the heartbreak the prince himself was feeling in that moment didn’t sway Uther. “My decision is final.” The words had Arthur finally giving in and instead of saying anything else, he walked away. Arwen watched him go, more than ready to move from her spot and follow, but as the King’s voice reached her she knew she couldn’t. “Queen Catrina will be named as rightful heir to the throne. The ceremony will begin forthwith.”

For a few long and tense moments, everyone in the council chamber remained quiet, all struggling, not only to understand what had happened, but also to support it. It was clear that none of them were too keen on their King’s newest proclamation. However, seeing the glare with which Catrina began to regard the room, it was Leon who quickly realized they had no choice.

And so, he slowly began to clap, eyes looking around the room as he silently urged others to do the same. And soon enough, hesitant clapping echoed against the walls. Arwen didn’t clap however, and neither did Gaius. The two physicians shared a look, knowing that they were running out of time as Catrina’s full plan finally became clear. She wanted the throne for herself.

As was Uther’s command, none of them had much time to do anything else or prepare for the coronation ceremony before it began. Arwen stood by Guinevere and Gaius’ side in the throne room, slightly behind Morgana, but her eyes kept glancing to the other side of the large space. She kept looking to Arthur who simply stood and watched his father and Catrina sit on their thrones with a forlorn look on his face.

“We are gathered here to bear witness to the naming of Queen Catrina as the rightful heir to Camelot.” Geoffrey announced to the crowd before turning to their two royals, eyes now focused on Catrina. “Are you willing to take the oath?”

She stood from her seat, and the ceremony began. As Geoffrey’s voice echoed around the throne room, Arwen looked around at the faces of all those gathered, all trying to mask their true feelings as best they could. About to look back to the front, her eyes first caught sight of movement in the balconies overlooking the large chamber. And it didn’t take much for her to spot her brother, hiding behind one of the pillars as he watched the ceremony unfold. She couldn’t help but hope he had some kind of plan in place.

“Do you solemnly swear to govern the people of Camelot, to uphold the laws and customs of the land?” Geoffrey questioned as Catrina stood before him, ready to make her oath and take her claim as Uther’s heir.

But much to everyone’s surprise, she paused for just a moment too long. “I...do.” She said, looking uncomfortable as she began to itch her arm. To anyone else, it would merely look like a small sign of nerves she was otherwise covering well, but as Arwen watched her, brows furrowing she wondered about the true cause. Because Catrina certainly wasn’t nervous about her plan.

She answered yet another question posed by Geoffrey, promising to execute law and justice and mercy and whatnot in all her judgements. A promise Arwen knew to be a lie. “Will you, to the utmost of your powers maintain the laws-“ Geoffrey began to ask the third question, but never had a chance to pose it in full before Catrina was already speaking her confirmation.

“Yes, yes.” She urged out impatiently.

“I'm sorry, you-you must let me finish. The wording must be exactly right to be binding.” Geoffrey explained patiently.

“Well, get on with it then. I mean, really, where did you dig up this old crone from?” Catrina’s question to Uther had many eyes widening, surprise spreading across the people at the disrespect.

But Uther didn’t share that opinion of his wife’s actions. “She's right. Get on with it.”

And in a way, neither did Arwen. “I think the ceremony will be a show like no other.” She leaned over, whispering in Gaius’ ear so only he could hear her. And while he didn’t respond, the small quirk of his mouth was sign enough that he was thinking the same as her. The more Catrina scratched, the more she panicked and became impatient, they began to understand what was happening.

“Will you, to the utmost of your powers...”

“Yes, yes.”

“...maintain the laws and customs...”

“I will, I will.”

“...of the land, and serve the people of Camelot?”

“Yes!” Catrina exclaimed impatiently once her back and forth with Geoffrey finally ended. However, even the sound of her voice didn’t paint an appropriate picture of just how ill at ease she was until she spoke again. “Just shut up and give me the crown!”

Her exclamation had gasps passing around the court. Arwen on the other hand, had to do her best to keep herself from smiling or, even worse, laughing. Knowing what was coming made her want to prolong this for as long as possible. Everyone needed to see Catrina for what she truly was, and the redhead hoped it would happen sooner rather than later.

“Will you just hurry up!” Catrina called at the court genealogist who was much too slow in her opinion with presenting her the crown. Instead of letting him take his time to place it on her head in ceremonious fashion, she snatched it from his hands, jammed it onto her head and then proceeded to run out of the chambers while ignoring the calls of her husband who was forced to follow her.

But Arwen wasn’t about to let that be the last they see of Catrina. “Come, come, we must check on her. There might be something wrong with her health.” She stepped out of the crowd, motioning Arthur, and Morgana to follow after her. And the latter of the two didn’t hesitate in doing so. Arthur however…

“Don’t make me command you in front of everyone.” Arwen levelled the prince with a commanding look that had him shaking his head at her in disbelief. He did follow her though. And as a result, he missed the smirking face of the knight which had been standing by his side and struggling to keep his laugh in at Arwen’s words.

It didn’t take long for the two of them to catch up with Catrina, Uther and Morgana who now found themselves in the council chambers. They walked in on Catrina struggling against the locked door in an attempt to make her escape before it was too late. But it wouldn’t budge no matter how hard she tried to pry it open.

And, realizing she had to do something to save herself, the woman turned back to look at them. “I'm sorry… I don't know what came over me. I, I just suddenly felt so hot. I, do you know, I think I need to be on my own, alright?” She suggested, obviously hoping they’d leave her be.

“Are you sure you’re alright?” Arwen questioned in the kindest voice she could summon. But it was rather obvious her concern wasn’t genuine. “You seem to be distraught, my Lady. Perhaps it is not best to leave you all by yourself.”

“Oh, I'm, I'm fine. Really, thank you. I just...” Instead of wasting time on attempting to come up with an excuse, the queen cut herself off as she turned back to the door, trying to bust it open once again. “Come on. Come on. Open!” Her voice came out in a rather loud and un-lady like, perhaps even un-human like, tone.

“Let me.” Arthur, despite his confusion, moved forward to help her. However, the closer he got, the more he saw, and because of that, he came to a sudden pause. “What is that?” He questioned in a surprised tone.

That had Catrina turning back to them again. Although, she was beginning to look less and less like Catrina with each second that passed. At first, it was only her troll arm that was out in the open for all the royals to see. However, only moments later, her whole body began to morph, face transforming as well as the rest of her while her skin began to take on a dark grey hue.

“What's happening? Arwen help her!” Morgana called in a concerned voice, looking back to the physician who simply remained standing in her spot.

“Oh, worry not. This is good for her. Let it out Lady Catrina, let it out.” Arwen said in a perfectly calm voice, her eyes watching the scene unfold. To be fully honest, she was already thinking of all the ways in which she could say ‘I told you so.’ But moments later a horrible smell reached her and made her momentarily forget that as she waved a hand in front of her nose in an attempt to make it go away. “Might not be good for me though.”

The sight of Catrina’s changing appearance and smell alone should have been enough for anyone to gather something was not right. But, just in case someone still struggled to believe it, there she was a few seconds later, standing before them in all of her troll glory. The beautiful woman that was Lady Catrina was now long gone.

“You're a troll!” Arthur’s exclamation had Arwen sending him a pointed look, a silent ‘I told you so’ directed at the back of his head. For now… She planned on saying it, out loud and very clearly, but knew she couldn’t do so before the king. First they had to let Uther handle the situation.

“How dare you speak about her like that?!” That… Was certainly not what Arwen thought he’d say though. The horrified question had all three of them now turning to the king with shock on their faces.

“What is wrong with you? Look at the state of her!” Arthur yelled at his father in disbelief, Morgana reciprocating, but Arwen remained silent. She gave out a small sigh as more of Catrina’s plan became clear.

“More magic. Yay…” She muttered out to herself in an annoyed voice just as Catrina, finally free of the shackles placed on her by acting like a human woman, used all of her strength to remove the door in her path, rushing out into the halls with a rather loud animalistic snarl.

“She just ripped a door off its hinges. Doesn't that tell you something?” Arthur questioned his father, fully turning to him now that the creature posing as a Lady… Posing as their queen!... was gone.

“Enough!” And still, Uther remained blind.

“She's a troll! A giant...grey...” Arthur continued to point out the obvious.

And Morgana felt the need to add to the list. “Stinking.”

“Stinking troll!”

“Stop it! Haven't you hurt her feelings enough?” Uther scolded as he moved forward, picking up Catrina’s discarded shoes and crown before turning to them one last time with a threatening look in his eyes. “Insult my wife again, it'll be the last thing you ever do.” With that, the King rushed after his wife leaving his son and ward to stand slack jawed, staring at the spot where he stood only moments ago.

Arthur was the first to break out of his shock, turning back to Morgana and Arwen as his eyes remained wide while he exclaimed. “She’s a troll!”

“Really?” Arwen was the one to answer, the tone of her voice already making Arthur certain of what was coming next. Because her surprise, laced with thick sarcasm, certainly wasn’t genuine. “My, what a surprise! If only someone had said something sooner!” In other words, I told you so.

“So… Are we sure about this?”

“What else are we supposed to do?”

“He can’t throw us all in the cells.”

Gaius’ words had the rest of the council sharing wary looks amongst themselves, somewhat dubious about how true that was. But they knew they had to do it. For the sake of their kingdom. And so, Leon finally nodded to the guards standing at the doors of the council chambers, silently telling them to open them. And once they did, the council made their way inside.

“I wasn't aware we were due to convene the council. What's this about?” Uther questioned as he watched them all approach. But even then, all of the council remained quiet, every member looking around as they waited for someone else to be the first to share why they were here. “Come now. Speak up.”

“I'm afraid it's your wife, Sire.” Gaius finally stepped forward, slightly parting from the rest of their small circle as he spoke.

And just the mention of Catrina seemed to bring a smile to the King’s face. “Yes, what about her?” He asked.

“It's a rather delicate matter, Sire.” Even though he’d stepped up, Gaius was still hesitant to be the one saying what they all were thinking.

“Gaius, you've been my trusted advisor for many years. You can speak as you will.” With that permission from the King, Gaius took one more step forward.

“I don't suppose it's escaped your notice, Sire, but we just...just wanted to make absolutely certain…” With one last look to the rest of the council, Gaius finally came out and said it. “You do realise your wife is a troll, Sire?”

“I beg your pardon?” And the king didn’t hear it. Again. Or see it. Or smell it. Or acknowledge it in any way.

“At least that's the way she looks to us. What with the warts, and the nose…” Arwen quickly stepped up next to Gaius, hoping to present the issue in a more… Well, there was no polite way to say someone was a troll. But at least she could try. Maybe it would make the king more amiable.

“And the smell.” Leon stepped up next to her to offer up his own input. If Gaius was right and the King couldn’t throw his whole council in the dungeons, well then they all needed to stand together, or it’d be just their physicians getting locked away.

“The smell? What?” Uther asked in a confused tone. The longer this went on, the more the answer became clear. He wasn’t seeing it because he was under a spell. Catrina had done more than disguise her appearance it would seem.

“She also has, what appears to be, a set of fangs.” Gaius added.

“What?” Uther laughed… He laughed!

They were expecting anger, threats, even new laws against insulting the Queen. None of them were expecting him to laugh. So, it made Leon let out a nervous chuckle of his own as he shared an uncertain look with Gaius and Arwen. “I wouldn't really say they were fangs. More like tusks.”

“Yes, they are more like tusks. Not that we're saying that's necessarily a bad thing. I just thought I ought to point it out to you in case it had passed you by.” Gaius said, a friendly smile on his face and Arwen quickly put one on her own. Friendly… they had to be friendly. If they wanted to keep their heads.

“The next person to insult Queen Catrina will be charged with treason and beheaded according to the laws of the land.” Which they wouldn’t if they kept pushing this topic.

The threat made their smiles fall, and quickly, all of the council knew better than to stick around. In a rush, they all filed out of the council chambers, the guards closing the door back up again. Much of the council dispersed again, unwilling to risk sticking around if the King’s anger bubbled over while they were still there. That left only Arwen, Gaius and Leon still standing together.

“What now?” The knight asked the physicians in a tone of disbelief. He wasn’t sure what he was expecting going in there, but he had to admit, a small part of him had hoped their discussion with the King would be a success.

“I’m afraid this is much worse than we anticipated.” Gaius said in a grave tone, sharing a knowing look with Arwen. They were certainly dealing with magic. And magic of the strongest king. And, if they didn’t find a way to break it soon, all of Camelot would be ruined.

Arwen sounded like she’d been overcome with a coughing fit. At least that’s what it seemed. In reality, she was doing her best not to burst out laughing as Merlin sent her a scolding glare which soon passed to the creature with much less restraint than her. Kilgharrah’s laughter echoed around the cave and didn’t seem to be stopping any time soon.

“This isn't funny.” The older of the Ambrosius siblings scolded both his sister and the large dragon standing before them.

But the dragon was the first to disagree. “Oh, it is, it is. The thought of Uther marrying a troll! Was it a very public affair?” He questioned, eager to know all the details.

“Public enough.” Merlin called in a pointed tone, terribly annoyed that Kilgharrah couldn’t see the problem in this as his laughter continued. “Don't laugh! If she can't be stopped, Arthur won't become King. Albion will never be born.”

Merlin’s reminder served as cause enough for Arwen to calm her own amusement, at least enough to speak up herself. “Merlin’s right. Uther has already disinherited Arthur and made her his heir. It’s only a matter of time before her greed grows and she wants all the power for herself.” She told the dragon, and finally, their words seemed to reach him.

“I'm sorry. You are right, of course.” Kilgharrah finally calmed down enough to listen.

“How can we break the enchantment?” Merlin asked. After a long time searching, they hadn’t managed to find any answer in Gaius’ books. Not even in Arwen’s books on Prairene which spoke a lot about magic too.

“These are not trifling tricks. Troll magic is very powerful.” The dragon warned.

“There has to be a way.” Merlin refused to give up, especially as he kept Gaius’ warning about trolls and dragons often being allies. He didn’t want Kilgharrah’s loyalties to possibly obscure an answer from them.

“The only way you could break this enchantment is if Uther were to cry tears of true remorse.” The dragon finally revealed, the information making Arwen’s hopeful face fall.

“Well… Perhaps all hope is finally dead.”

Her comment earned her yet another glare from her brother before he turned back to Kilgharrah again. “How do we make him do that?” He questioned, once again treating the dragon as if it were all-knowing.

“That I can't answer.” Which he wasn’t. “Your sister is right. Uther's heart is cold as stone. He's never been sorry for anything.”

With a small sigh, Merlin soon realized he’d gotten all the answers he could. The rest was up to them. “Thanks, I think.” He told the dragon before turning, about to leave and get to it, but he was prevented from doing so as Kilgharrah spoke again.

“Young warlock, it was some time ago you promised to set me free. The help I give is not unconditional.” The dragon reminded him, making Merlin give a hesitant nod. He wasn’t sure when or how or what to do, but he knew that with every new visit, the dragon would grow more and more impatient with him.

Wanting to break through some of the tension, Arwen didn’t instantly follow after her brother but instead spoke to the dragon again. “I have a council meeting to get to, but once Camelot is safe again, do you want me to come back and tell you the full story?” While she couldn’t free him herself, the least she could do was provide him some entertainment while he was still stuck down here.

“I would be very upset if you didn’t.” Kilgharrah’s eyes shone with new amusement as he answered, making the smile on the physician’s face reappear.

“Arwen!” Merlin yelled at his sister, less than amused by her antics but that didn’t stop her form promising to be back soon before she rushed off after him.

Merlin paced along the length of the physicians’ chambers after Arwen returned from her council meeting. He’d already updated Gaius on what the dragon told them. Now they just had to find a way to do what seemed impossible. “The dragon said he had to cry tears of true remorse to break the enchantment.” Merlin said, reiterating what they all knew by now.

“Well, that's not going to be easy. Uther's heart's closed to everyone.” Gaius couldn’t help but sigh. Their King was a hard man. And as such, the physician was struggling to come up with any ideas on what they could do to break through to him.

“Well, we have to do something. There’s talk of Bayard coming for a visit. And raising the taxes again. They’re running the kingdom into the ground.” Arwen pointed out, sharing what had been said during the council meeting from which Gaius had been absent.

“Well, not everyone…” Merlin trailed off, an idea finally forming in his mind. “Arthur.” His suggestion had Gaius and Arwen nodding their heads once they thought it through. It may seem as if Uther didn’t care for his son in that moment, but that too was clearly one of the many effects of Catrina’s spells.

“Then there's only one course of action we can take.” Gaius announced, a plan forming in his mind as he rose from his chair. Arwen and Merlin expectantly looked to him, more than ready to hear what he would suggest. “Uther must see his son die.”

“Excuse me?” That wasn’t what Arwen wanted to hear.

While Merlin had gone ahead to speak with Arthur, Arwen and Gaius had worked together to prepare the poison… Potion! To prepare the potion and antidote they’d need for their plan. They only came to the prince’s chambers once they were sure they were ready to proceed with it.

“So, your great plan is to kill me?” Arthur looked at the two physicians standing in front of him, a dubious look painted across his features.

Merlin, who was busy cleaning up the mess Arthur had accumulated in his absence, paused his job for a second to respond. “No. Well, yes. It… not exactly. It's…” He struggled to find a pleasant or calming way to explain it.

“Gaius has made a potion that gives the appearance of death without the actual dying bit.” Arwen jumped to her brother’s aid. Although, her words did nothing to erase the uncertain look from Arthur’s face.

“It's fine. There's nothing to worry about. It'll only bring you to the brink of death.” Merlin said dismissively, making Arthur turn to him as he passed, a glare in his blue eyes as he pointed out that didn’t sound as lovely as Merlin was trying to make it seem. “We haven't got a choice.”

“We have to make your father cry.” Gaius pointed out.

“He doesn't care about me anymore.” Arthur tried to remind them, beginning to pace the length of his chambers as he gave it more thought. He was obviously worried, although Arwen wasn’t sure if that was worry because of their plan or because, if he was right and Uther didn’t care, then there would be no other way to save Camelot.

Either way, seeing his concern made her step forward as she spoke in a reassuring voice. “That’s not true. It’s only Catrina’s spell that makes it seem so. He does love you.” She said, and she was entirely sure of it too, something that could be heard in her voice and made Arthur stop his movements.

“I've known your father for many, many years. There's never been anyone or anything he's treasured more than you.” Gaius nodded in agreement, taking a small pause as he gauged the Prince’s reaction, only continuing once he knew their words had managed to have at least a little bit of an effect. “It's perfectly safe. A single drop of the antidote Arwen created will reverse the effects immediately.”

“Antidote. What antidote?” The blonde questioned, catching on to the bit of the plan that he had remained unaware of until this point. “You didn't say anything about the antidote!” He turned to his servant with a glare.

“Er...I didn't think it was important.” Merlin’s statement had Arwen letting out a small sigh, they both knew he was more than aware of how important that part really was.

“The potion will lower your heart rate and breathing. For all intents and purposes, you will be dead.” Gaius went on to explain more of it to the prince, wondering what else Merlin may have left out.

“And the antidote reverses the effects?” Arthur looked to Arwen, wanting to make sure he got everything right. He certainly didn’t have doubt about her ability to prepare it, so at least it was a comfort to know she’d been in charge of it.

“Yes.” Arwen nodded her head in confirmation, but the small pause that followed, made him raise an eyebrow at her as he realized there was more that she wanted to say. “If it’s administered in time.” She finally added, thinking he deserved to know all the details of the plan.

“If it isn't?” Arthur questioned, doing his best to remain calm as he waited for an answer.

It was Gaius who gave it. “You will be dead.” Simple and to the point.

And then Arthur’s calm demeanour shifted. “You just said it wasn’t important!” He yelled at Merlin in disbelief who stared back with wide eyes for a few moments of silence.

“Erm...yeah, I suppose it is a bit important.” Merlin’s awkward tone had Arwen shaking her head at him. Next time they needed to share a complex plan with Arthur, perhaps it was best if she were the one to do it.

“Merlin will have the antidote. Once I have administered the poison....er, the potion,” Gaius started to reassure the prince, stumbling over the correct terminology before he tried to move on as if it never happened. The look on Arthur’s face though made it clear that it did, in fact, happen. “He'll have half an hour to get it to you.”

“Are you sure you want to go through with this? We can try to find another way.” Arwen suggested gently. There had to be other ways to fake someone’s death, right? This one was just the quickest and most believable. Perhaps they shouldn’t have let their physician brains be in charge of the plan…

After a few moments, during which he seemed to think it through one last time, Arthur gave out a small sigh. “It's the only way to save Camelot.” He said, knowing that they were right, and this was their best chance. He had to do it. But he still turned to his manservant with a firm look. “Don't be late.”

“Am I ever?” Merlin said with ease, and Arwen supposed now wasn’t the right time to say something along the lines of ‘All the time’. Not as Arthur took the potion from Gaius’ hand, not letting himself hesitate before he brought it to his lips and drank every last drop.

For a few moments he remained still, looking back at them as they all waited for something to happen. Then he shrugged when too much time passed, believing it didn’t work only to pass out within the next second forcing the two physician’s to quickly catch him and lower him down to the ground before he hit his head.

“Time to break the bad news to Uther.” Gaius announced. He was the one to go do it, while Merlin, who couldn’t be caught here until Catrina’s true nature was exposed along with every lie she’d told, had to go and hide as he waited for his role in the plan.

That left Arwen on her own in the prince’s chambers where she knelt down to the ground next to Arthur who grew paler by the moment. “You’ll be fine. I promise.” She whispered, brushing away some of the hair that had fallen into his face. She couldn’t deny that seeing him like this made something in her chest grow heavy even despite the fact that she knew it was reversable.

It wasn’t long after that Uther rushed into the chambers, Gaius right behind him. Arwen quickly rose back to her feet, stepping away from Arthur to give the King the time he needed with his son, hoping, and praying to whoever would listen that their plan worked as she stepped up next to Gaius.

“My boy.” Uther’s pained voice became the only sound in the room as he cradled Arthur’s body to his chest, the devastation over the loss starting to become apparent. “It was my fault. I pushed you away.”

While the King grieved, the troll ran into the chambers, noticing what was happening and rushing over as quickly as she could in an attempt to stop it. “Come away. There's nothing you can do for him now.” She tried to pull on Uther’s shoulder to get him to move.

“I killed him. I killed my only son!” Uther cried, the crack in his voice making Gaius and Arwen share a hopeful look, even if he didn’t yet fully turn to look at Catrina. Only when he did so would they be sure that the plan had worked. But before that could happen, the troll began to chant, pulling on Uther’s arm and finally forcing him to turn around. And that was when they saw them, the tears spilling down the King’s cheeks soon to be replaced by a look of utter and complete shock as he looked at his wife. “Catrina? What kind of trickery is this?”

With the truth now clear and evident right in front of him, Uther quickly rose to his feet, stepping as far away from the troll as he could. He was finally seeing her for what she truly was. And Catrina knew it too. “How I’ve suffered these last weeks. Allowing you to touch me! Having to share a bed with you!” She was using her chance to air all of her grievances caused by this little charade.

And just the thought had, not only Uther, but Arwen too letting out a small noise of disgust. She hadn’t even thought of those details until this moment. She could have gone on without knowledge of them too. But she didn’t comment on it as the troll began to stalk towards Uther. “Ooh, I've been looking forward to this.”

Arwen quickly rushed to open the door, just as Uther called for the guards, allowing them to rush inside with ease. “Seize…it!” Uther commanded and with both the guards and the troll occupied with each other, Arwen quickly rushed over back to Arthur’s side as she spotted her brother approaching him too.

“Where’s the antidote?” She questioned as she noticed the absence of the bottle in her brother’s hands.

“Jonas, he… The bottle broke, but I…” At first, Merlin stumbled around his words, looking for the quickest way to explain it before realizing he could just do that later. Deciding to waste no more time, he brought his scarf up to Arthur’s lips, squeezing out barely a drop of the antidote and letting it fall on Arthur’s lips.

“Come on, please.” Arwen muttered out, pleading with no one in particular as she sat by the prince’s side, the seconds in which nothing happened seeming to last forever. And then he finally stirred, his eyes opening as he quickly started to rise, making both the siblings jump to his aid.

Once he was backup and standing, Arthur soon noticed the troll, finished with the guards, now moving back towards his father dangerously. And he didn’t hesitate before charging at her. However, still weak from the effects of the poison, it didn’t take much for her to overpower him. “Is that any way to treat your dear old stepmother?” She questioned before throwing the prince into the wall on the opposite side of the room.

Ignoring the fight between the troll and more guards that rushed in behind her, Arwen ran to Arthur’s side, not even noticing as Jonas appeared behind her. He grabbed her hair, pulling her back and making her trip down to the ground where he now stood over her, a dagger raised. He was ready to kill her so she could not stand in his way of killing Arthur next.

However, he didn’t get a chance to. The prince grabbed his sword from where it was left lying on one of the tables and without hesitation, he ran Jonas through from behind before he could do anything. The servant’s body slumped against the wall, surprised eyes passing between Arthur and Arwen before he went entirely still.

Arwen looked up at Arthur in relief, only to notice the troll approaching from behind. “Arthur, watch out!” She called the warning, the blonde spinning around on his heel just as the carpet suddenly shifted. The troll fell onto its back, and realizing what had happened, Arwen quickly grabbed onto her end of the carpet to make it seem as if she’d done it as Arthur used his sword to stab the troll and finish it off once and for all.

However, even in death, the troll left with a parting gift. The stench that spread from it, gasses echoing around the chamber, had Arwen letting out a small gag as she covered her nose. Rising to her feet, she quickly went over to one of the windows, prying it open and nearly sticking her head out to breathe in some fresh air. Arthur wasn’t far behind her.

“Are you alright?” He questioned, hand going to her shoulder as he began to look her over, wanting to make sure Jonas hadn’t managed to hurt her before he interfered.

“I’m fine, really.” Arwen reassured him with ease, taking hold of his arm that was on her shoulder, hand wrapping around his wrist as she started to feel for a heartbeat. “What about you? Are you feeling well? Any dizziness? Shortness of breath?”

“Arwen. Arwen…” Arthur tried to call her name to get her to stop asking questions, but when that didn’t seem to work, he simply took her hand into his own, giving it a small squeeze that finally made her go silent. “I’m fine. feeling better with each moment that passes. The antidote worked.” He reassured her.

“Arthur?” The sound of Uther’s voice calling out to his son had the two of them letting go of their hold on each other just as the King walked over.

“You will make a full recovery, my Lord. But still, make sure to get some rest.” She instructed finally, sending him one last smile before she turned away and walked over to Gaius and Merlin who remained waiting for her at the door. “I need a nap.”

“You and me both, my dear.” Gaius let out a small laugh as he rubbed her shoulder, gently directing her out the chambers and into the halls. All three of them began to make their way back to the physicians’ chambers, happy that yet another problem was now solved, and all could go back to normal. Until the next, at least…

Chapter Text

Arwen sat in the physicians’ chambers, reading her book about Alfred the Great while she and Gaius waited for Merlin to return after they’d sent him to pick some herbs from beyond the walls of Camelot “The fires of Prairene shall burn again.” She muttered out the words as she read them, brows furrowed as her thoughts wondered about the magic behind it all.

“Ah, I see you’ve reached the legend.” Gaius’ voice had her eyes looking away from the pages of her book and towards him where he’d been working at the desk in the corner of the room.

“You’ve heard it before? Do you think it’s true?” Arwen’s curious questioning had Gaius abandoning his work so he could sit at the table on the bench opposite to hers, nodding his head as he walked.

“It is one of the most well-known ones, especially in the last few decades.” Gaius revealed honestly. “The palace has always had always been home to a ruler from the Baudissin line. Until…”

Arwen understood what Gaius was saying. There was no way to know whether the legend she’d just read was true. Well, there was one. But she wasn’t too willing to entertain the thought of it just yet. Not that she would have had much time to do so before a knock on the door had both her and Gaius looking to the guard that had just entered.

“The King has summoned the council to the throne room.”

The announcement had Arwen’s eyes turning back to Gaius as she gave out a small sigh. “Duty calls.” She announced, closing up her book as Gaius let the guard know they’ll head on over. They didn’t do so instantly, though. Instead, Gaius waited for Arwen to make her way into her room, book in hand as she returned it to its hiding place before they left.

The throne room was occupied not only by members of the council but much of the castle’s courtiers and staff as they all gathered to listen to a witness who’d demanded an audience with the King. Because of something she’d seen beyond the city walls. And not only her.

“It was sorcery you saw, and you're certain of it?” Uther questioned the woman standing in front of him, and while he was focused on her Gaius and Arwen could be seen subtly glaring at the second witness to the event. None other than Merlin who stood with them.

“Yes, Sire.” The woman who’d demanded the audience nodded her head vehemently.

“And you swear this before your King?”

“I swear it.”

Arwen couldn’t help but shake her head, whishing there could have been some little trickle of doubt on the woman’s mind that they could have played on. Could have used to paint this as a mere coincidence. But the further this went on, the clearer it became that they had no such luck.

“Perhaps your eyes deceived you, a trick of the light.” Arthur too, seemed hesitant to jump to conclusions. At least more so than his father.

“The smoke was alive, I tell you. I feared for my life.”

“I thank you for bringing this to my attention. Your loyalty will not go unrewarded.” Uther nodded at the woman gratefully, who, with one last thanks to the King, was soon escorted out of the room. But the rest were not yet dismissed. “It cannot continue.”

“I will hunt down those responsible, Father. I promise they will not escape unpunished.” Arthur announced with a new look of determination on his face, thinking he knew what had to be done. But their efforts thus far were no longer enough for the king.

“No. Stronger methods are called for.” Uther announced, looking around the people gathered together one last time before his decision was finalised. “Send for the Witchfinder.” His proclamation had many of the courtiers gasping in surprise while Arwen and Merlin shared a concerned look between themselves, unsure of what that meant.

Gaius seemed to know more than they, and whatever it was had urged him to step forward and speak up. “Sire, is it necessary to resort to such measures?” Gaius’ unease as he questioned the King’s decision had Arwen’s mind stirring with worry, wondering who this Witchfinder may be. The way Gaius posed the question, it didn’t seem like his summons would be anything good.

“The Witchfinder is a trusted ally, Gaius. His help will be invaluable.” Uther seemed confident in his choice, and once his mind was made up, there was nothing which could deter it.

Gaius knew as much too. “Of course.”

Both Arwen and Gaius had ripped into Merlin as soon as the audience with the King had finished. He didn’t even try denying that the magic that the woman had seen was his own. But now there was nothing more they could do about it but simply await the arrival of the Witchfinder. Aredian as Gaius had called him. Gaius’ instructions in anticipation of the man were clear; hide all belongings which could be connected to the use of magic. Including Arwen’s books on Prairene and the letter left behind by her mother.

That was exactly what she’d done that evening, but instead of making her way back to the physicians’ chambers once she was done and sure the items couldn’t be found, Arwen had instead gone to the Lady Morgana’s chambers. The two of them now stood at her window, looking out into the courtyard where a man was arriving on his horse, a large carriage drawn behind him.

“Is that him?” The redhead questioned curiously as she watched the unfamiliar man command the presence of the guards with such ease.

“Yes.” Morgana’s voice was fearful as she confirmed Arwen’s suspicions.

“What's that cage for?” The physician couldn’t help but wonder. She doubted he’d need one. Camelot had plenty of cells all on its own.

“It hardly bears thinking about.” Only then did Arwen notice that Morgana may not have been the best person to ask. However, before she could apologize, the eyes of the man standing in the courtyard turned up towards them.

Morgana let out a small gasp as their eyes met, quickly shutting the window, and stepping away from it. She walked towards her table and Arwen, after sparing one last glance down at the Witchfinder, soon followed her friend further into the room. Joining Morgana’s side, she placed a comforting hand on the lady’s shoulder.

“Everything’s going to be alright.” She spoke in a gentle tone, sending Morgana a small smile as she turned to look at her. “There is no reason for anyone to suspect you had anything to do with this, or even to do with magic, Morgana. And you’re the King’s ward. The Witchfinder won’t be looking at you.” And at the time, Arwen truly believed her own words.

Merlin had known his talk with the Witchfinder hadn’t gone too well that morning. And he’d shared it with Arwen too. However, as they stood in the throne room once again, Aredian addressing the King about what he’d managed to find throughout the course of the day, they weren’t expecting all that the Witchfinder had to share. He’d presented three witnesses to the king, women standing in a line as he walked among them. “Speak, do not be afraid.” He instructed the first.

“I… I was drawing water from the well, Sire, when I saw them, faces in the water. Terrible faces, like people who were drowned, screaming. Screaming.” She said in a fearful tone, evidently still scared from her ordeal.

“I haven't done anything, I promise.” Merlin was quick to lean down, closer to Gaius and Arwen so only they could hear him as he whispered out.

“We know.” Arwen reassured him. She didn’t doubt that Merlin was not only being careful, but he’d never used his magic to play around at torturing or frightening innocent people. She doubted he’d start to do it now.

The Witchfinder moved on to the next woman. “Tell them what you saw.” He said, much in the same tone as before.

“A goblin dancing on the coals. It was dancing in the flames, and it spoke, Sire. My heart near stopped for fear of it.” The woman proclaimed with conviction, undoubting about what she was claiming.

Arwen couldn’t help but think all of this sounded absolutely preposterous. All the sorcerers they’d dealt with so far were careful and did whatever they could to stay hidden. She couldn’t imagine anyone who truly practiced magic to do it so openly and with no actual goal or cause aside from causing a small bit of fright.

“As you've heard, My Lord, the incident in the woods was only the beginning, hmm?” Aredian pointed to the last of the three women, silently giving her a sign to share her own experience to which she was testifying.

“There was a sorcerer, Sire, in the square. There were creatures jumping right out of his mouth.” She told her story quickly.

“And what manner of creature?” Aredian prompted her to elaborate.

“Toads, Sire. Great green, slimy things as big as your fist.” She announced in a fearful voice. Arwen held back a questioning look at that. Even if someone was parading around the city using magic, why do that to themselves.

“The sorcerer laughs in your face. Even now magic flourishes on the streets of Camelot.” Aredian announced in an accusatory tone, leaving all to watch as Uther’s face fell in disbelief.

“I can scarcely believe it.” The King breathed out, shock laced through his voice.

“Yet it is the truth, my Lord. Fortunately, I've utilised every facet of my craft to bring this matter to a swift resolution.” Just as he rose the panic, Aredian revealed he had the means to dispel it too. Quite the performance, Arwen had to admit.

“The sorcerer? You have a suspect?” And it could be seen on Uther’s face too as relief shone in his eyes.

“Oh, I do, My Lord. I regret to say, they stand among us in this very room.” The people began looking around nervously at Aredian’s words, panicked gazes turning in all directions as they glanced at many of the faces gathered within the large space. “My methods are infallible, my findings incontestable! The facts point to one person and one person alone: the boy, Merlin!” He exclaimed, turning around as he pointed an accusatory finger at Merlin.

And his proclamation received barely any reaction. There weren’t gasps or screams or even panic. None of the courtiers or knights standing around them even stepped away from Merlin. Everyone was simply looking around, between Merlin, the Witchfinder and their fellow members of the court in surprise. That was obviously the last name anyone expected to be called.

“Merlin?” The disbelief was clear in Arthur’s voice as he questioned the Witchfinder and his findings. To him it sounded like a joke rather than a legitimate accusation. “You can't be serious?”

“This is outrageous! You have no evidence!” Gaius called out, stepping forward from the crowd as he levelled Aredian with an accusatory glare of his own. And Arwen wasn’t far behind him.

“Has he been seen at any of these other instances? Is there anything to actually tie him to the accusations? Any proof?” The younger Ambrosius questioned with just as much passion as Gaius, knowing that it was impossible to tie her brother to these events.

If they were even real in the first place. She had doubts about that too. Perhaps he was, in fact, a sorcerer, but based on what Aredian had said and presented so far, she suspected he was making an accusation based on absolutely nothing.

And the fact that his answer continued to avoid her questions only made her think it even more. “The tools of magic cannot be hidden from me. I am certain that a thorough search of the boy's chamber will deliver us all we need.”

Uther turned to his son’s servant with a questioning look. “Merlin?”

“I have nothing to hide from him.” Merlin announced confidently. He knew that all of them had hidden any and all belongings which may be tied to magic. He expected Aredian wouldn’t find anything to substantiate his claims.

Arwen couldn’t hold back the frown from her face as she stood in the physicians’ chambers, watching the guards throw, break, and destroy everything in their wake while Aredian instructed them through their search. They had not a single care about what they ruined.

“Careful, please! That's my life's work!” Gaius tried to temper the guards, but under Aredian’s instructions they couldn’t be careful.

And the Witchfinder only kept reminding them of it, stoking the chaos with his words. “Comb every inch. The sorcerer is a master of concealment.”

Arwen watched as some of the guards threw around papers which coated their tables, noticing how dangerously close one of them got to pushing her set of vials off of the table. “Please don’t break those, they were… a gift.” She didn’t even finish the warning before it happened, the glass shattering against the ground just as the wooden holder did too.

Watching the scene unfold, Arthur knew the guards were taking it much too far in their search of the physicians’ chambers and all of their belongings. After all, there was no need to break glass vials which were more than clearly empty. “There's nothing here, Aredian!” He called out to the man commanding his knights as if they were his own.

“I'll be the judge of that.” The Witchfinder dismissed the prince, not caring for Arthur’s opinion as he continued to direct the search. “Over there behind this tapestry. In there, upend that stool. Be sure to check for hollow legs. In there within those powder jars.”

The guards obeyed his instructions quickly. Arwen watched them move around, giving out an annoyed sigh as the sound of yet another item crashing to the ground and breaking reached her ears. “Here!” But the announcement of the knight who’d done it had all eyes now turning to him.

Surprise looks and furrowed brows could be seen on the faces of the quarters’ inhabitants. They truly weren’t expecting anyone to find anything no matter how much of a mess they caused. “What in the world?” Arwen asked in surprise as she noticed the bracelet Leon held out to Aredian. She’d never seen it before. And she would have known if Merlin was keeping it around for some reason.

“An amulet of enchantment.” Aredian explained the item with ease. He turned to Gaius with an inquisitive look in his eyes. “Were you aware, physician, that your assistant kept instruments of sorcery?”

“No.”

“That couldn’t possibly be Merlin’s.” Arwen had no chance to stop even herself before she spoke up.

“Perhaps you’re right.” Aredian nodded his head, making small signs of surprise spark in her eyes. She wasn’t actually expecting him to listen based on all that she’d seen and heard of the man. And soon, she was shown that her previous assumptions about him were still correct. “As his sister, you are likely to know what kind of magic he practices, aren’t you?”

“I am not, because there is nothing to know!” She bit back with ease. But before she could say anything more, Arwen felt a hand grab hold of her upper arm, giving it a short squeeze in an attempt to make her quiet down. She looked back to Arthur with a pointed glare, knowing for a fact he had just as hard a time believing this as… Well, as she pretended she was.

“Well, our work is done…” Aredian announced, trailing off for a moment as his eyes turned to Arwen. “For now.” He added. “I must inform the King.” With that he began to walk towards the door but didn’t have the time to properly exit the chambers before Gaius’ voice rose again.

“Aredian! I know for certain that that amulet does not belong to Merlin.” Gaius called out, making all eyes now turn to him curiously. The knights and Arthur alike were expecting him to, as Arwen did, stand up for Merlin and his character.

“Oh? Well, who does it belong to, then?”

Arwen herself was expecting the same as the rest of the people gathered. But that wasn’t what Gaius did.

“It belongs to me.”

The next day, Arwen found herself standing in front of the King, having requested an audience. With only the two of them in the council chambers, she openly spoke about why she came. “Sire, please, you’ve known Gaius for decades now. He’s always been loyal to you. He would never break Camelot’s laws, much less mock you in the streets as Aredian has suggested.”

“Arwen, I knew why you asked to speak with me before you even came.” Uther admitted honestly. “But the amulet was found among Gaius’ things, and he’s taken responsibility for it. My hands are tied.” Arwen wanted to scream at him that he was the bloody King. He could untie his own hands if he wanted to.

“Aredian is questioning him right now. If there is any kind of explanation that might spare him, we’ll know. The Witchfinder will get us the answers we need.” Uther added on further. Seeing as Arwen opened her mouth to say something else, he was quick to interrupt. “You are dismissed now.”

Keeping in a small sigh, Arwen curtsied to the King before turning her back and heading for the door, her mind already focused on other ways in which she could help save both Gaius and Merlin from Aredian’s accusations. But before she could fully disappear, the sound of Uther calling her name had Arwen turning back again.

“If you wish to keep your position, this will be the last you speak on this.” While so far, he’d been more understanding that she would have perhaps expected, the coldness was now more than apparent in the King’s tone. “I granted you one time to be emotional about the situation. Any further protest and you will be regarded as an accomplice.” He announced, knowing that Aredian was already insisting on discovering just how much Gaius had ‘taught’ Arwen during her time under his tutelage.

“I understand, my Lord.” Arwen said in a quiet tone, curtsying once more in an attempt to seem as normal as she could. With that she rushed out of the council chambers. And once she did, she had but one specific location in mind as she began to make her way through the halls.

While she’d told Uther she understood his command, Arwen knew this wouldn’t be the last time she tried to save Gaius. She couldn’t just give up. Not when she suspected her plan would be enough to clear both him and Merlin of any further suspicions.

She ran through the halls all the way down to the basements and would have continued on if her path wasn’t suddenly intercepted by none other than her brother. The one who’d been avoiding her since last night.

“What are you doing here?” He asked in a surprised tone, moving around and slightly fidgety under her gaze as he worried she might’ve obtained the ability to read minds in the past twenty-four hours.

“Probably the same as you. Trying to see if Kilgharrah might have an idea on how to stop all of this.” That was a lie, but she couldn’t possibly tell her brother the truth. She knew he’d try to stop her in an instant.

“Yes, that… That is what I’m doing too.” Merlin lied as well. Neither of the siblings were foolish enough to tell each other their plans. “But he doesn’t. It’s a waste of time.” He pointed out soon after.

But for the sake of her plan, Arwen couldn’t let herself seem deterred by that. “I have to try at least. Maybe he’ll get tired of our pestering and help.” Merlin was certainly ready to protest against that, but before he could, Arwen pushed past him and continued on her way, descending down into the caves beneath Camelot as quickly as she could.

Unlike what she told Merlin, Arwen wasn’t actually going down there to see the dragon. She didn’t even have to go all the way to his cave. She simply needed to walk just a little further into the narrow paths leading towards it until she came to an indentation in the floor. A small space covered with a rock. And once she removed it, she dug through the things hidden below it.

She left the books alone, knowing she would need to explain how she managed to get them. It would first land Geoffrey in trouble which would then lead to Morgana. She couldn’t risk that. Instead, she simply pulled out the envelope. Grabbing the pendant from inside of it, Arwen returned everything to as it was before making her way back out into the castle.

She retraced her path, hoping Uther would still be in the council chambers when she returned. She’d tell him the amulet was hers. She’d tell him it was a keepsake of home. Pretend that she’d known who she was all her life. That she was the one responsible for all that had happened in the past days. And she knew his hatred well enough to know he’d believe it without a second thought.

If only there weren’t obstacles in her way. Her mind clouded with determination, planning all the perfect words for what she intended to do, Arwen didn’t even see Morgana walking down the hall from the opposite direction. Not until it was too late. Because, while to everyone else, Arwen looked as if she were simply carrying a necklace around, Morgana easily recognized the golden pendant hanging off of blue silk even without seeing the crest carved into it.

“What in the world are you doing?” The woman grabbed hold of Arwen’s arm, forcing her to come to a stop before she could simply brush past her or attempt to ignore her. “I thought you said you hid that?”

“I did, but I need it now.” Arwen said ominously, and while she was attempting to hide her reasons, Morgana had quite the easy time figuring them out despite the lack of information.

“No. You are not doing this. I won’t allow it.” Morgana commanded in a firm voice. She wasn’t about to let her friend sacrifice herself.

“It’s not your decision to make.” Arwen pointed out.

“Arwen, it is a stupid decision. And from the way you’re rushing around, one I don’t think you’ve properly thought through.” Morgana noted, knowing that she had to at least try to talk the redhead out of this.

“Morgana, I can’t just-“

“Come with me. We can’t talk about this here.” Morgana said, sparing a glance around the halls before she grabbed the pendant from Arwen’s hands, hiding it in her skirts as she pulled on the physician’s arm, leading her somewhere more private so she could talk her out of this.

In their rush to evade prying eyes, neither of the two women noticed a pair that was doing just that. Neither of them noticed none other than the prince of Camelot himself watching the dispute over jewellery with a confused look on his face.

Wherever Morgana was leading her, Arwen had no chance to find out before their path was blocked again. This time by none other than Aredian himself who suddenly stepped out from beyond a corner. “Lady Morgana, just the person I was looking for. Arwen, too. I suppose luck is on my side today.”

Morgana grew visibly nervous as he regarded the two of them with a small smile, one that seemed far from genuine. “Is there something we can help you with, Aredian?” But still, she tried to maintain her composure as she spoke to him.

“I was merely hoping you’d spare me a moment.” Aredian announced. “There are some questions I have about Gaius.”

Morgana grew even more tense at that, eyes shifting to Arwen for a short second before she looked back to the Witchfinder again, not wanting him to suspect her friend of anything because of her own reactions. “We could come by later in the day, there is something we must tend to at this moment.” She suggested.

“Oh, don’t worry. It won’t take too long.” He reassured. “Come, come. We’ll be finished in no time.” Aredian turned around, starting to walk away as he made it clear they had little choice in the matter. And so, the two women were forced to follow, Arwen much more willing than Morgana was.

Because of that, the Lady held on to her friend’s arm once more, forcing Arwen to stay in their spots for a few more moments. “Promise me that you won’t do anything until we talk properly.” She could see the hesitation to make a promise such as that on Arwen’s face. “Once we have, if you still want to do as you plan, I won’t stop you.” Morgana herself had a bit of an easier time lying.

ARWEN: Alright, I promise.

With that, the two women finally followed Aredian through the halls, silent looks passing between them because there was one more issue at matter. The pendant Morgana was holding on to. They couldn’t risk keeping it when they spoke to him. Not when Aredian already suspected Arwen because of her connection to Gaius and not when he seems to have set his eye on Morgana too.

Luckily, Arwen soon spotted her brother standing off to the side of one of the halls, sending her a questioning look as they walked by him. Instead of either answering him or ignoring him, Arwen snatched the pendant from Morgana’s hand, passing it into Merlin’s as she walked by him, not even turning to look back once she knew they were rid of it. Once she knew he’d hide it again. She could take his scolding when he realized what her plan was later.

Arwen refused to be intimidated by Aredian as she sat in the chambers he’d claimed as his ‘office’. She refused to look around at all the torture-like devices he hung around the walls. And she didn’t squirm as she wanted to under his piercing eyes as they sat in silence. “I thought you said this would be quick?”

“Of course, wouldn’t want to keep you from your busy schedule.” Aredian finally started to speak. “I just want you to give me some more information about all that Gaius has taught you.” He implored, making Arwen raise an eyebrow at him.

“Science, medicine, the ways of healing and helping those in need. I was a physician’s apprentice, after all. Those were the things I was meant to learn.” She said simply. Surely, he didn’t intend for her to cover every lesson Gaius gave her. That certainly didn’t indicate quickness.

“And during his teachings, did he reveal to you any… more unorthodox methods?” Aredian’s curious voice had Arwen sending him a small glare. She could see right past the faked innocence he was trying to portray. And she wouldn’t let herself get tricked by it either.

“Every advancement in science is an unorthodox method when first tired. Both Gaius and I try to try new ways to help people all the time.” She pointed out. It was their jobs after all. They were court physicians, serving the royal family of Camelot. They had to be the best.

“I understand that not too long ago you saved Prince Arthur’s life with one such new remedy. One that was put in danger by magic in the first place.” Aredian recalled the story he’d heard of how the apprentice got promoted to a full time physician alongside her elderly mentor.

“Yes, I did.” Arwen didn’t shrink away from the inquiry. “While the injury may have been caused by a magical creature its symptoms were entirely mundane.” Now that was somewhat of a lie, but a necessary one, nonetheless. Everything she was saying was a necessary lie. “I can take you through the entire process along with a lesson on the curative properties of the lobelia plant and coriander which were the primary ingredients. I believe mint was also involved along with some lavender.”

“No, no, I don’t think that will be necessary. I’m familiar with the ingredients.” That didn’t manage to rattle Arwen in the slightest because she too was more than familiar with them. It was exactly for that reason that she’d used them in her lie in the first place. She knew her version could withhold scrutiny.

“Is there any other instance you’re curious about?” She asked.

“I think that would be all at this time.” Aredian shook his head, pulling a quill from its ink box as he started to note something down about their conversation. While she was itching to know what it was, Arwen showed no signs of that on the outside as she simply rose from her seat.

“Then if you’ll excuse me, I have duties to tend to.” That too, was somewhat of a lie.

Arwen didn’t have much time after her interrogation with Aredian to do anything else. She didn’t get a chance to speak with either Morgana or her brother before the council had been summoned once more. Everyone stood together in the chambers, Uther, Morgana, and Arthur all sitting in their thrones as the doors opened to reveal Aredian and a pair of guards dragging Gaius inside.

Arwen couldn’t hold back a small gasp at the sight of his state. Thus far, she hadn’t dared think of what Aredian’s questioning methods may be, but she could now see their effect in full force as Gaius was thrown to the ground, falling to his knees before the King.

“Confess!” The Witchfinder demanded of the physician.

“I…” Gaius began to say, but for a moment, he paused, glancing back to where Arwen and Merlin stood, both watching him with confused looks on their faces. He could only hope that one day they’d understand. “I am a sorcerer, Sire.”

“What?” Arwen whispered, entirely confused by what was happening. It couldn’t be happening. Because once Gaius made any kind of confession, whatever she did next he’d still be accused, he’d still be punished by death. Not for his acts, but for the suspicion that he’d lied to protect her.

“I am responsible for conjuring the smoke. I'm guilty of practicing magic in Camelot, the goblin, the faces in the well.” Gaius listed the stories of the witnesses. “I… I am the sorcerer who conjured the toad from his mouth.” A part of Arwen wanted to step forward and point out how ridiculous that was. If it truly were Gaius, people would have recognized him. Everyone in the city knew the two of them.

“You've betrayed me, Gaius. Betrayed your friends. And above all, you've betrayed yourself. By the laws of Camelot, I must sentence you… to death.” Even Uther had paused, showing just how difficult it was for him to pass the sentence. And yet he did it, nonetheless.

“The sorcerer will be purged of his magic by means of fire! He shall be burnt at the stake tomorrow at dawn! Bear witness and heed this lesson!” Aredian exclaimed to the crowd gathered around him as the guards began to drag Gaius away.

Arwen could feel her anger bubbling up as she watched them take him. What she hadn’t noticed was that her brother shared in it. And perhaps surpassed her quicker than anticipated. Because by the time she noticed he was moving away from her side, even as she reached for him, Arwen could do nothing to stop Merlin.

“You're a liar!” Her brother stalked towards Aredian quickly, ignoring the King as he called for the guards to react. But Arthur did so before they could. And even then, as he was being pushed away by the prince, Merlin didn’t hesitate to repeat his accusations. “You’re a liar!”

As the Prince dragged his struggling and resisting servant out of the council chambers, Arwen didn’t wait for a dismissal or to see whether Uther had anything else to say. She simply followed after them without a single care for propriety. It took her a few twists and turns to finally catch up with them, heart hammering in her chest as she realized where Arthur was taking Merlin.

“Arthur! Wait!” She called out pleadingly.

At the sound of her voice, Arthur stopped moving, releasing his hold on Merlin only to be forced to react as the boy tried to swing at him in anger. Twisting his arm behind his back, Arthur restrained Merlin just as his sister reached them. “What in the world do you think you’re doing?” It wasn’t really clear which one of them she was scolding as her eyes kept shifting between them.

Because of that, Arthur felt compelled to explain now that they were away from any prying eyes. “I know you're upset. I know you're angry. It's alright. I'm not throwing you in jail.”

“Then what are you doing?” Merlin questioned; his voice still angry even as Arthur released him.

“I'm breaking the law.” Only when Arthur said that did both the siblings notice where he’d taken them once he started to unlock the doors of Gaius’ cell. And once they were open, neither Merlin nor Arwen hesitated in rushing inside.

Merlin was faster than she as Arwen took a short moment to send a thankful smile to the prince before she too moved past him and into Gaius cell, Merlin already inside and embracing the elderly man. A hug which she soon joined them in, holding on to Gaius tightly until the moment they began to separate, forcing her to do the same.

“They wouldn't let me see you, there was nothing I could do.” Merlin was the first to speak, his tone full of regret.

“I know. I understand.” Gaius couldn’t put into words how happy he was to see them after what had just happened. He was grateful for these last moments together with the siblings that had become so dear to him he’d regarded them as his own since coming to know them.

“I can't believe it. I can't believe Uther would do this to you.” Arwen shook her head in anger. All could see how hard the decision was on the King. That was one part she did not yet understand about ruling. It was on the leader to maintain and uphold the law, no matter who stood on its other end.

Gaius did understand it. “He had no choice. Once Aredian had found the amulet…”

“I didn't even know you had such a thing.” Merlin’s words had a confused look spreading over Gaius’ features.

“It isn't mine.” The statement had the physician’s confusion passing on to both Merlin and Arwen as well.

“Why did you say it was?” Merlin asked first.

“I was trying to protect you.” Gaius revealed honestly, making a new look of sorrow pass over the boy’s face.

“I don't know what to say.”

“It's alright, Merlin. You don't have to say anything.”

For a few moments, they stood in silence, thinking there was nothing that could be done. But then Merlin’s thoughts caught up with him. “Yeah, I do. The amulet isn't mine either.”

At Merlin’s statement both his and Gaius eyes turned to Arwen, her own widening in surprise as she realized what they were thinking. “It’s not mine. I hid my things away from the chambers.” She reminded them with a certain shake of her head. And she shared everything she found with them, all of her books. Why wouldn’t have she done so with the amulet if it’d been hers.

“Then how did it get there?” Gaius asked the question on all their minds.

Unlike Gaius, the two Ambrosius sibling were having an easier time connecting the pieces of the newest mystery. A knowing look passed between them before they answered Gaius’ question in unison. “Aredian.”

“Aredian?”

“There's no other explanation.” Merlin pointed out. If it belonged to none of them that had to mean someone else put it there. Who other than the Witchfinder himself would have reason to?

“He planted it there to be found before he made his accusations.” Arwen too began to connect the pieces of the puzzle together.

“But why?” What none of them had yet come to was motive.

“It doesn't matter why. All that matters is, if I can prove he planted it, you're saved.” Merlin announced. A new hope reignited within him and within Arwen too. But not Gaius.

“No. You must let this go.” The older physician spoke his warnings instantly.

“No, you're falsely accused. I have a chance to prove that. I must take that chance.” Merlin pointed out in a convicted voice. He wasn’t just about to let this go. Not while there was still time and opportunity.

But Gaius remained adamant in his stance too. “No, Merlin. You must not.”

“Gaius, you’re a lot less smart than I thought you were if you think we’re just going to let this go.” Arwen pointed out. By now he had to know them well enough to know they would never just give up on him.

“I don't understand. Do you want to die?” Merlin too was struggling to grasp what Gaius’ reasons might be.

“No. But neither do I want either of you to die. And die you surely will if you get too close to Aredian. He will trap you, Merlin. He will manipulate you, and without ever meaning to, you will incriminate yourself.” He spoke to the boy before turning to his sister with the same pleading look in his eyes. “Arwen, you must listen to me. You must let this go.”

“We must let you go?” Arwen rephrased his plea for what it truly was, her distaste with the suggestion clear from her face.

“To do otherwise would be an act of suicide.”

The sound of keys jangling together had all three of them turning back to the door of Gaius’ cell just as Arthur appeared in the hall beyond it, announcing they couldn’t stay for any longer. Merlin was the first to hug Gaius before exiting the cell, Arwen taking her turn only after him. “Promise me.” Gaius whispered in her ear, but as Arwen pulled out of the embrace, she said nothing. She simply made her way to her brother and out of the cell. She wouldn’t say goodbye, not when there was no need to.

Neither she nor Merlin waited for the prince to lock up the cell and lead them away. They did so themselves. And once they found themselves back in the halls of the palace, the siblings came to a short stop, exchanging determined looks between themselves. “No chance in hell.” Their voices sounded in unison.

With a new fire lit, the two siblings began to move down the halls, determined to find answers and put a stop to Aredian once and for all. In their wake they left Arthur as he just exited the halls of the cells, forced to watch them go and giving out an exasperated sigh as he did. He couldn’t help but worry what other trouble he might have to get them out of before the day was done.

Unlike Merlin, Arwen couldn’t stand at the window, watching as the guards built a pyre for Gaius’ execution tomorrow. Instead, she worked in silence, cleaning up the last of the mess left in the wake of Aredian’s search. But the thoughtful look on her face made it clear that it wasn’t her only focus. Both she and Merlin were silent for the sole reason that they were trying to come up with some kind of plan to solve this.

However, before they could, the door of the physicians’ chambers burst open, Gwen rushing inside. “Merlin?! Arwen?! He won't let go! He won't stop!” She exclaimed, making them send her confused and questioning looks.

“What happened?”

“The Witchfinder's questioning Morgana again. I'm worried, Merlin. She's close to breaking point.” Gwen revealed, making the sibling share looks between themselves. Of course, Aredian wouldn’t stop at just one person, not when he could increase his fee by who knows how much.

“Yeah, that's what he does. He breaks you down and in the end you confess whether you're guilty or not.” Arwen said, choosing her words carefully to paint Aredian’s focus on Morgana as a baseless agenda rather than carrying any accuracy. If the Lady had wanted Guinevere to know of her magic, she’d have told her herself.

“What do you mean?” Gwen’s brows furrowed, growing more confused the more she tried to understand Arwen’s words.

“Gaius was set up. Aredian planted that amulet.” Merlin revealed.

“But why would he do such a thing?” Gwen couldn’t believe anyone would be so vile. Especially not someone who favoured so much respect because of his work as Aredian did.

This time, Merlin and Arwen could actually answer the question. It was a rather simple answer too. “Aredian is paid to catch sorcerers. Maybe he doesn't care whether someone is guilty or not. Maybe he gets confessions by lying, by planting evidence…” Greed was a great motivator.

“As long as he gets a confession, he gets the money for his work. It doesn’t matter who dies as a cost.” Arwen added onto her brother’s explanation.

“But even if this is true, what can we do without proof?” Gwen questioned, the whole situation seeming rather hopeless form where she stood.

“Get some.” Merlin said simply, as if it was no problem at all.

“His chambers would be a start.” And Arwen agreed.

But still, Merlin knew it would be easier said than done. “It’s too dangerous. There’s no way of knowing when he might return to them and catch us.” Although, what he was trying to suggest was that he should go alone, and she stay out of it.

That wasn’t what Arwen heard, however. “Leave distracting Aredian to me.” She said, a thoughtful look on her face as an idea came to her and made her start moving to the door. But she stopped when Merlin started to speak up behind her again. She didn’t give him much time before interrupting though. “It’s time the Witchfinder learned he’s chosen wrong targets.”

Arwen didn’t knock, she didn’t hesitate nor wait, she simply walked right through the door of Morgana’s chambers. There she found the Lady standing at her desk, Aredian leaning over her shoulder as he awaited an answer to whatever question he may have asked before Arwen’s arrival. But now both their eyes were focused on the furious redhead standing at the door.

“I do believe it’s time for you to go, Aredian.” Arwen announced in a cold voice, one that didn’t quiver or shake as she stood her ground in front of them. “Or the king might have to be notified you’ve expressed an improper interest in his ward.”

Her threats had a smirk spreading over Aredian’s lips as he straightened up and stepped away from Morgana, moving towards Arwen now. “Your word against mine? I fear it’s not worth much.” He pointed out, making the redhead’s glare harden even more.

“I wouldn’t be so sure if I were you.” She returned the pleased smirk, far from rattled by this man. Instead, she was angry, and she was done hiding it. “We all know you have other targets, Aredian. So go on, make your accusations. But I do hope you can support them with evidence.” This time it was her faking the innocent tone as she paused for a second. “I wonder where you might find it?” The pointed tone of her voice made it clear there was a hidden meaning to her words, one that made the smirk slip from Aredian’s face. “Leave.”

“This isn’t over.” The Witchfinder bit back threateningly.

“But it will be soon enough.” Arwen added to his words shamelessly, smirking as the man finally turned away from her and walked through Morgana’s door, leaving her to slam it shut before he even took another step away.

“You shouldn’t have done that. He’ll just get angrier.” Morgana scolded her friend in a fearful voice, but it didn’t seem to do much to remove the confident look from Arwen’s features.

“Let him. Soon enough his claims will mean nothing.” She pointed out in a determined voice, the words making Morgana’s brows furrow curiously.

“What do you…?”

“Be sure to have someone guarding your chambers. The amulet found in ours? It was planted there by Aredian.” Arwen revealed. Knowing Aredian had set his sights on Morgana, she knew that to accuse her he’d have to have some extremely damning proof. Which couldn’t be found here. “Don’t tell him a word because without it, he has nothing.”

“Are you sure about this?” Morgana questioned, some uncertainty lingering in her mind even if she did see Arwen’s own confidence.

“More than anything.”

Arwen walked back into the physicians’ chambers to find Merlin and Guinevere searching through the books which still remained intact, making her send them a curious look. And she didn’t have to wait for answers for long before Merlin rushed over to her, holding out something in his hands. “Do you know what this is?”

Taking the plant form his grasp, Arwen began looking it over for a few moments before she was certain of the answer and nodded her head. “Belladonna.” She announced simply. The plant wasn’t a hard one to recognize.

“Here.” Gwen spoke up from where she’d remained, her finger pointing at a page in one of the books she’d been looking at. "For the alleviation of ulcers, allergies, and muscular inflammation… This is hopeless.”

“No, it’s not.” The thoughtful tone of her voice had both Merlin and Gwen sending her confused looks as they waited for more information on why she saw something different in the plant than they did. “Belladonna is not only healing but it can also be used as a deadly poison. However, there is also a middle ground. When prepared correctly, it can cause hallucinations.”

“Hallucinations?” Gwen questioned in a confused voice, unsure of where Arwen was going with this.

And the redhead didn’t mind explaining some further. “Aredian’s witnesses, what they saw… It made no sense. Not until now.” She pointed out, remembering how she doubted it when she first heard the stories too.

“It wasn't magic they were seeing; it was visions.” Merlin’s own voice became laced with understanding as he began to connect things together.

“It makes sense if he's faking the evidence. But how can we prove it?” Gwen questioned. It was one thing to claim they’d found belladonna in the Witchfinder’s chambers, it was another to explain what he needed it for and not have it thrown out as falsehoods.

“Aredian's too clever to have given the tincture to them directly. The witnesses, they must've got it from someone else.” Merlin started to think things through, trying to find a way to uncover what he’d done.

And his sister was right there with him, adding more information to their conclusions. “And it would be too risky to find multiple ways to give it to them. The more people he involved the more he risked exposure. One person must’ve given it to all three women.”

“Is there anything, anything at all that these people had in common?” A commonality between the witnesses would certainly lead them to the person who gave them the belladonna in the first place.

“They were all women?” Gwen suggested, somewhat lost in the whole plotting and planning that was happening between the siblings who seemed to be sharing the same mind in moments like these.

“No, that doesn't tell us anything.” Merlin shook his head dismissively. Perhaps because he himself wasn’t a woman. But his sister had a much easier time drawing a conclusion what seemed like an inconsequential statement.

“Yes, it does. What's the one thing only women would buy?” She smiled as a realization dawned on her. “Things to make them look beautiful.” Arwen revealed, and with that, the trio had their next step. They knew what to do and where to go.

It had taken them most of the night, but by now, everything was finally in place. They’d managed to convince the apothecary to act as a witness to what Aredian made him do, and all three women to admit they bought the eye drops from him. Eye drops which they also had along with the belladonna petals. But still, Merlin worried it wouldn’t be enough.

Because of that, Arwen and Gwen were both left pacing the length of the physicians’ chambers as the sun rose in the sky beyond the window, worried about where Merlin might be and how much longer whatever he was doing may take. Until, finally, he burst through the doors.

“Merlin! Where have you been?” Arwen was the first to question him impatiently.

“It's done. Everything's in place.” He announced.

“But it's too late! Gaius has already left the dungeons!” Guinevere pointed out in a worried tone, thinking there was nothing they could do anymore. Thinking they were too late.

But of course, Merlin wouldn’t so easily give up. “Then...then we'll have to delay the execution.” It hadn’t already happened. Meaning there was still time.

“Delaying the execution will be much harder than stalling one man.” Arwen pointed out with a small tinge of uncertainty in her voice. She was ready to do whatever they had to, but they needed to think of something good enough or they’d go on ignored.

“Arthur. I'll speak to Arthur.” Merlin announced, but before he could rush out, Gwen spoke up first.

“No. Leave Arthur to me.” Seeing the confused looks on their faces, Gwen shared why she believed she should be the one convincing the prince in this situation. “The same thing happened with my father; I know he regrets it. I can get through to him.”

And now that she knew why Gwen thought to do it herself, Arwen couldn’t help but agree, giving a small nod at the woman as she spoke. “Go. Both of you go and stop it! I’ll summon the council.”

Arwen found herself standing before the king, surrounded by the council and courtiers alike, just as in the previous days whenever they’d all been summoned. Although, this time, all attention was focused on her as they waited for one last individual who’d received a summons. And he walked in with quite the flurry.

“What is the meaning of this?” The Witchfinder questioned as he made his way to the front of the crowd, eyes shifting between all those who stood in front of the King, his glare growing stronger as he noticed Arwen’s face among the few.

“Aredian, thank you for coming. Arwen claims she has evidence to prove Gaius’ innocence.” Uther announced, doing his best to hide the small traces of hope from his own voice.

“Sire, she is not to be believed.” Aredian announced quickly, making many turn to him with curious eyes, wondering for his reasons. “If I am to be honest, I’ve had my suspicions on her and her connections to sorcery from the moment we caught Gaius.”

That earned the Witchfinder multiple looks of doubt, but also glares. Although, none were as piercing as that of the crown prince himself. “Did you find any proof of this?” Arthur questioned, entirely unwilling to even entertain the idea.

“Not yet my Lord.” Aredian admitted begrudgingly, he’d been working on it last night, but the woman had been faster than he. Still, he turned to the King, ready to keep pushing the issue. “But I assure you, Sire, if you give me more time she herself will admit it.”

“I’m willing to speak the truth right now.” Arwen announced, ignoring the looks of utter shock and surprise that were sent her way by both Arthur and Morgana. “I had a conversation with Aredian last night. It is because of our conversation, because I was kind enough to give him a chance to come clean about his deception on his own, that he makes these claims in an attempt to discredit me.”

“This is nonsense-“ Aredian tried to protest, but wasn’t even allowed to finish what he had to say.

“What deception?” Uther’s eyes remained entirely focused on the physician, and Arwen had to do her best to hold back a victorious smile. She knew how to play to Uther’s strengths and weaknesses equally by now and claiming someone had betrayed him always made him suspicious.

She knew he was now suspicious of her too, but all she needed was time to explain, and for now she was getting it. She wouldn’t waste it. “These are belladonna petals. Some use belladonna for medicine, others as a poison. But there is also an old recipe which, when prepared properly, utilizes it to cause visions and hallucinations.” She said, showing the petals her brother handed her before proceeding to do the same with a bottle they’d gotten from the apothecary.

“These are eye drops, bought by all three of Aredian’s witnesses from the same apothecary in the lower town. Eye drops which contain that exact tincture of belladonna within them.” Arwen noted the curious looks on the faces of the royals, which emboldened her to continue. She knew she was being listened to. “All four are here today to testify to the veracity of what I’m saying.”

At her words, Merlin stepped forward, all of the four witnesses moving along with him and revealing themselves to the King. “Sire, the witnesses saw nothing but hallucinations induced by the belladonna in these eyedrops.” He made Arwen’s explanations even cleared.

Uther took the small bottle from Arwen’s hands to examine it himself. When he realized the dark bottle and the clear liquid inside would reveal nothing unless he tried it for himself, Uther turned to the witnesses next. “And you bought this belladonna from this man?” To his question, all four nodded in confirmation, making the King turn to the apothecary next. “Where did you get it from? Don't be afraid, no harm will come to you here.”

“The Witchfinder. He gave them to me.” The apothecary announced, somewhat hesitant, but ultimately he said it after an encouraging nod from Arwen.

“Did he tell you what it was for?” Uther questioned, investigating the accusations much more than he usually did. Arwen reminded herself not to roll her eyes at that. Whatever he asked, it would lead to the same conclusion; the revelation of Aredian’s guilt.

“No. Only that if I did not sell it, he'd have me burnt at the stake.” The apothecary’s claim made gasps, murmurs, and mutters spread through the gathered crowd, surprise echoing around the throne room.

And they had Uther turning to look down at Aredian with a less than pleased look on his face. “How do you answer to these accusations?” He demanded of the Witchfinder.

“They're absurd.” Aredian seemed pleased that he was still given a chance to speak, to spin this in his own favour. “They’ve obviously concocted these lies to save their master, and she to save her own skin.”

“Then you won't mind if we search your chamber, will you?” Merlin boldly posed the question, and for a moment, it would seem that his courage would cost them.

“Silence! You have no authority here!” Uther’s glare now turned to the servant. However, before all of his rage could come flying out, Arthur rose from his seat and spoke up in an attempt to calm his father.

“Father… let's settle this once and for all.” He stepped down to stand by Merlin’s side, looking at him and his sister with a pointed look, clearly communicating that they better be right about this. If they weren’t, there was nothing he could do to help anymore. Not after such a public affair. “If what they say is wrong, they must bear the consequences. But if there is some truth in Arwen’s claims…”

“I have nothing to hide.” Aredian said confidently, and at his words Merlin and Arwen couldn’t help but share a small smile. It was after all exactly what Merlin himself had said when Aredian accused him. And it would turn out for the Witchfinder much in the same manner as it had for them.

At Arthur’s behest, a search of Aredian’s chambers was underway, all of the council as well as the royals standing at the door as they watched the guards search and rummage through the man’s belongings. Arwen had to bite her tongue to keep from pointing out how much less damage they were causing this time around.

“You're wasting your time.” Aredian tried to persuade the lot of them to quit this search. But no one listened.

Arthur even turned to send him a small glare, remembering when he himself tried to say the same when Aredian was conducting a search of the physicians’ chambers. “The cupboard over there.” He continued to instruct the guards on where to search instead of calling them off as Aredian implored them to.

And it was a good thing that he did, because as the guard opened the cupboard, he was forced to jump back as a swarm of amulets began spilling out. And as they clattered to the ground, breaking through the deafening silence, soon enough they revealed a multitude of bottles hidden behind them. The same ones that Arwen had presented the eyedrops containing belladonna in.

“These things don't belong to me!” Aredian exclaimed in an outraged tone as he moved towards the cupboard in disbelief. But soon, he was spinning back around, pointing a finger at Arwen and Merlin. “This is a trick! They plots against me!” He continued to yell despite the coughs trying to interrupt him, but ultimately they won.

The council watched him struggle, his coughing becoming more erratic until the cause was finally revealed once a toad came spilling from his mouth. Arwen had to cover her moth, masking her amusement with a face of disgust instead as she subtly smacked her brother’s arm.

“Sorcerer!” Uther accused instantly.

And knowing he was in a situation he couldn’t get out of as easily as he’d thought, Aredian did the last thing he was capable of. Grabbing a dagger, he pulled on the Lady Morgana’s arm, bringing her to his chest as he pressed the blade to her neck.

“Aredian, think carefully about what you're doing. You will never escape from Camelot alive.” Gaius warned him while Arthur’s hold on his now drawn sword tightened, eyes scanning for the first chance in which he could intervene.

“I will if you value the life of your ward. Hmm?” Aredian threatened, the sound of his voice working as a cover for Merlin’s whispered incantation.

While Arwen couldn’t have been sure what the words meant, the results quickly became clear as the handle of the dagger began to heat up in Aredian’s hand, forcing him to drop it and free Morgana who quickly rushed away from him and towards Arwen. “It’s alright. You’re safe.” Arwen whispered to her friend as she pulled her into a tight and reassuring hug.

Startled by the sudden turn of events, Aredian moved backwards, not seeing the chest beneath the window and tripping over it. Everyone could only watch as he fell backwards through the breaking glass, the sound of his body hitting the ground below loud enough to be heard all the way back to them. And still, both Arthur and Uther moved over to the window to ensure he was dead. Only once they turned back did Arwen speak up again.

“Sire, I hope that now that Aredian has been proven to be the real sorcerer causing disturbances in your city, I do hope all those he accused are clear of suspicion?” She asked, trying to keep the edge from her voice and sound as polite as possible.

Uther had the decency to look ashamed as Arwen basically pointed out all of his mistakes in the course of the last couple of days. “Of course. Gaius will be released at once.” He nodded his head.

“Thank you, Sire.” There was a coldness to her voice, but no one commented on it if they’ve caught it. And some, those who knew her well enough to tell when her anger remained even if she were hiding it, certainly did.

Arwen had insisted on being the one to prepare that evening’s dinner. The only task she’d allowed Gaius to undertake was that of setting the table. And she caved solely because he was so persistent since she was already preparing his favourite meal. Which he happily thanked her for as she set the plate before him once it was done.

As they ate, Gaius continued on with the conversation he and Merlin had been having up until that point, catching the physician up to all that had happened in his absence. “What I don't understand is how you knew he'd concealed the evidence in his chamber.”

“Just a hunch, really.” Merlin shrugged his shoulders carelessly. Arwen had to take a sip of her water to keep from laughing, knowing it was much more than a simple hunch.

“I see. And the toad?” Gaius raised an eyebrow at him. When it came to the evidence and amulets, he couldn’t have been sure whether it had been Arwen or Merlin who’d planted it. The toad… Well, that he had no qualms about.

“That I, er...ahem, I, er...can't explain.” Merlin stumbled around, knowing he was caught on this one.

“I can hardly explain it myself. Unless, of course, you put it there.” This time, Arwen wasn’t so capable of hiding her amusement, and laughter bubbled past her lips at just how good Gaius was at guessing their actions.

“Okay, Gaius, fair enough. I promise we will never save your life again.” Merlin’s joking quip now had laughter spreading to all three of them, especially as Gaius made the boy promise to keep his word on that.

“Honestly, Merlin, the toad was a step too far.” Arwen pointed out. They were intending for Uther to believe it all to be a hallucination, Aredian proceeding to do the exact thing a witness claimed she’d seen could have been a problem.

“It was worth it.” Merlin dismissed her scolding with a wave of his hand before turning to Gaius again. “You should've seen the look on his face.” Merlin mimicking the exact expression, with much more flare and exaggeration, had all three bursting into laughter again.

Arwen’s laughter was the first to die down this time, the amusement now replaced by a thoughtful look spreading over her face. And it wasn’t one either Gaius or Merlin missed. “What are you thinking, my dear?” Gaius questioned curiously.

And, as she started to give an honest answer, Arwen couldn’t help but let out a small sigh. “After everything that happened, I… I just realized it might be time for legends to start coming true.” And in that moment, she couldn’t have possibly known just how right she was.

Chapter Text

The council had been summoned to the throne room where the King was to listen to a visitor that has come to seek aid from Camelot. All of its members along with some knights gathered together as a man was escorted into the room, coming to kneel before the king until Uther allowed him to stand again. “What is it that brings you here?”

“My name is Edmund, my Lord. I come from a small town on the edge of the Southern border.” The man introduced himself politely before moving on to the reason for which he’d made the journey to Camelot. “It has been struck by a grave disease. Our own physician succumbed to it, and the neighbouring town have refused to provide aid. We are dying and we have no one to turn to.”

His words had both physicians stepping up, knowing this would be a matter in which Uther depended on their council more so than any other member. “If I may, Sire?” Gaius stepped forward, coming to stand only a few steps away from their guest as he waited for the King’s permission to take charge of this meeting.

And it didn’t take long for Uther to nod in approval. He knew this was much more Gaius’ area of expertise to ask questions about. And Uther trusted him enough to determine whether it was worth the risk of sending a physician to the town. Which at the moment, it didn’t seem to be. Not when it could cost one of them their lives or they could bring this disease back to the city with them.

With the King’s agreement, Gaius soon turned to Edmund as he began to ask the first questions rising in his mind. “Would you be able to describe this disease? The symptoms? Who’s falling ill?” All of these details could be detrimental in determining the severity of the issue presented to the court.

“Oh, yes, yes. Well, not me myself.” Edmund said in an eager tone, clearly happy to not be dismissed straight away but given a chance to share more as he dug through the bag hanging off his shoulder. “But I brought with me all of our last physician’s recordings.” He said once he pulled out a thin book and handed it to Gaius.

Gaius motioned for Arwen to come forward so she could join his side as they look over the neat penmanship scribbled all around the pages, marking not only the disease, but its progression in the writer himself. Clearest symptoms noted are high fever, an entire loss of appetite or will to drink, those were seen in all patients, but there were other oddities, different all across the pool of patients, boils, struggles with breathing, vomiting, rashes.

As she neared the end of the page they’d been reading through, Arwen’s eyes caught sight of a piece of parchment sticking out from between the pages. “What’s this?” She muttered out curiously, pulling out the piece and unfolding it to reveal a makeshift map of the town and all of its households. Markings coloured in some spaces, noting down where the sick resided and how many in each household. “Is this map accurate?” She asked, eyes glancing back to Edmund.

“I, uh, I suppose so.” Edmund gave it some thought before answering the question. “A few more people have gotten sick since by the time I left. I’m not sure how it is by now.” He added quickly soon after, not wanting to seem deceptive if there’d been drastic changes by the time of his return to the town.

“The additional sick, can you point to their households?” Arwen carried the map over to him, watching as he looked over it before starting to point to the small squares which indicated homes of the townspeople.

“Here, here, and, oh, yes, the butcher’s place.” He said, and each time he pointed to a new place on the map, Arwen couldn’t help but notice the clear pattern which she deemed quite useful information. And it seemed to show in her face because soon, Uther spoke up once more.

“What are you seeing?” He asked, brows furrowed as he hadn’t yet had a chance to even look at the map while he’d let his physicians do their jobs first. At his question, Arwen walked forward, handing him the map so he could examine it himself while Arthur leaned over his shoulder to have a look for himself.

“How often do the two sides of your town interact, Edmund?” Arwen asked the man while the two royals looked at the parchment.

“Oh, every day, miss. The stream may flow through the middle, but we have two bridges connecting it. It’s easy to get around.” Edmund said proudly, obviously pleased with the smoothness with which his community managed to work. Until now, at least…

His revelation had Arwen turning back to the King to explain the significance of what he could see on the map before him. “And yet the cases of illness are documented mostly on one single side. I do not believe this is a disease spread through contact.” She revealed. If they truly did interact independent of sides, then more on the other would be falling ill as well.

“It would suggest something in their environment that’s making the people sick instead.” Gaius added onto her words. Whether the disease spread through contact or something in the environment could have great impact on the King’s decision when it came to handling this.

“You believe it safe enough to send someone?” Uther asked Gaius as he began to consider the option more openly.

“Well, we can never be too certain,” Gaius pointed out. Without actually seeing the situation for themselves, he didn’t want to make any firm determinations. “But they need help, Sire. Help which we can provide.”

Uther then turned to Arwen as he handed back Edmund’s map. “Do you share this belief as well?” The King questioned her as she stepped forward to take the parchment from his hands, not even hesitating to nod once she heard him ask.

“Yes, my Lord.”

“Alright then, you will travel to the town tomorrow.” The King announced, eyes focused on the redhead to make it clear she was the one he intended to send. It was, after all, why she’d been hired in the first place. To tend to the duties which Gaius had begun to grow too old for. “It is best to learn whether this disease can spread to the rest of the kingdom before we’re facing a threat we cannot control.”

“I will prepare everything I need.” Arwen nodded her head in understanding, already going through a list in her mind of all the things she would have to bring for certain and others which might prove useful along the way.

“Thank you, Sire. Thank you so much.” Edmund’s voice was full of relief as he gratefully bowed to the King.

“I will prepare the men and we will-“ Arthur joined the conversation from the first moment the council meeting began, knowing this part would fall among his duties to organize the party which would accompany Arwen to the town.

“This isn’t battle Arthur, this is sickness. You needn’t trouble yourself with such business.” Uther said with a small chuckle, seeming to draw amusement from his son’s eagerness to go even if it was entirely unnecessary. “Select two knights to go. You yourself can stay here.”

The prince looked displeased with the decision, but ultimately remained quiet, knowing he couldn’t object in such a public manner without questions rising. He couldn’t even tell his father what was on his mind while in private either when he gave it more thought. Considering he didn’t want his father suspecting his motives either. With no other choice, he knew the most he could do was ensure that the knights he chose would undoubtedly be up to the task.

Arwen was tending to her horse, checking over the last of her supplies and making sure she was bringing everything she’d need as she, Sir Leon, and Sir Alvin stood in the courtyard. All four members were ready to depart. Edmund was with them, having been given a horse for the journey he’d initially made on foot.

“You’ve got the plants which test for-“ Gaius’ voice sounded off next to her for what seemed like the thousandth time since she woke up that morning and got ready to leave with some finishing touches on her packing.

“Gaius, I have it all, trust me.” She interrupted him before he could finish the question, her voice coming out in a reassuring tone as she turned to fix him with a pointed look. He wasn’t really doing much to boost her confidence with all of his questions.

“I’m sorry, I’m sorry.” And he soon understood that as well, thankfully. “It’s just that this is the first time you’re doing a job like this since becoming my apprentice.” He pointed out the reason for his own nerves seeming to get the best of him.

“I promise I’ll make you seem like the greatest teacher of all time.” Arwen laughed in amusement, making the older man send her an unamused look.

“You know that’s not what I meant.” He pointed out. It wasn’t for his own regards as a teacher that he was nervous. They both knew this was a big step in Arwen’s future as a physician in Camelot.

“Don’t worry, it’ll go well. You’ll see.” Arwen said in a sure voice, confident and ready to take on a new challenge. Just as she’d finished saying her words, their attention was taken by the sound of approaching footsteps, eyes turning to Merlin and Arthur as they made their way over to the slowly departing group.

“Are you sure you want to go? I mean, maybe we can get another physician. Or I could-“ Merlin started to suggest, his voice rambling as he continued to oppose the idea of Arwen going alone. It was usually him who went off with Arthur for days at a time. He’d never had to be the one to stay back while Arwen herself had to go do something potentially dangerous.

“You have a job, Merlin.” Arthur pointed out to his manservant before Merlin could even properly suggest going with Arwen instead of remaining in Camelot.

“And you the power to give me a few free days.” Merlin, as usual, had a response to everything.

“But how is our Prince meant to survive without you, Merlin?” The voice of Sir Leon joined their small circle, chuckling as he bravely teased. And it made Arwen too, laugh in amusement. She suspected it might not turn out so good for the heir to the throne.

Their amusement made Arthur’s blue eyes glare at them scoldingly for a few moments before he focused on the knight alone. “Sir Leon, may I speak with you for a moment before you leave?”

“Of course, my Lord.” Leon was quick to nod his head, the smile now disappearing from his face as he followed after the prince who walked off to the side, leaving Arwen to her last goodbyes with Gaius and her brother.

“Should something happen-“ Arthur began to say, but was soon interrupted by Leon as he began to reassure him.

“All will be fine, Sire. We have a safe route planned out and-“

“That isn’t what I mean.” Arthur pointed out. He wasn’t too concerned about that part; he’d selected two of his best knights to go on this journey and ensured a route of minimal risk for their travels. “Your main task is to look over her. First sign of trouble or risk, God forbid infection, you bring her back to Camelot. Is that understood?”

For a moment, Leon remained quiet, a curious eyebrow rising as he looked at the prince. He was unable to hold back a small smile from appearing on his face as he began to understand what this talk was really about. “Understood, my Lord.” He didn’t make it known however, and simply nodded his head in acceptance.

With Arthur’s final instruction passed not only to Sir Leon but Sir Alvin as well, it wasn’t long before the two knights mounted their own horses and the party of four was ready to head out of the city

Arwen’s own horse followed after those of the knights, however, before she could get too far, Arthur stopped her horse as its about to go past him, forcing her to look down at him with a curious look, wondering what else he might need “Be safe out there.” The prince said, but what was probably meant to sound as an instruction, came out as more of a pleading request.

It made Arwen smile down at him softly. “Don’t worry, we’ll be back in no time.” She reassured him, fully intending to keep that promise. Only… she couldn’t possibly know what all awaited her on their journey.

Their group rode through the forest in silence, Arwen balancing some of the papers from the town’s physician in one of her hands while she held onto the reigns of her horse with the other.

“Do court physicians often carry such things?” The sound of Edmund’s voice, clearly addressing her, had Arwen looking away from the notes and scribbles in her hands and towards him with a somewhat confused look on her face.

At first, she was unsure of what he meant by the question until she saw him nod his head in the direction of the sword tied to her saddle that she’d brought with her. You could never be too safe when travelling. “No.” She let out a small laugh. “I’m a special case.”

“I’ve heard stories,” Sir Alvin spoke up from where he road a few steps ahead of them. “But I’ve never actually seen you use it.” There was a tinge of curiosity in his voice as he wondered how much truth may be in the stories told about Arwen’s skill with the weapon.

“Is that a challenge, Sir Alvin?” The redhead raised an eyebrow at him curiously.

“Oh, no, no. I didn’t mean it like that. I wouldn’t make such a suggestion.” The knight stumbled over his words as he answered, somewhat frazzled as he understood how improper such a suggestion would have been. But while he panicked, others seemed to be amused by the conversation.

“No smart man would.” Leon noted, making both him and Arwen begin laughing. Once their laughter died down and their party remained silent afterwards, it wasn’t long before Leon noticed sounds in the distance. “How far are we from the town?” He asked curiously as he began to hear the sound of running water starting to spread around them, realizing the stream which passes through the town must be close.

“But a few minutes, Sir. It’s right down this path.” Edmund explained, pointing in the direction they were already headed in, the sounds of people and chatter starting to invade their hearing.

And he was right, it wasn’t long before their group had broached the tree line and came out to the sight of the meadow full of cottages and fields, the inhabitants of the town all still moving around in the late afternoon hours

“We intended to give you rooms in the old inn, but it’s on the other side of the river, and if you’re right…” Edmund trailed off, unsure of whether their initial plan was viable any longer.

“That is perhaps not the best idea.” Leon nodded his head in agreement with what was left unsaid.

“Whatever space you can spare for us is fine. Sides don’t matter.” Arwen interjected, knowing they might not have the luxury of staying elsewhere. And she’d be interacting with the sick anyways, even if it is her theory that the disease wasn’t spread through contact.

“I’m sure people will be willing to open up their homes. Come, many have been hoping to speak with you.” Edmund announce, certain they’d be able to come up with something as he began to take the lead now.

He started to guide them over the larger of the two bridges connecting the two sides, and over to the largest building in the town, where people were already starting to gather in anticipation. Curious eyes watched as the knights and Arwen dismounted their horses. And it wasn’t long before they started approaching closer, one man made his way to the front, grey and old but still approaching with determination.

“This is the help from Camelot?” His voice rose above the others as he got closest, eyes regarding Arwen with a dubious look on his face. Although it was unclear whether he doubted her because of her age or because of the fact that she was a woman. Either way, she ignored it and stepped forward with a smile.

“Yes. I’ll do whatever I can to help. I’m Arwen.” She introduced herself, extending her hand to him but he didn’t take it. It left Arwen to simply move on. “And these are Sir Leon and Sir Alvin.” Eyes glancing back at the two knights, she sent them a pointed look as she caught them glaring at the man for his disrespect. That wasn’t their current concern.

“Do you really think you can help?” A woman’s voice rose from the crowd, making Arwen turn back as she mustered a small smile, hoping to come across as reassuring as she could without vowing grand falsehoods.

“I can’t make any promises until I have more information, but I do promise to try.” She said simply, and it was the truth. She was here to do a job, and she had no plans on giving up on it until it was finished.

“Well, whatever you need, we’re more than happy to help.” Edmund said openly, many around him nodding their heads in confirmation and agreement.

“I think it’s best if I start with the first case of the sickness. And one of-“ Arwen started to say, sharing the plan and ideas she’d thought of on their journey to the village. Only, she was interrupted before she could finish.

“We have sick patients who need your help now, and you want to start with the dead man?” The same elderly man as before spoke up again, making Arwen let out a small sigh as she too began to lose her patience with him.

“If you’d let me continue.” She said in a pointed tone, raising an eyebrow at him in silent challenge to keep going. But this time he opted to remain quiet. “I’ve prepared a concoction that should help ease the most common symptoms among the sick.” She announced, turning to look at the two knights standing behind her. “I was hoping one of you might pass it out, along with marking the additional cases on the map?”

“I can do that.” Alvin volunteered easily, taking the map Arwen extended to him along with a bottle of orange liquid she proceeded to pull out of one of her bags as she gave him a firm set of instructions. “A spoon per patient, I understand. I might just need a guide though.”

“I can do that. Come along, Sir Alvin.” A woman that had been standing by Edmund’s side now stepped towards the knight before also moving past him as she started to head towards the rows of houses surrounding them.

For a moment, Sir Alvin looked back at his companions. “Get me if you need me.” He said firmly before taking off after the woman and disappearing in the crowd, leaving Arwen to turn back to Edmund as she was ready to get to the next step of her plan.

“As I was saying, I’m hoping to see the house of the first patient.” She reiterated. “I know he is dead, but there might be something that could give me a sign as to how the disease spreads.” She couldn’t resist a small look sent towards the elderly man as she elaborated on her reasons.

“He wasn’t local, but he had a room at the inn. I can take you there.” Edmund suggested.

“That would be great.” Arwen nodded her head, starting to follow after him as he began to lead her and Leon into the building in front of which they’d been greeted by the townspeople.

“I hope you won’t hold Roderick’s demeanour against him much.” Edmund spoke up again as they walked. “It’s just that his son is one of the sick and…”

“He’s worried. It’s understandable.” Arwen nodded her head, some of her previous annoyance with the man starting to dwindle as she now understood the reason behind his behaviour. “Hopefully he won’t have to remain so for long.”

Arwen found herself looking through one of the rooms in the town in. It had been occupied by the man who arrived into town only a night before he began to show symptoms of the disease many were now struggling with. She was hoping to find something that could tell her more among his belongings as he was the first to fall ill.

“Did you know who he was? Where he came from?” Arwen asked Edmund as she shifted through some of the notes and papers which littered the man’s desk.

“Some kind of merchant. Cloth I think.” Edmund revealed the story which had passed through town about the man and what he’d told their own physician during one of her visits. “He was just passing through. Came from the east.”

“The other towns and villages?” Arwen prompted further.

“He said he stayed in the nearest town over, the night before coming to ours.” Edmund nodded his head, the statement making Arwen let out a small hum.

One that Leon easily caught. “What are you thinking?”

Instead of answering the knight’s question, Arwen posed another one of her own. “Has there been any word on people from the other areas getting sick?” She asked, wanting to know whether perhaps what they thought to be the first case wouldn’t be it at all. It could change and impact her findings.

“Not that we know of.” Edmund shook his head.

“You think he may have brought it with him from somewhere else?” While she hadn’t answered his question about her thoughts, it wasn’t hard for Leon to follow the path she was setting out and make his own conclusions.

“It is a rather curious coincidence that the disease arrives only when a newcomer comes to town.” Arwen pointed out. It was that exact bit of information that had her so focused on the man in the first place. “Would it be possible to send word? Ask around?”

“Well, we could send a messenger, but I’m not sure how forthcoming they’d be.” He said in a somewhat tentative tone. Seeing the questioning looks on the faces of the knight and physician he elaborated further. “There’s a bit of a feud. A long story involving a marriage and a runaway bride and… Well, it’s complicated.”

“Wonderful.” Arwen gave out a small sigh as she continued to move through the room. Sometimes she had a really hard time understanding people who held onto old grudges when there were much more important matters at stake. “I think we might-“ Whatever she was about to say, Arwen cut herself off with a sharp hiss as her foot hit something that had been sticking out from under the bed. “Heaven’s sake!”

“Are you alright?” Leon held onto her arm, helping her steady her footing again after the impact.

“Yes, yes.” Arwen waved her hand through the air dismissively. It was more of a shock than it was painful anyways. And ultimately, she was somewhat grateful for it now as her eyes caught sight of what seemed to be some kind of chest, covered and hidden under some blankets.

Kneeling down, she pulled it out entirely before trying to open it only to discover it was locked. “Edmund, do you mind looking for some kind of key?” She asked hopefully, the man quick to begin looking around again while Leon helped Arwen pull the heavy chest onto the desk.

“As for you,” Arwen continued to speak, eyes turning to Leon as she returned to what she’d been saying before the run in with the chest. “I may need you to go to this other town.” Noting the curious look in his eyes, she proceeded to explain. “They might not be forthcoming with anyone from here, but a knight of Camelot is a different thing. And if they have someone sick, they might be more willing to share information if they know there’s a new physician tending to the situation.”

“That’s a good idea.” Leon nodded his head in agreement before turning to look at Edmund who was kneeling in front of the nightstand as he looked through its drawers. “How far is this other town?”

The man stopped his actions for a moment to give it some thought before he answered. “Less than a two hour’s ride, I’d say. If you go now you could get there before nightfall.”

“Then I shall set off at once. My horse is still ready and the sooner I go the sooner I can bring you back any possible information.” Leon announced in a determined voice, already starting to head for the door, but Arwen spoke before he could entirely disappear.

“Thank you, Leon. But don’t travel through the night if you can avoid it.” She pointed out, making him nod at her in acceptance before fully leaving.

Just as he exited the room, Edmund’s happy call had Arwen turning back to him only to see him rising his hand into the air, a key triumphantly clutched in it. The sight brought a smile to her face. Perhaps this would lead to some answers.

Arwen moved through the halls of the inn, carrying the chest she’d gotten from the merchant’s room in her hands towards her own room. After Edmund had managed to find the key that opened it, she was met with a multitude of papers and books she knew would take some time to get through.

So instead of doing that right away, she’d taken the time to check on all of the sick patients and their states, along with Sir Alvin’s progress before getting some dinner and retiring to her room to focus on the merchant’s belongings once again. Since they managed to find nothing else of importance in his room, she was hoping the chest might provide some answers. Even if she wasn’t yet sure what she was looking for.

“Here, let me help you with that.” A voice spoke up behind her, making Arwen pause just long enough for a man to fall into step next to her, his hands quickly working on taking the chest from her own hold as he began to carry it for her.

“Oh, thank you. You didn’t have to do that.” Arwen said, a small tinge of surprise in her voice as she looked up at him curiously. She didn’t remember seeing him during her time in the town and when interacting with its people. But it was easy to miss or forget a face when so many wanted to introduce themselves and speak with her.

“Nonsense. I feel it is my duty to help a lady in need.” The flirtatious smile on his face made Arwen laugh in amusement. Although, while she wouldn’t say it out loud, she’d also never deny that fact that he was quite handsome too. So, his confidence didn’t come as too much of a surprise.

“Well, either way. Thank you.” Arwen still repeated her words, a grateful smile on her face as she led him through the halls towards her rooms for the night.

“I must be honest; I wasn’t expecting to see people in the inn.” The man spoke again, making her curious eyes turn to him. He paused for a moment to shake the dark hair which had fallen in his face before continuing. “Not many fancy a town riddled with disease.”

The statement had Arwen raising an eyebrow at him. “You yourself are staying.” She pointed out. From the way he spoke, it seemed he wasn’t a member of the staff at the inn or even a local, making her curious what it was that made him stick around with all that was happening.

“Yes, imagine my surprise when I came and found out about all of this. Alas, it was too late to head out again.” He said honestly, making Arwen understand why she didn’t recognize him from anywhere. Because he hadn’t yet been around in the first place. “I’m leaving first thing in the morning. And I wouldn’t be opposed to company?”

At the suggestion a small laugh slipped past Arwen’s lips as she came to a stop in front of the door of her room. “I’m afraid my duties are here. I’m the physician that King Uther has sent.” She revealed honestly, watching the surprise pass over the stranger’s face.

“Ah, yes. Everyone’s been talking about you since my arrival; the famed physician.” He nodded his head. Just one visit to the inn’s kitchens had him hearing all about the woman. Although, he’d been expecting someone… different. “But they didn’t mention how beautiful you are.”

Arwen chuckled at the shameless flirtation. “Perhaps because it is not paramount to my role.” She pointed out.

“Oh, I’d say it is indeed paramount.” He made his stance known and clear.

Arwen couldn’t help but shake her head in amusement before reaching over. Taking the chest back from his hands, she started to work on unlocking the door to her room. “This is where we part.” She announced.

“I can help you the rest of the way.” The man offered.

“It’s quite alright.” Arwen reassured him with a knowing smile.

“Well, would you at least grant me the honour of knowing your name?” He asked, the smile never leaving his face. “I am certain it is something befitting of a woman as beautiful as you. Perhaps I should attempt a guess-“

“Arwen.” She gave him her name before he could go on.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you Arwen.” Another pleased grin spread over his lips now that he knew it. “I’m Gwaine.”

“Good night, Gwaine.” Arwen sent him one last smile before pushing open the door of her room and making her way inside. As she closed it again, she shook her head at Gwaine as he lingered in the hall with a final wave before she fully lost sight of him. Although she doubted it would be the last time they spoke.

Arwen was sitting on the bed, furrowed brows, and confused thoughts as she went long into the night looking over all the things she’d managed to find in the merchant’s chest. At first, it was nothing out of the ordinary. Some ledgers and coin he’d managed to accumulate during his travels and understandable wanted to keep safe. However, once she was done with those, she continued on searching through some of the other books she’d found in the chest.

She’d been told this man was a merchant, but the contents she was looking over now suggested something else entirely. Scriptures on alchemy and magic, some even in a language she could not understand. Right about now, she was rather disappointed that Arthur had refused to grant Merlin a few days leave so he could accompany her.

Although not all was lost. Nearly about to give up on one of the books she couldn’t understand, Arwen turned it over, ready to close it until some paper slipped out from within the covers. Turning to the pages between which it had been stuck, Arwen proceeded to look over the papers, quickly recognizing the merchant’s penmanship that she’d been reading over for most of the night.

He’d put in the work to start translating the text within the book and Arwen didn’t hesitate in reading through his notes. “A stone capable of providing the elixir of life.” She muttered out the words underlined multiple times, accompanied with a copy of the drawing from the books.

Turning over the paper in her hands, she read through some of the additional details and histories, and then she got to the instructions. They were messily scribbled, haphazard and certainly not written out in full if the ending of the merchant’s writing was anything to go by.

But the main points were clear, placing it in a source of water and other magical terminology she didn’t understand despite her years of learning about magic alongside her brother. But the unfinished ending was most telling of all. The dangers of not doing it properly. Sickness instead of youth and revitalization.

And then it all started to form in her mind, all the answers and solutions. Dumping the pages and books on her bed, Arwen grabbed her belt with her sword and some medical supplies before she rushed to the door and out into the halls of the inn, making her way downstairs and to the communal area. She was happy to find Gerald, the innkeeper, still at his spot behind the main desk.

“Kitchen’s closed miss.” He announced but continued on to offer his services despite that. “But if you need something, I can try-“

“No, no, no. I just have a question.” Arwen rushed out, quickly dismissing the offer of extra food or wine. It wasn’t what she was looking for.

“Well, I’ll answer it if I can.” Gerald said, sending her a curious look as he continued his work on wiping down some glasses he’d just washed.

“The water, how do households in the town get it? Where do you get it from?” This was the first thing she needed to take care of, at least needed to check. The simplest answer would be the stream going through the town, but she didn’t want to be wrong.

Relief seemed to spread over Gerald’s face as he realized that was a question he could definitely answer. “Depends on the household.” He started to explain. “People on this side go to the lake where the stream goes out. The other side though, they get it mostly from the stream itself. Easier that way than carrying it from the other side of town.”

“Of course!” Arwen exclaimed in glee, slightly scolding herself in her mind for not making the connection earlier. Because it all started to make perfect sense now. Why people on one side were getting sick while those on the other mostly weren’t.

Those who had had been the physician who visited this side often enough to probably be drinking its water as well as some of the people whose jobs were primarily on this side as well. No one else, not even members of their own households. “Thank you Gerald!” She called out, already rushing for the door as she spoke, unwilling to waste any more time than she already had.

“Miss, shouldn’t you… get your knight to go with you?” Gerald trailed off before even finishing the question as Arwen was long gone before he could. But then again, even though it was quite late at night, there was no danger in their town. No one would dare harm the physician while they were depending on her help.

By now, the streets of the town were mostly empty, many of its inhabitants already retired to their homes. It made rushing through it much easier than it would have been if she were forced to avoid and evade slamming into people as she ran. Running made her trip to the lake shorter too, and soon enough Arwen found herself standing at its edges, grabbing hold of one of the unlit torches placed beside it should anyone need to use it in the night.

“It’s valuable.” She began muttering to herself. There was no one else to talk to in the moment after all. “You don’t just throw something valuable to be lost in the deep.”

Hiking up her dress, she slipped off her shoes and started to walk into the shallow parts of the lake. In that moment, Arwen was rather happy the lake wasn’t too wide, allowing her to begin exploring it even in the dark. What was the worst that could happen? She had no luck with her torch, so she returned in the morning to try again?

It wouldn’t be too bad of a worst case-scenario, but Arwen was still hoping she’d manage to find the stone tonight. There was no knowing how long the effects of the stone may linger in the water. Or if they’d ever go away. But removing it was the first step in the right direction. For a moment, she thought about turning back and waking Sir Alvin to go around the village and warn people in case someone needed water in the night. But she was already here, if someone did come, she’d just redirect them.

With her torch as close to the surface of the water without extinguishing it, Arwen’s eyes remained glued to the ground as she continued to search, her feet gently moving and tapping against the stones as she trudged through the water, not caring about the edges of her skirts getting wet as she went in deeper. She especially didn’t care once she caught sight of brown sack, a small one, laying right by her left foot.

Eagerly, she reached into the water, grabbing it and pulling it out instantly. She could feel the leather material, expensive and strong, brushing against her skin as she made her way back to shore. She embedded the torch into the soft dirt on the edge of the lake, kneeling down beside it so that it would illuminate the sack in her hands as she opened it.

She could feel a firm object inside from the moment she grasped it, and now that it was open, Arwen let it slide out into her hand. Soon enough, she was looking down at a bright red stone, its edges jagged, and some white streaks crossing and travelling through it.

It felt odd in her hands, certainly not natural or normal. And while the drawings in the merchant’s books didn’t show its colours, Arwen could easily connect the stone she now held to the drawings she’d seen. A victorious smile spread over her face. This job was turning out much easier than she’d anticipated it would be.

And then suddenly, her attention was snapped away from the stone in her hands as a scream sounded from the village. Her green eyes looked up, only then noticing what had been happening while she wasn’t looking. She hadn’t noticed them until it was too late. A band of men, their faces covered, some riding in on horses while others stormed the houses. Their swords were drawn and slashing at anyone who tried to escape them.

With a new sense of urgency, Arwen sprang into action. She grabbed the torch, pulling it from the ground and quickly dipping it into the water, extinguishing the flames which had luckily not yet been noticed. Pulling her shoes back on, Arwen didn’t hesitate in pulling her sword from its sheath before rushing back into the village, but not before sticking the stone into one of her pockets.

This time, it wasn’t long before she was noticed, one of the attackers attempting to surprise her by jumping out form beyond a corner, but she’d seen him hide in the first place. Instead of his sword slashing against her skin, it clashed against her own, metal echoing among the screams of the townspeople trying to escape.

She used her opponent’s surprise to her advantage, not giving him a chance to recover before she moved her sword again and slashed it against his stomach. And she did so just in time because moments later, she was distracted as the sound of someone calling her name captured her attention. Turning around, Arwen spotted Sir Alvin just in time to see one of the bandits strike him down.

In the time it took for her to reach the town and defeat the first man who’d focused on her, it seemed as if the number of bandits had increased, mean rushing into houses and throwing people out into the streets. All of them seeming to search for something. And soon, Arwen got her answer as to what it was.

Before she had a chance to realize what was happening, someone slammed into her side, sending Arwen sprawling to the ground. The sword slipped from her grasp, sliding away from her, and rendering her defenceless as she turned to her back, looking up at the banding who’d attacked her. But his own eyes weren’t focused on her. No, they were focused on something that had slipped from her belt.

Looking over herself, Arwen spotted the red stone now lying on the ground. That is what the bandits were here for. As the realization dawned on her, Arwen moved quickly, pushing herself against the floor, hands grabbing for the stone. She ignored the sting in her arm as the bandit tried to slash at her, managing to get her hands around the stone before she pushed herself back up into a standing position.

“Give it here girl, and I might let you live.” She tried to keep her eyes focused on him, watching as she expected the next move, but at the same time, she tried looking around in search of her weapon. And just as the bandit moved forward for another attack, suddenly, the blade of a sword was sticking out of his chest. As her rescuer pulled it out, the bandit fell to the floor, revealing Gwaine standing behind him.

“Thank you.” Arwen breathed out in relief, rushing over to pick up her sword once her eyes finally managed to locate it and she was free to move towards it.

“Don’t mention it.” Gwaine tipped his head dismissively, eyes turning to glance at the ongoing chaos behind them. “It would seem our departure from this town might come sooner than we expected.” He was ready to move, but once he turned back to her, Gwaine noticed the somewhat hesitant look on Arwen’s face as she glanced at the struggling crowd. “Unless you want to wait until the rest of them learn you have what it is they came for?”

Gwaine’s words made Arwen realize he was right. They needed to get out of here. The townspeople weren’t fighters, and the two of them alone couldn’t defend against a whole mass of attackers. “The horses are behind the inn. Come on.” She said finally, neither of them wasting any more time before they ran for the building, using others as cover while they moved.

Luck seemed to shine down on them as they reached their destination without any further interruptions. Only one rose as they rounded the inn, one of the bandits revealing himself only as they came out into the open. He swung his sword at Gwaine, forcing the man to block the blow. But it was two against one, and quickly, Arwen used her own to strike a deadly blow and free them of the obstacle the man posed.

Quickly, each climbed onto their own horse. “They came from the north. We should head south.” Gwaine suggested what seemed the best choice, and Arwen didn’t have the time to argue against the idea. Pushing their horses into motion, the two rode away from the town as fast as they could. And riding off into the night, Arwen didn’t even notice where they were headed until it was too late.

They rode on through the night, stopping only as the sky started to brighten. But it didn’t do so by much. Sharp winds blew around them in the thick forest, chilling the air as Arwen stoked the small fire they’d built once they were sure they’d gotten far enough, and no one was following them.

Hearing Gwaine let out a small grumble from where he sat next to her, Arwen couldn’t help but shake her head in amusement. “Will you make that sound every time you’re reminded you’re drinking water and not ale?” According to Gwaine, the good innkeeper had offered to restock his supplies. That resulted in a miscommunication.

“Well, I suppose I should look at the good things. The warm water can work against the chill I’m feeling in this weather.” Gwaine said as he looked up at the dark clouds looming over them. Arwen, however, didn’t hear certain parts of his statement as a sharp cough suddenly escaped her. But she’d heard enough.

Reaching over, she pressed her hand to his forehead without even checking if she could. And surely enough, she could feel his hot skin beneath her palm. He was running a fever. And she was suddenly coughing. “Gwaine, where is that water from exactly?”

“The town’s lake. Where else would it be from?” He questioned with a confused look on his face, eyes widening as she grabbed the bottle from his hands and began to pour out the contents.

“The lake water is what’s been getting people sick.” She explained her actions, making the surprise disappear as his features soured. The sickness that has been killing people has now infected them too. That certainly didn’t sound like one of the good things. “We need to find some kind of shelter. Getting stuck in a storm won’t do our health any good.” Arwen added as a flash of light spread across the skies, a silent rumble following it quite some time after. They still had time before it reached them, but not much.

“I did see something in the distance. Castle, I think. Just below the hills we’re now on.” Gwaine’s announcement had Arwen’s eyes widening in surprise. She hadn’t even noticed how far beyond the border they’d gone in the night.

A part of her wanted to refuse the suggestion. She thought of the town, of Leon who’d be returning to it sometime soon. But she knew that they couldn’t make the journey back. Not with the sickness starting to take hold, and not with the incoming storm which could render them lost along the way.

“Alright, let’s get the horses and head on before the skies open up.” She begrudgingly gave in. She wasn’t sure what would happen in the place where they were going, but her heart began to race just at the thought of it.

The sounds of the horses’ hooves hitting against the stone echoed all around them, the only sound to be heard aside from the occasional bursts of thunder from above, as Arwen and Gwaine made their way through the courtyard. They hadn’t had a hard time finding the stables where they could store their horses, not far from the entrance to the castle itself.

A castle that even abandoned displayed all its glory on the outside alone. Vast and large, its glass windows shone with each flash of lightning. Arwen couldn’t tear her eyes away from it. So far, she’d only seen drawings in books. Words trying to describe it. But none did it justice in her opinion. The castle of Prairene was a sight to behold. Even after all the years it had spent abandoned. None which showed in its exterior.

“Worried it might be haunted?” Gwaine’s voice had Arwen’s eyes finally snapping away from the large castle in front of them. “I promise, I’ll keep you safe.” Even when sick, the symptoms of which seemed to worsen slightly as time passed, but not nearly as bad as Arwen had worried they would, he continued to be his flirtatious self.

“No, I, uh…” She was unsure of what to say, mind still too focused on the situation she now found herself in. Thankfully, a booming clap of thunder managed to break her out of it long enough to come up with a coherent sentence. “Come on, we should head inside.”

With a nod of his head, Gwaine turned quiet as he pulled out his sword once they made their way to the closed doors. They were tall, and by the looks, heavy, but before the theory could even be tested out, instead of having to take hold and pull them open, the doors sprung open all on their own. Gwaine jumped back in surprise, but Arwen remained in her spot, looking on into the dark hall in front of them.

“Keep me safe if it’s haunted, will you?” Gwaine’s question managed to evoke a small laugh from Arwen, but she said nothing. Instead, she took in one final breath before finally stepping over the threshold, her companion not far behind as she took the first steps into the halls of the castle.

And the space, which was once dark, lit up, bright flames sparking in the candles adorning the lanterns above. Lamps mounted on the wall began to burn just as vividly. And it continued to spread, further and further like an outgoing wave. Light danced against the white stone walls; reflections cast upon the marble adorning the floors. And not a single shadow among them as all of the light turned ablaze.

“Maybe the stables are a better option.” Gwaine muttered out in a hesitant voice as he stepped back outside, glancing around to find it wasn’t only the candles within the hall which had lit. Light spilled form the windows of the castle, shining bright against the rolling clouds.

“Worry not.” A voice suddenly echoed through the halls, making both Arwen and Gwaine jump in surprise as they turned back to the hall, only now catching sight of a figure approaching them. “There is no need for your sword. Nor your fear.”

“Forgive me if I’m not the trusting kind.” Gwaine retorted with a shrug of his shoulders, sword not lowering as he kept his focus on the stranger. She was an older woman, dressed in blue silks. Despite their hesitance, despite their lack of manners, she continued to smile.

“You’re right. The castle isn’t too kind to trespassers.” Her airy voice came out softly, sounding as far from a threat as one could. “So perhaps it is a good thing it has welcomed you.”

“I don’t think it’s the castle making the decisions.” Gwaine pointed out with a raised eyebrow, eyes turning to Arwen questioningly as she remained entirely quiet throughout all of this.

“Let’s not look a gift horse in the mouth.” The redhead announced, making the man standing at her side send her an incredulous look. But she ignored him, speaking to the woman who greeted them instead. “We’re simply here looking for shelter from the storm. Once it has passed we do not intend to linger.”

“You are free to come and go as you please.” The woman gave an understanding nod. And as his eyes shifted between the two of them, Gwaine started to feel as if he was being left out of some secret conversation he didn’t have enough information to be a part of. “Come along. There are chambers much more comfortable than this hall where you can stay and rest.”

The woman turned around, leaving Arwen and Gwaine to share a debating look among themselves. It was Arwen who ultimately shrugged her shoulders. And she was the first to begin following. For a moment, Gwaine remained back, watching as she headed on ahead, her eyes taking everything in around her, eagerly shifting from one place to another. With a sigh, he finally moved too.

“Who are you?” Arwen broke the silence as she once again focused on the woman, her greying hair swinging through the air as she walked ahead of them. She gave off an air of lightness and power, moving with such grace as if her feet were gliding on the floor.

“My name is Ayana. I am the keeper of the castle.” The woman announced, glancing back at them as she spoke, long enough to catch the confused looks on both their faces. “I am a descendant of the man who built this castle. And like all before me, I maintain his work.”

“Alfred the Great?” Arwen asked in surprise.

“You just… stay here alone?” Gwaine focused on other things though.

“Yes. It is our duty after all. An oath sworn by Alfred and passed on through the generations.” Ayana explained patiently, the smile never leaving her face, and neither did the warmth in her eyes. “The man was quite vain if I am to be honest. He’d have hated to see this place fall into disarray. His life’s work.”

“How long have you been here?” Arwen asked with furrowed brows. All she’d known so far of the palace was that it had been abandoned. Left to wither and fade in the absence of a ruler. She hadn’t read in any books that someone was tasked with remaining here, using their magic to keep it alive even then.

“From the moment I was born.” Ayana said honestly, knowing what it was that Arwen was wondering. “And I shall remain for as long as I am needed. Waiting for the time when this palace will be what it was once before.”

“Waiting alone seems rather boring.” Gwaine pointed out. The castle was empty, there wasn’t really anyone to hold her to whatever oath she’d made in the past. If that was even the real story.

“Waiting isn’t nearly as difficult as you may imagine when you have belief.” Ayana said wisely, sending the man an amused look before her eyes focused on Arwen entirely. “Belief that, one day, the Baudissan line might return home and my wait will have been worth it.”

Of all that, one word continued to echo in Arwen’s mind. Home… Because that is what this palace was. This is where she’d been born. Where she was meant to grow up. And where she was meant to rule. This was meant to be her home…

Arthur walked through the doors of the council chambers, entering the summons from his father who he found standing at the window, watching the rain tapering against the glass outside. “You called for me, father.” It was the sound of Arthur’s voice that had Uther finally turning around to acknowledge his presence.

“Yes. I need you to gather two dozen of your finest men.” Uther’s claim had Arthur’s brows furrowing in confusion, but before he could even ask why, Uther was giving him an answer. “We’ve received report of a group of bandits attacking villages and towns along the southern border. It is our duty to protect the people and put a stop to this group once and for all.”

“Where exactly?” Arthur felt his heart speed up because while it was clear Uther thought only of the threat these bandits posed to the kingdom, Arthur thought to the group they’d sent right in that direction only two days ago. Arwen, and only two knights with her…

“The maps of their movements are on the table.” Uther pointed to the parchments and papers which had been presented to the council by the guards who returned from patrolling the area in question. “You are to remain in Camelot while they go handle the issue.”

His father’s words had Arthur’s brows furrowing. He couldn’t understand what it may be about a group of bandits that unsettled his father so. But whatever it was, it was Arthur’s duty to lead his men and he wouldn’t shrink away from it. Especially not when the course they were bound to take would lead to the village where they’d sent Arwen.

“You were never one to shrink away from your enemies in fear, father. And you’ve raised me to be the same. I will not ignore my duties because these bandits may pose a threat.” Arthur spoke with a firm voice. He wasn’t about to be stopped from going on this mission.

“Arthur, there are things on this matter that you are unaware of and do not understand-“ Uther started to protest, but he didn’t get much of a chance to before Arthur interrupted him, pleased that they were having this conversation in private and he could speak more freely.

“So, then explain it to me. Tell me what it is I do not know.” Arthur suggested, knowing it should be the logical next step. And yet, he could see the hesitation to do so on the face of his father. Hesitation that Arthur could not understand.

And soon enough, it seemed Uther realized he’d either have to come clean about whatever it was that he was hiding, or he’d have to allow his son to do as he pleased. “Do not stray beyond the border. No matter what happens.” The instructions rendered Arthur even more confused. For all he knew, the land beyond the border was abandoned and desolate. His father had ensured as much.

But Arthur wasn’t about to push his father into changing his mind by questioning the decision. Instead, he sent him a nod of understanding, gathering up the maps from the table as he headed out the door into the halls. Where his servant was already waiting. And if the worried look on Merlin’s face was anything to go by, Arthur supposed it safe to assume he was already aware of what was happening.

“Prepare my horse and provisions for a journey. We’re heading out to the southern border.” Arthur instructed him long before Merlin could even begin questioning what was to be done or whether he could have time off to go himself. They were going. And all be damned, Arthur was determined to find Arwen before they had yet another instance where she disappeared and was in trouble without any help.

Ayana had left Gwaine and Arwen to rest in one of the reception halls of the palace, and while it hadn’t taken Gwaine long at all to fall asleep by the fire, Arwen herself couldn’t even close her eyes despite the exhaustion she was slowly starting to feel. So, instead of trying to force her mind to calm long enough so she can fall asleep herself, Arwen had left the hall and continued on exploring the castle.

She found private chambers and banquet halls, studies, and common areas alike. Each new room expanding her idea of just how large this castle was. But now… now she found herself in a room she hadn’t any plans or intentions to go into. And yet, once she stepped through its doors, it was hard to turn back and leave.

She simply stood, glued to her spot, eyes entirely focused on the raised floor in front of her. The space was occupied by only three things. Three thrones and a crown placed on each. Two were slightly larger in size than the third, but it was clear what each represented. The King, the Queen, and the heir to the throne.

Her eyes stared at the tiara placed on the soft cushions of the third seat. It was smaller in size compared to the other two, just as the thrones were, but it still remained one of the most beautiful things Arwen had ever seen. Blue stones adorning the gold settings which twisted and turned in ornate detail. The colours of the House of Baudissan on full display. As they were in much of the throne room she now stood in.

“Care to try it on for size?” A voice sounding off behind her had Arwen jumping in a fright as she spun around to face the keeper of the castle herself. The woman seemed to have her piercing grey eyes, full of amusement, giving Arwen a questioning look as she glanced back to the tiara.

“No, no, I couldn’t.” Arwen instantly shook her head, the thought not having even crossed her mind until it was brought up by the other woman.

“Why not? It is yours, after all.” Ayana pointed out in a knowing tone, moving past Arwen and to the thrones where she picked up the tiara. Carrying it over to the princess, she extended her hands for Arwen to take it. But still, she hesitated. It was one thing to know it was meant to be hers, but another entirely to treat it as such.

“All of this… it’s just…” Arwen wasn’t sure words could even be used to describe all that she was feeling form the moment she had stepped through the doors of the castle. Into its courtyard even. Carefully, as if it might break at her touch, she took the tiara from Ayana’s hands, gently looking it over and taking in every detail.

“Overwhelming. I can imagine.” Ayana nodded her head in understanding. “I heard what you said, about staying only for the duration of the storm. I don’t want you to misinterpret anything that I say as pressure into staying. That is not my duty.”

“I’m not, don’t worry.” Arwen looked away from the tiara to send the woman a reassuring smile. “I really didn’t intend to even come here so soon. But we ran into trouble, and this was the closest thing to shelter.”

“Yes, many would be eager to get their hands on the Philosopher’s stone.” Ayana hummed thoughtfully, her words making Arwen send her a curious look, obviously wondering how it was that Ayana might’ve known she had it in the first place. “It’s powerful magic. I felt it as soon as you came into the city. Do you mind me asking what you intend to do with it?”

“I wasn’t really thinking about that. Take it back to Camelot, I suppose?” Arwen said, although the words came out more as a question due to her own uncertainty. She knew Uther would merely lock it away in the vaults, but at least it would be safe and away from those who intend to misuse it, whether intentionally or not.

“You could also leave it here.” Ayana’s suggestion had Arwen’s brows furrowing curiously. The look on the redhead’s face, made the sorceress smile in amusement. “Come with me.” Motioning for Arwen to follow, she began to lead out of the throne room, and the redhead didn’t hesitate.

Arwen followed her through the halls, turning down corners she hadn’t yet explored until they ultimately ended up standing in front of a pair of large wooden doors. Carvings displayed two unicorns on each side, surrounded by vines and leaves, all depicted in extensive detail. But the beauty wasn’t what mattered most. It was the fact that the doors seemed to have no handle or keyhole. No way to open them.

“There are multiple libraries around the castle. The others are accessible to all. But this one…” Ayana trailed off, her hand gliding through the air in front of her, and then a soft click echoed against the stone surrounding them. The doors opened on their own, much like the ones at the entrance to the castle. “This one has always been used to hold things which might be too tempting for the multitude of people who called the castle home.”

And the moment she looked inside, Arwen could understand why. Her eyes kept shifting from one place to another, unable to stay focused on only one item for too long. Some looked as ordinary as anything else within the castle, but others, Arwen had no doubt were magical items if she’d ever seen any.

“This is not only one of the safest places to store magical items, but also the largest in the lands.” Ayana began to explain as she led Arwen through the aisles. Shelves around them were littered with books, many spines adorning titles Arwen couldn’t even begin to read, much less pronounce. “For centuries, the Baudissan rulers have kept items within this library safe and out of the wrong hands.”

“You’re saying I can leave the stone here.” Arwen concluded on her own, watching as the woman nodded her head in confirmation.

“Nobody will be able to get to it, I promise.” Ayana reassured her. “After his attack, Uther spent days in front of those doors, doing whatever he could to open them. But even he after a time was forced to give up.”

“Where would it go?” Arwen asked curiously, pulling the stone from the pouch still tied to her belt. Silently, Ayana motioned for her to follow as she lead over to one of the glass cases. Looking into it, Arwen noticed a multitude of other stones adorning the velvet pillow on which they were placed. “Are these all the same as this one?”

“Some are attempts at replicating it. But the original Philosopher’s Stone had been lost to people for many centuries.” Ayana said in a tone that couldn’t help but remind Arwen of Gaius’ whenever he shared some old knowledge with her and Merlin. “Others have different uses and properties.”

A small part of Arwen wanted to ask what exactly they all were, but she knew there’d be other times for that. For now, she handed the stone over to Ayana, watching as the woman carefully lifted the glass to place the stone in one of the open spaces.

“Won’t you… Uh… mix them up?” Arwen asked as she noticed none of the stones had any types of identification or way of being certain which is which. The question had Ayana letting out a small laugh.

“I know what everything in this library is, as well as its uses.” She reassured the princess, Arwen sending her a sheepish smile as she hoped that she didn’t cause any offence with her question. “Whatever you’re curious about, simply ask away.”

“All of these books, they’re all on magic?” Arwen couldn’t hold back any longer, her legs carrying her over to one of the shelves which contained titles that seemed the closest to actual English along with some from which she recognized the language as the same one within Merlin’s own book of magic.

“Most. Do you have an interest in magic?” Ayana asked, joining her side as she glanced over the titles Arwen showed an interest in.

“In a way. It’s not for myself, I know the history of what happened to the magic my ancestors used.” Arwen explained shortly. “I… I have a brother. He was born with the ability to use it and is meant to do so to fulfil a great destiny.” Arwen said, not going into much more detail than that.

“Here. Take this.” Ayana suddenly reached forward, plucking one of the books from the shelf above Arwen’s head, making the redhead’s eyes widen as it was handed to her.

“Oh, no. They’re kept here to be safe.” Arwen quickly shook her head.

“Do you trust your brother to be able to keep it safe?”

“Yes, of course.” Arwen nodded her head. Despite a few close calls in the past, he’d always taken care of the book Gaius had given him and ensured no one found it.

“Then give it to him. It will help him with his destiny.” The tone in which Ayana spoke made Arwen wonder just how much about their destinies the woman may know.

But instead of asking, Arwen simply sent her another smile. “Thank you. For everything, Ayana.”

“It’s my honour, my Lady.”

Arthur and his knights rode through the kingdom as fast as they could, one simple destination in mind. He had hoped and prayed that once they reached it, it would be fine and well. That perhaps they’d even run into Arwen, Leon, and Alvin along the way there. However, despite all the hope, or perhaps because of it, Arthur couldn’t believe his eyes as his horse breached through the tree line to see their destination and the destruction littered throughout it.

He watched as the townspeople carried bodies of the dead from one side to the other where men dug graves for their fallen. A town which had been stricken by disease was now forced to endure much more loss than they should have. Jumping down from his horse, Arthur stopped one of the townspeople as he walked by. “What happened here?”

“It was terrible, Sir. They came in the night. Dozens of them, if not more. We were left defenceless.” The man shook his head, grief coating his voice and making it grow heavier with each word. The revelation had Arthur sending a panicked look to his servant who stood by his side.

“My father sent a physician to this town a few days ago? Where is she? And the knights accompanying her?” Arthur questioned instantly, ignoring the way the man’s face morphed into one of surprise as he realized who it was he was speaking to. “Are they here? Did they arrive before or after the attack?”

“Before, my Lord. The bandits attacked on their first night here.” The man answered soon after he noticed the urgency in Arthur’s voice. For a moment, his choice of words gave the prince some hope. First night here. Meaning they’d spent another. “The knight is over there. Talking to some of the people.”

Looking in the direction where the man pointed, Arthur easily spotted Leon talking to a group of townspeople on the other side of the river. For a moment, he spared a glance back at the rest of the men. “Help them with the bodies.” He instructed before walking towards the nearest bridge, Merlin hot on his heels.

Walking through the people, Arthur ignored their curious looks and muttered questions. He didn’t say a word until he was close enough to be sure Leon would hear him, and only then did he call out the knight’s name. Leon was quick to spin around at the sound of it, his face seeming to pale as he noticed Arthur moving towards him.

“My Lord, what are you… Why are you here?” Leon questioned in surprise after he excused himself from the people he’d been speaking to and walked over to the prince.

“Camelot got word of the bandits moving through the area. We were sent to put a stop to them.” Arthur explained quickly before moving on to more important matters. “Where’s Arwen? And Sir Alvin?” The latter sounded as more of an afterthought. It was clear where Arthur’s main worries lay.

“Sir Alvin… I’m afraid he didn’t make it.” Leon shook his head with a saddened expression. But he hesitated before continuing, unsure of how to tell Arthur what he’d found out since his own return to the town. “And Arwen… No one knows where she is, Sire.”

“How do you not know? You were sent to protect her?” It wasn’t Arthur asking the questions, but rather Merlin, the words slipping from his mouth before he could even attempt to stop himself. And perhaps, on any other occasion, Arthur would have scolded him for speaking out of turn. However, this time, he simply fixed Leon with a questioning look of his own. The questions, after all, were the same he too would have asked.

“When we arrived, Arwen found out that the first case of the sickness may have originated from a different town. She sent me to look into it. I left before night fell and by the time I returned… the attack was long over.” Leon gave them the short version of events, regret laced through his voice, eyes shifting to the ground as he found himself unable to meet their stares.

“But she isn’t among the bodies.” Arthur concluded. Not knowing where she was was at least better than finding her among the dead. It meant there was still hope. He chose to focus on that hope. As did her brother.

“Her horse isn’t here either. I’ve been talking to the people, and some claim they saw her riding away from the attack. She managed to escape it.” Leon revealed what he’d learned so far before their arrival. “I tried to find tracks, but the bandits came in on horses themselves. All are mixed together, and there’s no way to know which are hers or in which direction she went.”

“Where would she have gone?” Merlin couldn’t help but ask. He first thought she may have headed back for Camelot. But knowing Leon wasn’t in the town with them, she wouldn’t have just left him behind.

“That’s what we must learn. Start talking to the people. Someone must’ve seen where she’d gone.” Arthur announced, a determined voice now starting to push beyond any other emotion. He was insistent on finding her. As quickly as possible.

Arwen walked alongside Ayana, a new bag hanging off her shoulder and hiding the books she’d gotten from the library for Merlin as they returned to the reception hall where she’d left Gwaine. While back then he’d been fast asleep, by the time of her return, the scene had changed. They found the man sitting at the table, a wide spread of food and drinks surrounding him as he indulged in the service. So much for his initial reservations about the castle…

“I see you’ve made yourself at home.” Her teasing voice spread through the air, Gwaine’s head snapping up towards her at the sound of it, mouth full and eyes wide as if he’d been caught doing something he shouldn’t.

“It was here when I woke up. If it wasn’t for us then you really should’ve left  a note.” Gwaine pointed out to Ayana, the older woman laughing at his criticisms as she shook her head reassuringly.

“It was intended for you. And I’m glad you found it to your satisfaction.” She said happily before turning to Arwen. “Please, take some for yourself. You’ve gone much too long without sustenance.”

“This is too much, Ayana. We couldn’t possibly eat all of this.” Arwen said in an incredulous tone as she herself took a seat at the table. Until now, food or hunger hadn’t been on her mind, but as all of the scents invaded her senses, she couldn’t deny that she was eager to eat something by now.

“Well…” Gwaine trailed off, the tone of his voice suggesting Arwen may be wrong in her claims. It made the redhead let out yet another hearty laugh as she filled her plate with some warm bread and ham.

“I will leave you to your meal. Take as much as you want with you. Now that the storm has passed I assume you’ll soon be returning to your journey.” Ayana’s words made Arwen’s eyes snap over to the large set of windows behind Gwaine. She hadn’t even noticed that the skies had begun to clear. “I’ll be there to see you off once you depart.”

“Thank you again, Ayana.” Arwen spoke before the woman could leave, making her send the princess another one of her warm smiles.

“And again, it has been an honour.” Ayana said, lowering her head just slightly before she turned away and left the two by themselves in the reception hall. With her absence, Arwen and Gwaine fell into a comfortable silence as they ate. And while she focused on the food, Arwen didn’t notice as the man’s eyes continued to glance in her direction.

“So…” Gwaine finally broke the silence, making Arwen’s green eyes turn to him curiously. “Will I be continuing the journey alone or will you be joining me?”

“What do you mean?” Arwen’s brows furrowed at that. For a moment, she suspected it to be a reiteration of his offer to have her join him as he suggested back in the village inn.

“Well, I suppose there is no reason to journey home when you’re already there.” The knowing look in Gwaine’s eyes made Arwen swallow down the food she’d been chewing, but she remained entirely silent, unsure of what to say as she couldn’t know what exactly it was he was trying to suggest. “When you travel as much as I, you hear stories, legends… especially so close to the border.”

“I’m not sure what you mean.” Arwen tried to deny the assumptions he seemed to be making.

“How was it that the legend goes? Only when the true heir of the Baudissan line returns to the castle will its lights shine again.” Some of the wording in Gwaine’s retelling was off, but ultimately, the point was still right. And it seemed as if he knew it too, if the smile on his face was anything to go by.

“Ayana’s in charge of maintaining the castle. I’m pretty sure that she means she’s in charge of lighting the candles too.” Arwen tried to suggest an alternative. One she knew was wrong, but it might still pass.

“Shall we call her back and ask?” He raised an eyebrow at her curiously, obviously confident in his own assumptions. And Arwen knew further evasions may result in more bad than good.

“What is it that you’re trying to accomplish here Gwaine?” She questioned. In her exploring she’d seen the path down to the castle dungeons too. She wouldn’t want her first act within the palace to be to lock someone up, but she was willing to do so if necessary.

“I was never fond of nobles, to tell you the truth.” Gwaine began to speak again, stuffing some bread into his mouth before he continued. “Always thought them caring only for themselves and their own interests.” Arwen opened her mouth in an attempt to speak up, but he did before she could. “Never expected to find one posing around as a common physician.”

“I am one of the court physicians of Camelot.” She pointed out, the technicalities making Gwaine let out a chuckle. “But I don’t think that makes much of a difference in this case. Does it?”

“It makes all the difference.” His words had her brows furrowing in a confused manner, prompting him to go on. “You might be proving me wrong, Arwen. Not a lot of people can do that.”

“Somehow I’m not so sure that’s true.” The taunt had Gwaine bursting into laughter before he nodded his head. No, it was not true. A lot of people often told him he was wrong. Although they liked to use more colourful language when doing it.

“Your secret is safe with me, Princess.” Gwaine announced, making a relieved sigh escape Arwen at the words. “And it will be nice to know a noble owes me something for the first time in my life.”

“A price I’m sure you’ll collect on one day.” Arwen shook her head in amusement. But she couldn’t deny he was doing her a service by promising to keep her true identity to himself. That was a favour she was more than willing to repay one day should it come. “And yes, I’ll be leaving this place. It may have been my home once, but right now I have another. And I need to get back to it and the people waiting for me there.”

With the sun shining down on them, making a path much clearer and easier to follow, it didn’t take nearly as long for Arwen and Gwaine’s horses to return to the place from where they came. And Arwen couldn’t help but feel a small tinge of relief as she began to see the outlines of houses and buildings in the distance beyond the trees.

“Still intent on returning to Camelot and your boring job?” Gwaine questioned as their horses pulled up to a stop, making Arwen look over at him with amusement shining in her eyes. “My offer to run away together still stands, you know?”

The suggestion had a laugh bubbling past her lips. “As I said, I have people waiting for me back in the city. I couldn’t just abandon them.” She reminded him of what she’d said during their meal together back in the castle of Prairene.

“Yes, I suppose your husband would be worried about you by now.” He nodded his head in understanding, the statement coming out as a question that made her shake her head in amusement. “I hope he treats you well. Like a princess.”

“A brother, not a husband. And he treats me as well as is expected of any brother.” She revealed honestly, making Gwaine laugh at the revelation.

“Well, I hope to meet him one day.” He announced happily, a little bit too happily once he was reassured there was no husband Arwen was so eager to return to.

“You’re not coming with me?” She asked in surprise.

“I have no intentions of returning to the village which risked my life through both disease and bandits alike, thank you very much.” He pointed out, making Arwen laugh at the comical way in which he’d said it. “But something tells me this isn’t the last I’ll be seeing of you, Princess.”

“Where will you go?” Arwen questioned.

“I might just go back to Prairene. I’m sure Ayana gets lonely all by herself in that big place.” He said thoughtfully.

“Well, at least you know you’ll be welcome.” She pointed out with a smile. She wasn’t sure how it worked, but it was clear that the castle of Prairene had somewhat of a mind of its own. And by now it must be clear to it, and Ayana that Gwaine was her friend and to be welcomed at any time should he need to return.

“I think I’ll let the horse take the lead this time. He’s never led me astray before.” Gwaine made his decision, smiling as he heard her laugh again.

“Until next time then, Gwaine.”

“Until next time, Princess.”

For a few moments, Arwen watched him ride of to the west, a small smile lingering on her face. After all that had happened, all she’d seen, that alone was enough. But she was happy to have made a friend along the way too. And while she truly was hoping to see him some day in the future, for now, Arwen knew she was meant to go in another direction.

And so, with a gentle kick, she forced her horse to move again. She headed in the direction of the village, wondering the state in which she might find it. What she knew for certain was that by now, Leon must’ve returned, and she didn’t dare think how worried he may be because of her absence.

However, what she wasn’t expecting was the sight of familiar red capes littered all throughout the town once the sight of it became clearer in the near distance. It wasn’t only Leon, but about a dozen other knights of Camelot that she could see swarming the area and helping the townspeople clean up the last remnants of the bandits’ attack.

Pushing her horse to move faster, Arwen rushed past the lake and into the centre of the town, eyes looking around in search of a familiar face as she dismounted her horse. And then she finally spotted the knight who’d accompanied her here in the first place. “Leon! What in the world is going on? What are all these knights doing here?”

As he turned at the sound of her voice, for a moment the knight simply stared at her in shock before his legs finally carried him over. “Where in the world have you been? We’ve all been worried sick?” He questioned, pulling her into a short hug which showed just how relieved he was to see her standing before him.

“We?” Arwen asked as she pulled away soon after brows furrowed until she began to realize what he might mean by that. “Oh no…” She muttered as understanding dawned on her. And just as it did, a sudden force crashed into her, arms pulling her into yet another hug, this one so tight it might suffocate her.

“You will be the death of me, do you know that?” Her brother’s question had Arwen letting out a small laugh as she hugged him back. “Are you okay? Are you hurt? Where did you go?” He continued on with a string of questions, all coming out so fast that Arwen had no chance to even try answering while they pulled apart.

“I’m fine, Merlin. Really. Not a scratch on me.” She reassured her brother, momentarily forgetting about the small cut she’d sustained on her arm in the attack. Until it was pointed out by a third voice joining their conversation.

“That looks like a scratch.” Arwen turned around, eyes somewhat wide as she came face to face with none other than Arthur, a small smile spreading over her lips at the sight of him.

“It’s nothing I couldn’t handle, my Lord.” Arwen said reassuringly. “I rode east to escape the attack, hid in some caves nearby to ride out the night and the storm.” She gave a short explanation, a lie, as to where she’d been all this time. But it seemed enough to satisfy all three men.

“Can you give us a moment?” Arthur asked, eyes turning to Merlin and Leon. The two shared a look between themselves, not even saying a word before they began to retreat. And only once their backs were turned did they dare share a knowing look between themselves.

One neither Arthur nor Arwen caught as they remained focused on each other. “Are you sure you’re alright? Do you need to sit down and rest? We should get you back to Camelot as soon as possible.” Arthur began to ramble on, making Arwen let out a small laugh, her eyes shining with a fond gleam as she looked at him.

“I’m sure, Arthur.” She said gently.

“If something happened to you… I don’t know-“ He started to shake his head, the worry he’d been feeling all this time finally coming to the surface as he was given a moment away from all his men to be able to show it. But before he could even finish, Arwen took his hand into her own.

“Nothing happened. And nothing will.” She whispered in a soft tone, eyes staring right into his in an attempt to make him believe it and relax. “You’re not getting rid of me that easily, Arthur Pendragon.”

“You don’t know how much relief that brings me, Arwen Ambrosius.”

“I’ll be increasing the patrols in the area. If the bandits resurface, our knights will ensure they are apprehended and made to pay for their crimes.” Arthur spoke, addressing both the king and the council as their group found themselves back in Camelot, standing in the council chambers as they relayed all that had happened on their journey.

“And this stone they were after? What happened to it?” Uther’s eyes turned back to Arwen questioningly. And she didn’t falter in giving her answer.

“I’m afraid I don’t know, Sire. I never found it among the man’s things. Or anywhere in the town.” She lied. She’d told the king that it was a plant that had started to grow in the lake that poisoned people, not the stone. It was only through the witness statements of the townspeople that Arthur knew what it was that the bandits came for.

“Hopefully the patrols will manage to locate this stone before it once more falls into the wrong hands.” Uther muttered, more to himself than to anyone else. But ultimately, he too knew there was nothing that could be done on the matter. Not when the main person who could point them in its direction was dead due to disease. “If that is all, the council is dismissed.”

“It is father.” Arthur announced, and with that, people began to file out of the chambers. Arwen turned around, looking to Gaius as she was ready to leave as well. She was eager to get back to her bed and the physicians’ chambers.

“Arwen, Gaius, I was hoping you might stay a moment longer. There is something else that has to be discussed.” Uther’s voice had both physicians looking back at him, and Arthur too, sent his father a curious glance. “The patrol that alerted us to the bandits’ movements also brought other news with them.”

“Is this what you didn’t want to tell me before?” Arthur couldn’t help but ask, his curiosities getting the best of him in that moment. But Uther didn’t seem to mind it too much.

“Gaius already knows this. And as it is intended for Arwen to one day serve you Arthur, as Gaius does me, she too should be made aware of the possible threat headed our way.” Uther’s ominous words had Arthur sending his father a now confused look. Why wouldn’t he mention a threat before? Why was it that this one seemed to scare him so?

“There is a legend that speaks of the magic which fuels the castle of Prairene.” Uther began to relay what he had to tell them, the beginnings making Arthur grow even more confused. He knew the story of Prairene well enough from all the history lessons he was forced to endure as a child, to know that it shouldn’t be an issue brought up so long after its events. At least that was what he thought. “It speaks of the return of the Baudissan heir.”

“You killed the last of the Baudissan line.” Arthur pointed out, reminding his father of the story and why this legend should be of no concern to them.

“I killed the King and Queen. But, months before my siege of the palace, they did, in fact, have a child. An heir.” Uther revealed the secret he’d harboured for all this time, allowing it to be known by only a select few while he told a different story to the rest of the kingdom.

“You… You killed a child?” Arthur questioned; the shock clear on his face. He never understood the reason behind such things. Especially when seconds after he was capable of thinking of different ways to handle the situation.

“No, she was smuggled out of the castle before anyone could reach her.” Uther said honestly, for the first time in decades. And he seemed to hold no remorse over it. No sign of shame that he possibly regretted the thought of killing a baby only a few months old. Arwen had to do her best to keep all the emotions off of her face. Even as she felt Gaius’ eyes on her, she kept her focus and continued to listen to the King.

“The knights, while patrolling the border, saw the castle in the distance. While thus far it had been abandoned and no one could even enter beyond its walls… they saw it alight.” Uther revealed in a grave tone. “The legend says that such a thing will happen only when a Baudissan walks through its halls again.”

“You think she’s returned?” Arthur concluded what his father was leading up to on his own.

“The legend says that only when the true Baudissan air returns to the heart of the kingdom, the fires of Prairene will burn again.” Uther relayed the exact wording, the one that only earlier in the day Gwaine had gotten somewhat wrong when he too shared it. “The fires of Prairene are burning.”

It was those words that echoed in the tense silence that had enveloped the council chambers. But that wasn’t the limit of how far the echo reached. Because even when she was gone, the light continued to shine and the fires continued to burn.

Those words echoed along the border. They echoed among the people. And they echoed across all the lands. Word spread like wildfire, like the flames shining in the night in a land that had once been abandoned. But it wouldn’t remain so for long. Because now… things began to change.

Chapter Text

“And here, it talks all about some ageing spells. I could make myself look as old as Gaius if I tried it.” Merlin raved on and on as he and Arwen sat together in the physicians’ chambers. From the moment Arwen had given him the book she took out of Prairene’s guarded library; he hadn’t been able to stop exploring all the new magic within it.

“I’m glad you like it, Merlin.” Arwen said with a small laugh. She was so happy when they returned to Camelot and the two got a moment of privacy and peace so she could tell him all about going to the castle. And she was pleased that she could share at least a little of that joy with him by giving him his gift.

Their conversation was interrupted soon after as Gaius walked into the physicians’ chambers, eyes falling on the two of them and a scolding look appearing in them. “What are you two still doing here just sitting around? We have a knighting ceremony to get to.” His reminder had the siblings scampering to their feet. “Come on, come on. We haven’t got all night.”

With quick steps, the trio rushed through the halls of the palace on their way to the hall of ceremonies. And they arrived just in time for the start of the knighting ceremony. The newest recruits all knelt before the King as Uther bestowed them their official titles.

“You have been accorded a great honour. But with that honour comes great responsibility. From this day forth, you are sworn to live by the knights' code. You have pledged to conduct yourselves with nobility, honour, and respect. Your word is your sacred bond.” Uther spoke in an important voice once all of the new knights were allowed to rise back to their feet. “You will find no one who better embodies these values than my son, Arthur. Follow his example, and you will prove yourselves worthy of your title.”

Arwen’s green eyes turned to the prince standing at his father’s side while Uther spoke of his noble values. And as their eyes met, she sent him a small smile, rising her hands to clap in congratulations along with the rest of the gathered crowd. However, as soon as the applause began, it ended just as quickly once the sounds of clashing metal reached from the halls.

Panicked looks began to spread over the crowd as all turned to the source of the noise, watching as a figure clad in armour made his way inside. At the sight of him, all knights drew their swords, Arthur moving to the front as his hand clutched his own while the stranger approached with determined steps.

He didn’t speak as he stepped in front of Arthur, didn’t say a word. He didn’t even pull on his now sheathed weapon. The knight simply pulled off his gauntlet before throwing it at the feet of the prince. The sign which by now, Arwen understood perfectly. He’d issued a challenge. And without hesitation, Arthur leaned down to pick it up. To accept the challenge.

“I accept your challenge.” He said in a firm voice, eyes never leaving those of his newest opponent. Arwen and Merlin shared a worried look between themselves, wondering who this newest foe might be. “If I'm to face you in combat, do me the courtesy of revealing your identity.”

At his words, the knight finally began to remove his helmet, and much to everyone’s surprise, it wasn’t the face of a man hidden beneath the metal. Golden locks of hair spilled out in waves and fell down the woman’s back while her firm features turned to Arthur again, brown eyes focused on the prince and the prince alone.

“My name is Morgause.”

Arwen stood in the halls of the castle, having paused at one of the windows as a figure in the square caught her attention. She watched as Morgause’s bright hair whipped against the air as she spun on her heel, sword swinging through the air in precise blows which showed probably only half of her skill with the weapon.

“What are you looking at?” The sound of her brother’s voice had her head turning back to the hall in the direction from which he was approaching while he carried some sheets to Arthur’s chambers. He stopped too once he reached her side, looking out into the square and quickly realizing what had his sister’s focus. “What do you think of her?”

“I don’t know.” Arwen said in a thoughtful tone, glancing back at the woman curiously. “A challenge to a duel isn’t the best way to make a good impression. It is to the death after all, and she seems to believe she can win it.” A part of Arwen had to admire that kind of confidence. She herself, no matter how confident in her own skill, never would have dared do such a thing.

“If she wins, that means Arthur has to die.” Merlin pointed out. It was the knights code that such a challenge would lead to a fight to the death. “Surely you don’t want that?” He questioned her, although his tone sounded more like he was reminding her, making Arwen let out a small laugh.

“Of course, I don’t want Arthur to get hurt.” She shook her head at her brother. “But a part of me also slightly wants her to be able to prove women can be just as skilled in battle as men can be. It would be fun to see all the faces of the men once they realized it. Without death needing to be involved.”

Merlin let out a small hum. He supposed he could understand that in a way. “Do you think she can beat him?” He asked curiously.

“If she can… I hope she is simply here to prove a point and won’t take it too far.” Arwen said honestly. After all, while the rules stated that the duel should be a fight to the death, whoever the victor was could always show mercy. In her mind, it was a greater sign of honour than killing was.

She hoped that is how tomorrow would turn out. No matter which side won in the end…

The next morning, all of Camelot gathered in the tournament grounds, people anxiously awaiting the duel that was about to take place. Arwen stood by her brother’s side, Gaius on her other as she watched Morgause standing still before the raised dais where Morgana and Uther sat. She stood entirely still and calm as Arthur walked into the arena and stepped up beside her.

“The fight is by the Knights' Rules. And to the death.” Uther announced before returning to his seat. For a few more moments, all remained calm as Arthur walked towards his opponent, silently saying something to which he received no response.

“He must’ve given her another chance to withdraw.” Merlin whispered out, having already revealed to Arwen that he’d sent a message through him the previous night too.

“She has something to prove.” Arwen noted. That much was clear by now. However, as she watched Arthur put on his helmet, swinging his sword as he prepared to begin the fight, she couldn’t help but worry about what exactly that may be.

For a few long moments the two stood, swords drawn and facing each other, but then it was Morgause who swung first. She delivered a few precise blows, forcing Arthur to move and block. Morgause retreated only once he began to gain an upper hand, taking a few steps back as the two began to circle each other again.

“She is a really good fighter.” Arwen whispered nervously. There was no denying it as they watched the first stages of the duel. Her skill seemed sufficient to Arthur’s in its first stages, that was for sure.

The next time one of them moved, it was Morgause who eagerly lunged first. However, she made a mistake, allowing Arthur to gain the upper hand and rendering the woman to do her best to defend as his attack continued. Swing after swing, the tides seemed to shift until the moment Morgause’s sword slipped from her hold as Arthur’s own struck against the skin of her inner arm.

Many men would have taken their chance in that moment, but instead, Arthur allowed Morgause to pick up her sword again. He was determined to make the fight equal and fair. The act had the crowd clapping for him in approval while the fight was at a standstill. But it didn’t remain so for long.

As soon as the sword was back in Morgause’s hands, they continued their attacks. For a few long moments, it seemed that neither had the upper hand in the fight, both remaining on equal ground until the tides swung in Arthur’s favour once he pushed the woman into the wall, cornering her as he swung his sword. But she moved aside, evading the blow and making it land on the wooden fencing instead.

And it was in that moment, his swing still in progress, that Arthur had left himself exposed. And Morgause used it. Her foot slammed into the back of Arthur’s knee, forcing the prince to buckle as he fell to the ground. The impact threw his helmet off, and before he could do anything to recover, the crowd gasped in fear when Morgause’s sword now pressed into Arthur’s chest.

But instead of delivering the final blow, she simply stood over him, applying pressure but not piercing his skin. Arwen clutched onto her brother’s arm in worry, hoping he’d intervene before Morgause could do anything to hurt or even worse kill Arthur. However, as they watched the woman take her helmet off, the longer they stood like that, the more it became clear that wasn’t her intent.

Rather, the two seemed to be having a conversation. One neither Arwen nor Merlin could hear from the distance which separated them from the duelling pair. And then, as their conversation seemed to come to an end, Morgause pulled her sword away. Instead of delivering a final blow, she extended her hand to the prince, helping him to his feet and showing all those watching that the fight was over. And no party will be dying today.

Arwen let out a small breath of relief, unable to hold back a small smile. She was happy that her hopes for the duel had come to fruition. Morgause had managed to prove her point, or at least what Arwen assumed it to be, without any further trouble or injury. Well… Perhaps it was Arthur’s pride that was injured, if the way he is eyes remained glued to the ground as Morgause walked away from the tournament arena, was anything to go by. But that he could recover from.

“I’ll go tend to her injury.” Arwen announced before Gaius could even move, a part of her seeming eager to volunteer for the task as she grabbed her medical bag and followed after the blonde woman. With quick steps, she pushed through the crowd in an attempt to catch up to her, but ultimately had to call out to make Morgause stop and turn to her. “I’m sorry to disturb you, my Lady. I’m one of the court physicians. I was wondering if you needed help tending to the cut you sustained?”

“Help would be most welcome.” Morgause offered Arwen a small smile, one that another spreading over the redhead’s own face as the two women began to walk side by side. “And please, call me Morgause.”

Arwen accompanied the woman to her chambers, their walk a short one, and quickly began to tend to the wound. “You’re lucky, it’s shallow enough so that it doesn’t need stitches.” Arwen commented once she finished cleaning the wound, moving on to the bandages rather than the needle and thread as she expected she might have to.

“How long have you been a physician here?” Morgause asked, making conversation while Arwen did her work. It seemed to bring a small smile to her face as she thought of it.

“Nearly a year now.” She said after a few moments, only then realizing just how much time had really passed.

“And you enjoy it?”

“I do. It can be a hard job at times, but I love all aspects of it. And I’m not scared of a little hard work.” Arwen nodded her head in confirmation as she tied the final knot of Morgause’s bandages. “Will you be staying in Camelot for much longer?”

“I didn’t plan on it, no.” Morgause revealed, watching as a small look of disappointment passed over the physician’s face. “Why do you ask?” The blonde couldn’t help but wonder for the cause.

“Well, I must admit, I was hoping… Oh, never mind, I don’t want to be a bother.” Arwen quickly shook her head, dismissing the idea from her mind as she got back to work of packing away her medical supplies. Although she didn’t miss the inquisitive look Morgause sent her way, obviously wanting her to say whatever was on her mind. “Well, I was thinking perhaps a friendly du-“

Arwen was soon cut off by the sound of a knock at the door, both women turning their eyes to Gaius as he peeked his head into the chambers. “Excuse my interruption, I was simply coming to check whether Arwen needed any help.” The man announced, both women remaining oblivious to his true reasons as he stepped past the door.

“Morgause, this is Gaius, our senior court physician” Arwen introduced the two as she closed up her bag, eyes turning to her mentor as she continued. “Nothing I couldn’t handle.” Then she turned back to Morgause again. “It was a pleasure to meet you, and if you need anything else during your time here, please don’t hesitate to ask.”

With the parting words, Arwen began to move towards the door, but still couldn’t exit the chambers as Gaius remained standing there, eyes focused on the blonde behind her. “You seem familiar. Have you visited Camelot in the past?” He questioned curiously.

“I was here many years ago. I was just a baby at the time. I doubt you'd remember me.” Morgause said, her cool and calm tone back once again as she stood from her seat and began to roll down the sleeve of her chainmail. Still aware of Gaius’ eyes watching her, Morgause ignored him, turning to Arwen one last time. “I'm grateful for your help.”

“You’re welcome. We hope you enjoy the rest of your stay in Camelot.” Arwen said with one last smile, shaking her head as she pulled on Gaius’ arm, finally making him snap out of his thoughts and follow her out of the chambers.

By the time the next day rolled around, it was quickly revealed that Morgause had stuck to her intentions of not remaining in Camelot for long. It wasn’t long into her afternoon rounds through the castle that Arwen had found out the woman was long gone since the morning.

Arwen found it somewhat odd, that she’d left so quickly, but simply assumed that now that she’d done what she came for she didn’t intend to stick around for any of the aftermath. Not that anyone could blame her. Bruising the ego of the crowned prince did come with some scrutiny.

Walking up the steps towards the court physicians’ chambers, Arwen could hear the sound of her brother’s voice, calling out his goodbyes to Gaius as he left. “Duties, duties, duties! It never stops.” His chipper voice echoed against the stone walls, just the tone making Arwen suspect he was up to something. And then so did the sight of him. “In a rush, can’t talk!” He announced as he tried to run by her, only to have Arwen snatch him by his ear and force him to come to a stop.

“What are you up to?” She questioned with a raised eyebrow, the pointed look in her eyes making it clear that there was no point in lying to her. She was already on to him, she just couldn’t be sure what exactly she was on to just yet.

“I hate you.” Merlin grumbled out in an annoyed tone that made Arwen roll her eyes at him as she released his ear, but ensured she was still blocking his path. Too many times she’d fallen for his tricks of acting like he’d tell her and then running away instead.

“Of course, you do.” She said in a sardonic tone. “Now that you’ve expressed that, would you stop avoiding the question?” She asked.

“I’m helping Arthur… Sneak out of the palace… To meet with Morgause… For a challenge…” Merlin said, long pauses breaking apart his words, each one stretching out as he hoped the pressing expression would slip from her face and she wouldn’t force him to elaborate more. It did not.

“A challenge? Haven’t we just done that?” Arwen couldn’t help but ask, her curiosities about Morgause rising again as she pondered what this might be. “What kind of challenge will it be?”

“Arthur doesn’t know.” Merlin said simply, watching the suspicion spread over his sister’s features. “I mean, how bad could it be? She held a sword to his throat. If she wanted to kill him she had the chance.”

“Did you think about the fact that taking it would have made leaving Camelot peacefully a bit more difficult?” Arwen questioned. “Best do it outside of its walls then, I’d say.” Perhaps the duel between Arthur and Morgause was to the rules and perfectly alright, but she doubted Uther wouldn’t find some way to punish the woman had their duel gone wrong.

“No… I mean… She just…” Merlin stumbled around, obviously stumped by his sister’s suggestions. “I’m not going to be able to talk him out of this. He made a promise. And she claims to have known his mother.” Instead of continuing to try and find an optimistic explanation, he pointed out what he knew for a fact to Arwen.

The revelation made her give out a small sigh. Because as soon as he’d said it, she knew he was right. If someone came to her with the same claims, she probably would be eager to hear what they had to say as well. They couldn’t expect Arthur to back away from that. All she could do was hope for the best. And that her worries were simply paranoia getting the best of her. It had to be that. Because anything else… Well, she didn’t want to think of anything else.

With a free afternoon on her hands the next day, Arwen found herself walking through the halls of the palace, with one specific location in mind. She was eager to avoid the council chambers, from which the angered yelling of their king could be heard along the corridors. It was safe to say that Uther was greatly displeased once he’d found out about his son’s disappearance.

And if his yelling demands weren’t enough of a clue, then the dejected look of Camelot’s knights as they walked out of their meeting with the King certainly would have been. “Still no sign of Arthur, huh?” Arwen asked as she came to a stop in the halls, Sir Leon standing in front of her as he gave a small shake of his head. “You’ll find him, I’m sure.” She tried to console him.

“No chance Merlin told you where they were going, is there?” He asked her with a sheepish smile, the tone making Arwen let out a small laugh before she shook her head in denial.

“I’m afraid not.” She said in a remorseful tone. The longer Arthur and her brother were gone, the more Arwen’s worries over Morgause’s intentions continued to grow. None of them could be sure what it was that the woman wanted with the Prince, but it was unsettling to know he’d gone to meet her so blindly. “From what I understand, they themselves didn’t know where they were going.”

“Didn’t know? That must mean Morgause had left some kind of clue as to which path they should follow.” Arwen could already see the thoughtful look spreading over the knight’s face as he started to think of their search from a new perspective.

“Hopefully you manage to find it.” The redhead gave out a small laugh. “Good luck, Leon.” It wasn’t long before the knight was off, following in the direction which others had left in and leaving Arwen to continue on her own journey. One which led her to the Lady Morgana’s chambers.

Walking into the Lady’s chambers once her knock received a response, Arwen found Morgana happily moving around the room, only coming to a stop when her eyes landed on her. “Arwen, I didn’t know you’d be coming. Gaius has already been by to deliver my draught.”

“Oh, I’m not here as a physician.” Arwen shook her hand quickly. “I simply had an afternoon off and thought you might like some company. But if you’re busy-“

“Nonsense! I’m always up for your company.” Morgana interrupted her friend before she could even finish the thought, grabbing onto her hand and leading her over to sit together on her bed. “Especially as we haven’t had much chance to talk since your little…”

“Adventure?” Arwen filled in as Morgana’s voice trailed off unsure of how to title the excursion Arwen had had, but still both women knew what she was referring to. While she’d told both Merlin and Gaius all about her time in the palace of Prairene, having that conversation with Morgana was slightly harder.

“You must tell me everything.” The excited smile on Morgana’s face was hard to resist, but still, Arwen’s eyes glanced around the room as if making sure no one was hiding behind the curtains or could overhear them. “Gwen’s gone to the kitchens to do some washing; we have time.”

“I don’t even know where to begin. All the books, all the writings about the magic and how it looks, it’s all true.” Arwen began to tell the story, a small smile coming over her own face as she thought back to the castle. “And at the same time, so wrong. None of it truly does it justice. It’s so beautiful.”

“Did you get to explore? Did you see anything? Get any ideas?” Morgana’s string of questions seemed to be never-ending. And Arwen certainly didn’t mind it, wanting to share every detail she could with her friend.

“I did a little. But before all that, I actually met someone there.” Arwen began to tell the story, Morgana’s face taking on a look of complete surprise. According to all the stories and what everyone knew, the castle had been entirely abandoned all these years. “Apparently, Alfred the Great and his line are bound to the castle. Tasked with watching over it and keeping it’s magic alive. One of his descendants, Ayana, is still there.”

“That sounds awfully lonely.” Morgana couldn’t help but frown.

“She seems content.” Arwen tried to provide some reassurance on the matter. “But even then. Meeting her, seeing the castle with my own eyes, it just solidified that I do have to do something about all of it. I can’t just let it be.”

“Can’t let what be?” The sound of Gwen’s voice had the two women on the bed jumping apart as if they’d been caught conspiring on the worst matters, even if Gwen’s question revealed that she didn’t actually know what it was they were talking about.

“Oh… Uh…” Morgana stumbled around, unsure of how to answer her maid’s question.

Luckily, Arwen jumped in before their silence could stretch on for too long. “Merlin’s insolence.” She said with a simple shrug of her shoulders. “He really is getting too good at hiding things from me.”

“Told you nothing about his and Arthur’s plans, did he?” Guinevere gave out a small laugh of amusement as she set down a basket of clean sheets on top of Morgana’s table before turning to the two again as Arwen shook her head in response.

It was a lie, and she hated lying to Gwen, but she knew she also couldn’t tell her the truth. She did trust Gwen, and while she believed the woman wouldn’t tell her secret to anyone, Arwen wouldn’t deceive herself into believing that it was safe to tell her. If anyone ever learned that she knew, there was no doubt Gwen’s fate would be sealed along with Arwen’s own. Morgana at least could easily lie and claim she didn’t know. Her loyalty to Uther made it hard to believe that she’d be aware of such a secret and never tell him.

“Trust me when I tell you, he’s in for a talking to when he gets back.” And so, Arwen lied. She had no other choice but to do so. And luckily, Gwen seemed to believe her, laughing along with Morgana at the words before she replied.

“Wouldn’t want to be Merlin.”

Arwen couldn’t have possibly known how right Gwen’s words were. Even when she finally saw her brother and the prince as they returned, she could see their sour expressions from the window overlooking the courtyard. However, as she made her way through the halls and towards the doors, she couldn’t have imagined the news which Merlin would have to share.

However, the closer she got, the more she came to realize that whatever had happened on their journey couldn’t have been good. Especially when Arthur walked past her; not even sparing her a glance or acknowledging her presence. His determined steps carried him off into the castle while Arwen spared a confused glance at his back during the short moment it took for her brother and Gaius to reach her.

Not even Merlin said anything at first as he walked, forcing the two physicians to simply follow after him in an attempt to get some answers. “Merlin, what happened? What did Morgause do?” Arwen couldn’t stop herself from asking once enough time had passed in silence. And luckily, it wasn’t long before her brother finally came to a stop in a spot he deemed isolated enough.

However, he didn’t look at Arwen as he finally spoke up, but at Gaius, knowing he would be the one with answers rather than she. “Arthur was born of magic. Wasn't he? Uther used magic.” The claim made his sister’s eyes widen in surprise, disbelief clouding her mind as questioning eyes turned to Gaius.

And he didn’t try to deny it. “Merlin…” Arwen recognized that tone, it was one Gaius used whenever he tried to calm someone’s temper. And it was enough of an answer even if he hadn’t given it clearly.

“All those people he's executed… He's as guilty as they are.” Merlin spoke, turning to look at Gaius fully as his anger began to show. And Arwen certainly couldn’t blame him for it. Not when her own began to bubble up.

“My family. My kingdom.” She pointed out, incapable of not thinking of the history… of her story. Of all that Uther had cost her when he himself had done what he waged war on. All the lives, be it those he took or ruined. All at the hands of a hypocrite.

“He sacrificed Arthur's mother! He as good as murdered her!” Merlin continued on to share more, and Gaius remained quiet. There was nothing he could say. No way in which he could excuse it. That much was quickly becoming clear. “People should know the truth about what he's done.”

“I don’t disagree, but it needs to be handled properly.” Arwen pointed out. If such information simply spread like wildfire everything could turn into chaos. And Uther wouldn’t be the only target of it.

“How could you not tell me?” Merlin asked the older of the two physicians.

“I feared what Arthur would do if he ever found out.” Gaius said honestly, a concerned look spreading over Merlin’s face at the words.

“Oh, he's found out now.” He announced, and not long after he was gone from their hidden corner, rushing through the courtyard and towards the door of the castle. For a moment, Arwen hung back, brows furrowed as her eyes turned back to Gaius.

“You don’t think he’d actually do something?” She asked in disbelief. And again, Gaius remained quiet, the silence answer enough. For a moment Arwen wondered… Wondered about what may happen if Uther was gone. How easier their lives might be. But then she remembered how it would come to pass. And she knew they couldn’t let it. Not this way. Not at the cost which Arthur would have to pay. And so, she rushed off after her brother.

Merlin had a slight head start on her, and Gaius was long behind the both of them. But by the time Arwen reached the council chambers, she could see Leon and the force with which he was preventing Merlin from passing through the closed door. A door beyond which the clashing of swords could already be heard.

It made Arwen speed up the rest of the way through the hall as Merlin continued to attempt and convince the knight to let him through. “They’re going to kill each other!” He screamed at Leon, and as she reached them, hands latching on to the arm with which he held her brother against the wall and making his eyes now turn to her, Arwen could see the slow change in his determination to follow orders.

“You know we wouldn’t make this up, Leon. Please, let us inside.” She pleaded with the knight, and it seemed to do the trick. Seconds later, Leon was not only releasing his hold on Merlin but helping them push the door of the council chambers open once again.

And by the sight they saw as they entered, it was clear they’d made it just in time. Uther’s weapon had been abandoned on the floor as he slumped back in his seat, Arthur’s sword now pressed against his chest in a moment of hesitation. One during which they came inside.

“Arthur! Don't!” Merlin was the first to call out to him in an attempt to calm the prince. “I know you don't want to do this!”

“My mother is dead because of him!” Arthur argued back, his voice angrier than Arwen had ever heard it, with anyone, but especially Uther.

“Killing your father won't bring her back.” She stood at the end of the table as she tried to reason with him, using the words which had passed through her own mind on multiple occasions by now.

“You've lost one parent. Do you really want to lose another?” Merlin worked alongside his sister, both trying to come up with whatever reason, whatever logic to make Arthur relent. But no matter what they said, Arthur’s sword did not lower.

Daring to step even closer despite the weapon and his erratic state, Arwen spoke in a tone so gentle it came out in nearly a whisper. “Arthur, please, put the sword down.”

“You heard what my mother said!” But the anger was still there, clouding over everything else as he spoke. “After everything he has done, do you believe he deserves to live?! He executes those who use magic! He destroyed and entire kingdom! Killed men, women, and children alike! And yet he has used it himself! You have caused so much suffering and pain! I will put an end to that!”

Arwen shared a concerned look with her brother, neither of them knowing what else to do. She could see Gaius enter the chambers from the corner of her eye, but he too remained quiet. They needed something, anything, to get through to him. And as she watched her brother, Merlin’s eyes looking back to the scene between the two Pendragons, she easily recognized the look on his face, realizing what he was about to do moments before he did it.

“Morgause is lying!” Merlin called out, his voice strained as he lied. It made Gaius turn to him with surprised eyes while Arwen, not even aware she was doing it, once again stepped back and built the distance between herself and the prince again, her mind swarming with the realization of all that this would cost them.

“She's an enchantress. She tricked you. That was not your mother you saw. That was an illusion. Everything...everything your mother said to you...those were Morgause's words.”

“You don't know that!” Arthur still fought Merlin on what he was saying, and as she looked at the warlock, Arwen could see the struggle on his face. He knew the consequences too. And while she could do nothing to ease those, she could at least help with this.

And so, she was the one who spoke next. “This has been her plan all along. To turn you against your father. And if you kill him, the kingdom will be destroyed.” She pointed out, her voice calmed than the rest of theirs as she thought of the best words to use. “This is what she wants, Arthur. It’s what benefits her most.”

She could see his hold on the sword loosen as he began to truly think of what they were saying. But then Uther spoke again, and the tension in Arthur’s shoulders returned. “Listen to them, they’re speaking the truth.” The father tried to reason with his son.

“Swear to me it isn't true! You are not responsible for my mother's death! Give me your word!”

“I swear on my life, I loved your mother.” Uther spoke, obviously trying to make his voice firm but the shake of it was undeniable. “There isn't a day passes that I don't wish that she were still alive. I could never have done anything to hurt her.” And this time, the words seemed to do the trick.

Finally, Arthur dropped his sword, the metal clanging against the stone ground as he slumped at his father’s side, kneeling before him as heavy breaths escaped him. “My son, you mean more to me than… Than anything.” As she listened to Uther’s words, Arwen let out a small breath of relief, knowing the danger was now over. And so, she simply walked out of the chambers seconds later, mind needing some time to understand all that had just happened.

“He’s just as convinced as Uther now. I think we may have made it worse.” Merlin spoke as he and Arwen walked through the halls of the castle the morning of the next day.

“That just means it’s going to take more time. But it won’t be impossible.” Arwen tried to speak in a reassuring tone. She had to believe it. She had to believe that what had happened today, what they chose to do, wouldn’t ruin everything they were both trying to work towards. “After all, it’s your destiny.”

“Lot of good I’m doing it.” Merlin grumbled out, making Arwen send him a sympathetic look as she intertwined their arms together.

“You are. We both know Arthur wouldn’t have been able to live with it if he’d gone through with killing Uther.” She said in a voice much surer this time. Because she knew that, at least to be true. “What you did today… You made sure he remained who he is. So that he one day can be the just and noble king he’s meant to become. So, yes, you are doing good on your destiny.”

Merlin smiled down at his sister as he opened the door for her to the physicians’ chambers. “You always-“ He was about to commend her on how she could always say the right thing to make everything seem better. However, before he could, Arwen’s widening eyes interrupted him as she spoke in surprise.

“My lord.” She was quick to lean down in a small curtsy, Merlin bowing his own head once he became aware of the King who’d been looking through some of their books while he waited. “Is everything alright? Are you in need of medical assistance?”

“No, no, everything’s fine.” Uther said with ease, reassuring the physician that he was not there for her services. “I came to thank you for your actions yesterday. The both of you. Your loyalty to Arthur is of great service. I am most grateful.”

“I… I was just doing my duty.” Merlin stumbled around, unsure of what to say. As was Arwen, if her own silence was anything to go by. “We both were.” He added on her behalf because of it.

“You've proven yourselves to be a trusted allies in the fight against magic.” Uther said in a firm tone, believing every word that he spoke. It took everything for Arwen not to burst out laughing because of it. Especially when Merlin couldn’t resist questioning the statement. “Those who practice magic will seek to exploit Arthur's inexperience. They will attempt to corrupt him. We must be extra vigilant.”

“We will keep our eyes peeled.” And again, her brother’s choice of words made Arwen go as far as letting out a small cough to mask her laughter. Luckily, Uther seemed to think nothing of it as he nodded his head at the two in approval.

“I know you will.” With that, the King began to head for the door again. However, he didn’t get far before he turned to the siblings again, the two already watching him and unable to tear their eyes away. “If you ever speak of what happened between myself and Arthur to another living soul, I will have you hanged.”

“You needn’t worry, my Lord. We won’t say a word.” Arwen finally found her voice long enough to speak in a reassuring tone. Even mentioning Arthur had tried to do such a thing would mire his reign with scrutiny and mistrust. And neither of them wanted that. Convinced by her words, Uther finally walked through the door of the physicians’ chambers, disappearing in the halls as Arwen and Merlin were left staring at each other in surprise, trying to wrap their minds around what the king had said.

“Was that Uther I saw just leaving?” It was Gaius voice that had their head snapping back in the direction of the door where he stood, eyes still glancing from them to the hall where he could watch Uther’s retreating figure and then back to them again.

“Yeah. He just popped in to say hello.” Merlin shrugged his shoulders as if it was nothing worth noting.

Of course, Gaius wouldn’t let them just get out of saying what had happened. “Merlin, what did he want?” The older physician demanded answers, eyes soon turning to the redhead standing by her brother’s side with the same demanding look.

“He wanted to thank us for being trusted allies in the fight against magic.” Merlin quoted Uther’s own words and this time… This time Arwen could do nothing to stop her laughter from bursting out and echoing in the chambers. Because that… Well that was better than any of the previous times in which Arthur blindly defended Merlin from sorcery accusations.

Chapter Text

For the entire morning, the castle courtyard had been a flurry and frenzy of new faces and royal parties that had all journeyed to Camelot for the peace talks which were about to take place. All five kings of the surrounding kingdoms, all together in one place. There were many thoughts to be had about such an occasion: some spoke of how momentous it all was. Others worried about the trouble which may arise during their stay.

Arwen, who’d spent her morning alongside Gaius, introducing herself to all the incoming parties and offering her services should anyone need it, couldn’t deny that the entire thing left her somewhat sour. Every once in a while, she couldn’t stop her thoughts form reminding her that, were things different, she’d be among them. She’d have a seat at the table to discuss and negotiate what was best for her own kingdom. But she did her best to push it down.

Even when she watched the kings who certainly didn’t seem worthy of their titles. Eyes focused on King Alined as he spat and scolded his servant, she couldn’t hold back a small frown from her face. She knew some masters certainly didn’t think much or show kindness to their servants and staff, but seeing it never failed to make Arwen’s opinion of them lower.

“You may want to introduce yourself to that party on your own.” Gaius’ voice beside her had Arwen’s eyes snapping away from the ruler of Deorham and towards her mentor only to find him focused on something else.

Eyes looking in the same direction, it wasn’t long before Arwen realized what Gaius had meant by that. Among the group of about seven men, she spotted a familiar face. A man who she’d been thinking of contacting and trying to find a way. Sending Gaius a thankful nod, she didn’t spare a moment longer before beginning to make her way over to the men and their horses.

“Lord Warren, I wasn't aware you'd be present for the peace talks.” She spoke up once she was close enough, a smile on her face as the man in question turned to look at her. And it wasn’t long before he too was smiling in welcome.

“Arwen, it's good to see you again.” He said in a happy voice, but while he spoke, Arwen didn’t miss the way in which the men surrounding him shifted at his words. The best she could describe it was almost as if it was recognition she could see passing through their eyes and faces as they shared looks between themselves. “Uther likes to invite me to such important events.”

Lord Warren’s words had the redhead looking back to him, understanding the meaning behind the tone in which he’d said them. Knowing who he was now, that he’d served on Prairene’s council and as right hand to her father, Arwen knew what he was trying to convey. Uther used him to send a message to all the kings now gathered together, Lord Warren serving as a reminder of what he’d done to a kingdom no one thought he could defeat before.

However, instead of commenting on that, knowing now was not the time nor place, Arwen simply moved on. “And these are your men I assume?” She asked, eyes looking over the unfamiliar faces surrounding them.

“Some of the best warriors in the lands.” Lord Warren announced, the pride in his voice rather evident as he continued on. “Many have been fighting by my side for over two decades now.”

Arwen could easily connect the dots of that statement as well. If they’d been fighting together for such a long time that would mean some of them, those who were older and not the ones who seemed to be around her own age, had once been loyal to Prairene and her family. “It is beautiful to inspire such loyalty.” She said.

It was becoming rather clear, the longer their conversation went on, that while their words conveyed one message, there was an entirely different conversation going on behind them. “It is easy when we fight for the same causes.” Their veiled messages continued, neither going deeper into the topic as not to reveal their intentions or meanings.

And it was wise to do so because it wasn’t long before Lord Warren could spot Camelot’s own king and prince making their way towards them from behind Arwen. “I do hope I get a chance to speak with you more during our stay in Camelot… My Lady.” The title came out in a questioning tone, the man clearly testing to see whether she’d cluelessly correct him again.

She didn’t. “And I with you, my Lord.” With a small nod of her head, one that subtly let him know she’d understood every hidden meaning and message, the redhead soon began to walk away just as she heard Uther call out his greetings behind her. And as she walked by the group of men, Arwen didn’t miss the way in which they seemed to bow to the king. But they were all slightly turned away from Uther. And towards her.

Arwen had been around for all of the preparations which had taken place in the weeks prior to the kings’ arrival. And she’d thought she had a pretty good idea of just how magnificent of a spectacle Uther had planned. However, standing here now, in the reception hall, she was made aware of just how wrong she’d been. The feast alone had been quite the welcome for their guests. And after it a series of singers, court jesters and circus acts amazed the crowd even further until it was time for all the amassed lords and ladies to take to the floor as music spread over the hall.

“I can’t wait to be working for Morgana again.” Gwen grumbled as she and Arwen stood off to the side, watching the nobles as they danced the night away dressed in their finest to impress whoever was looking.

“Is Princess Vivian truly that horrible?” Arwen asked in disbelief. Whenever she heard anyone speak of her, it was of her beauty and her father’s overprotectiveness. She hadn’t yet heard any rumour of her character and its possible downsides.

“So spoiled Arwen, you wouldn’t believe it.” Gwen breathed out in a quiet tone, not daring to be overheard. “And you know me, I’m not one to complain. But she…” Gwen trailed off, searching for a best description that wouldn’t be too rude. However, as the silence stretched on, it became rather clear she was unable to come up with one. And it only made Arwen laugh.

“If you want some help, perhaps I can offer up a distraction tomorrow of some kind. Offer to take her on a tour of the markets.” Arwen suggested after giving it some thought. Did she really want to spend her afternoon with a spoiled princess? No, not really. But Gwen seemed like she really needed it.

“Oh, I would truly appreciate that. You have no idea how much.” Just the fact that she wasn’t shooting down Arwen’s offer or trying to say it wasn’t necessary proved that Gwen did need some help with the blonde. “I don’t know how impressed or entertained she’d be though.”

“Oh, worry not. We’ll just mention how much Morgana is fond of going to see all the stalls and merchants.” Arwen said in a reassuring tone, nodding her head in the direction where the two ladies still remained in their seats. While perhaps spoilt and vain, one thing was clear about Princess Vivian. She really wanted Morgana to like her.

“I’m sorry to intrude.” A voice speaking up beside them had both women turning to look at a man, one near in their age, standing nearby, his brown eyes focused on the both of them as he offered a polite smile. To Gwen his face was unfamiliar, but Arwen, while still unsure of his name, easily recognized him as one of the men who’d arrived with Lord Warren that morning. “I was wondering may I have the honour of a dance?”

Arwen didn’t even have a chance to respond for herself before Gwen was holding on to her shoulders and pushing her forwards. “She’d love to.” The maid announced, giving Arwen no room to argue as she now stood close enough to take the man’s hand, an amused smile spreading over her face at her friend’s actions.

“I would.” She nodded her head, letting the man lead her away and towards the dancing crowd. It was a good thing that even if Gwen hadn’t intervened on her behalf, Arwen’s answer would have been the same. “You’ll have to forgive me, my Lord, but as there was not much time for proper introductions before, I’m afraid I don’t know your name.”

Arwen’s words made the man let out a small laugh as he nodded his head, coming to realize much the same thing as they stood one in front of the other among the dancing crowd. “Of course, my apologies. Lord Edmund Warren, at your service.” He introduced himself as he took her hand, Arwen’s other going to his shoulder as they began to dance along to the music.

“Warren?” She couldn’t help but ask, her mind connecting the pieces now that they’ve been placed before her. Especially when she was beginning to see the similarities in their features.

“You know, when my father returned from his last trip to Camelot and spoke of meeting you, many of us thought he was telling tall tales.” Edmund said in a light tone, indirectly confirming what she’d asked him moments before. “But then you went there…” He said, both of them knowing which place he meant without ever having to use its name. “We followed, but according to Ayana missed you by a day.”

“You know Ayana?” Arwen asked in surprise. While sure, she couldn’t be certain how old Edmund was exactly, it was clear he couldn’t have been but a few years of age when Prairene fell, and everyone fled the castle. Still, he nodded his head in confirmation.

“Quite well.” He said, the small chuckle making her think there was a bit more to it, but she couldn’t be sure what it meant. And anyways, it wasn’t why she was asking the question in the first place.

“Is she alright? She said she is, but I imagine it can get quite lonely.” Arwen commented, making a new smile appear on Edmund’s face as he spun them around.

“We visit often, and she can sometimes leave as well and come to us. It’s not as bad as it may seem.” He reassured her, Arwen nodding her head along happily. It was good that the older woman had company on occasion. “I’m certain she would hunt my father down if we didn’t come frequently.”

“I’m glad to-“ Arwen began to share, however, her words never reached their end before another voice appeared and cut her short.

“Warren, it’s good to see you again.” It was none other than the prince of Camelot who came by to greet his old friend, clapping Edmund on the shoulder and bringing their dance to an end as the Lord smiled back at the blonde. “I’d have come by sooner to greet you, but both my father and I have been quite busy.”

“Nonsense, my lord, you’re here now.” Edmund replied, giving Arthur’s hand a firm shake. And the smile with which he greeted the prince seemed friendly, and genuine. Curious about the interaction, Arwen looked a little ways behind Arthur to where her brother stood, an inexplicable smirk painting his face as he watched it himself.

It left Arwen to ask the questions on her mind by herself. “I didn’t know you were friends with our prince, Lord Warren?” She remembered what his father had said during the first time they met. And Geoffrey Warren hadn’t shown much friendliness when speaking of the Pendragons.

“I spent quite a few years in Camelot when I was a boy. Arthur and I trained alongside at each other.” Edmund began to explain. “Uther was most gracious to allow me to make a home in Camelot for a time.” Arwen, once again, easily assumed there was much more than kindness in what Uther had done. It was how he’d ensured Geoffrey’s cooperation, by making his son stay in Camelot.

“Well, it is a story I do hope you tell me one day.” She brushed away the notions of it all, bringing the smile back to her face as she began to step away from the two men. “But for now, I will let the two of you catch up. Have a good evening, my lords.” She said, and with a small curtsy soon departed from them and made her way for her brother next. “Care to explain that look on your face?”

“Do you think Arthur’s looking a bit green?” Merlin asked, tone thoughtful and making Arwen quickly spin around again, eyes looking to the two men as they spoke and laughed together. Her first assumption was that Merlin was insinuating Arthur was feeling ill, but he looked perfectly fine in that moment. “It’s a common symptom, you know? First signs of jealousy. The next are-“

“Merlin.” While her brother continued, Arwen’s eyes took on an unamused look as she tore them away from the prince and focused on Merlin again.

“Yes?”

“Shut up.”

Whenever a large party came to visit Camelot, Arwen often found herself busier than usual. And when a large party paired with the morning after a feast, it was safe to say that the medicine for headaches and upset stomach was in high demand. So much so that she’d even have to make a short trip to the markets to replenish some supplies while Gaius was out tending to any of the ill whose symptoms weren’t a cause of their own actions in the night before.

But having made a promise last night, Arwen fist walked through the halls in search of a specific woman until her eyes finally settled on her as she walked side by side with Guinevere, the latter’s pained expression as she walked behind the Princess a hard one to miss. “Princess Vivian,” She called out, catching their attention with ease as she soon came to stand in front of the woman. “Guinevere here has mentioned to me that you hadn’t yet had time to make the trip to our markets. I was wondering if you might need a guide?”

“Why would I need to go to the markets?” The blonde-haired princess questioned as if Arwen’s offer was almost an insult. But the physician did not let her tone deter her from the plan she had in mind.

“Oh, well I simply thought you might want to get something as a memento of such an important occasion.” Arwen continued on in an innocent tone. “But I do suppose that’s just because I’m so used to Lady Morgana’s own tradition of marking occasions witch such things.”

“Lady Morgana’s tradition?” Now Vivian’s interest in the offer seemed to change.

“Oh yes, she’s got quite the collection already.” Gwen, realizing where Arwen was going with this, eagerly nodded her head to confirm the story.

“Well, I do suppose a short visit wouldn’t hurt.” Vivian pretended to ponder over the idea for a little while longer. “And the occasion is important to my father. It would be a perfect opportunity to get him something as well.” With each new word she seemed to come around to it more, making a hopeful look spread over Gwen’s face at the thought of some peace. “But I couldn’t possibly go dressed like this.”

“Of course not, please, take your time and change.” Arwen nodded her head, even Gwen seeming somewhat content with a few more minutes of having to endure Vivian’s snotty attitude for the cause. “I will meet you in the courtyard when you’re ready.”

With a final curtsey, Arwen waited until Vivian and Guinevere walked off before she herself began to do so, catching sight of her brother and Arthur standing on the other end of the hall. She simply sent them both a small smile, not wanting to dally and possibly be late to meet Vivian as she herself had to stop by her chambers before. If she angered the princess, there was good chance the consequences might result with her in the stocks.

So, she made quick work of getting to her chambers where she quickly dropped off her medical bag before making her way into the bedroom. She’d simply intended to grab her cloak and head on out again. However, before she could, something else caught her eye from the nightstand by her bed. With furrowed brows, she stepped over to pick up the bouquet of flowers curiously, eyes searching until she managed to find a note nestled among the petals.

Walking back out into the physician’s chambers, Arwen set the flowers on the table before unfolding the piece of paper to read through the words written on it. ‘The barriers that keep us apart are nothing compared to the power of true love. – Arthur’ As she read over the small note, Arwen couldn’t resist the small smile from spreading over her face. And it only grew as she looked back to the flowers, a selection of purple and white daisies which she quickly got to work on putting into the water.

It was quite lucky that only when she was done the door burst open wildly or it might’ve cost them a vase. “Merlin, what in the world is wrong with you?” The redhead questioned as she took note of her brother’s wild eyes. For a few, very long, moments, he said nothing.

“Rats!” He announced. Arwen raised her eyebrows at him, doubting rats to be the case of such erratic behaviour. “Big. Hairy. Sharp teeth. Er… They’ve infested the castle.” Merlin announced, continuing on with his frenzy as he ducked under the table by which Arwen stood.

His disappearance gave her a short moment of privacy to roll her eyes before she ducked down to look at him again. “So, it’s rats… that are causing all of this? Not something… else perhaps?”

“What else-“ Merlin cut himself off as he jumped back to his feet again, standing upright and forcing Arwen to rise as well. “What else could be causing it?” He asked, pretending to be entirely oblivious while his eyes kept jumping down to the flowers sitting atop the table. “Who… Who are the flowers from?” He questioned curiously once he couldn’t see the note anywhere. Maybe it’d fallen out. Maybe she didn’t know.

“Arthur.” She knew, and Merlin had to do his best to keep in a sigh. “Although it’s curious, I never actually told him my favourite flower.” She added on, sending her brother a pointed look.

“Well… Maybe he isn’t the one who sent them?”

“It’s his handwriting.” Arwen’s answer had Merlin cursing his own ability to copy Arthur’s writing at this point.

“Maybe-“ Whatever other suggestion he was about to make, he never got a chance to as a knock sounded off at the door and soon enough, someone had made their way inside.

“Lord Warren, what brings you here?” Arwen asked curiously as she looked to Edmund’s face while the man himself seemed to be fixing the siblings with what was best described as a somewhat surprised expression on his face.

“Well, I was wondering whether you might be free to talk. I do remember there being a request for me to share about my time spent in Camelot as a child.” His offer had Arwen sending him a small smile, both kind, but also slightly regretful as she worked on finally continuing on with her business.

“I’m afraid I’ve made a promise to a princess who’d have me hanged if I broke it. Perhaps some other time?” Arwen offered before quickly continuing on. “Not that you’re not free to join us, of course. I simply meant that-“

“Worry not. And considering I’m quite fond of my head remaining on my shoulders, I believe I’ll take you up on your offer another time.” Edmund’s words had Arwen giving out a small laugh while the man’s eyes focused on Merlin who remained by her side and watched the visitor with curious eyes. “I don’t think we’ve been properly introduced. Edmund Warren.”

“Of course, lord Edmund, this is my brother-“

“Merlin… Just… Merlin. That’s me. Merlin.” Her brother nervously fumbled as he took Edmund’s hand in his own, giving it a short shake before he took his hand back again. “I should, uh, get back to work.” He announced quickly after.

“Right, gotta catch those pesky rats.” Arwen commented in a teasing voice as she watched her brother run for the door.

“Exactly!”

“Rats?” Edmund couldn’t help but question as he and Arwen were left alone again.

“Don’t ask.”

When Arwen had returned from her trip to the markets with lady Vivian, one that had lasted much longer than anticipated, there was nothing she was looking forward to more than retiring for the night and getting some sleep. Alas, by the time she returned to her bedroom, she’d found yet another note left waiting for her.

However, this one, not from Arthur, led her to the Camelot library which by now was left empty, even Geoffrey having abandoned it for the night, while Arwen snuck around its aisles in search of the man who’d sent the note in the first place. “Lord Warren? Edmund?” She whispered out into the dark.

“I’m right here.” The sound of a voice speaking up behind her had Arwen not only jumping in surprise, but also grabbing onto a thick volume she reached first, nearly swinging it around to the person behind her before she realized it was the one she was looking for.

“Don’t do that.” She scolded lightly, shaking her head while he couldn’t help but laugh in amusement as she put the book back on the shelf.

“My apologies, my lady.” He said, although from the smile which remained behind after his laughter, it didn’t seem he was as sorry as she could have made him by using that book. “And I’m sorry for keeping you from retiring for the night. My father thought it best that certain meetings be held away from prying eyes.”

“About that… I thought…” Arwen wasn’t sure how to pose the question on her mind without causing offence. But she did want to ask it. “I thought I’d be speaking with your father more so than anyone else about these… Matters?”

“Yes, well, you’ll find that Uther had more than parading my father around as a reminder of the history as his reasons for requesting his presence during this event.” Edmund nodded his head, seeming entirely unbothered by the question. However, Arwen’s confused expression did prompt him to elaborate further on what he’d meant by that. “Uther’s eager to discover whatever my father might now about your return now that he too is aware of it… and everything it’s causing.”

“Oh dear, I hadn’t even thought of that.” Arwen muttered in a slightly nervous tone. She herself had, of course, by now become more than aware of Lord Warren’s connection to Prairene, but the thought of Uther using it to force out information hadn’t yet occurred to her.

“You needn’t worry, my lady. My father would never reveal anything.” Edmund was quick to reassure her, making Arwen shake her head. That wasn’t what she was worried about.

“If Uther suspects him of lying, he won’t hesitate to-“

“My father has long ago learned how to make the king believe what he wants him to.” Edmund added on, sending her a small smile of reassurance. Neither he, nor his father himself, were truly worried about all the questions the King of Camelot continued to ask. They were, however, aware that it might not make Geoffrey the best person to continuously interact with Arwen as they wanted no suspicion to fall on her.

For a few short moments, a small silence lapsed over them, but then Arwen remembered something else he’d mentioned only minutes ago. “You mentioned something about… About everything my return is causing?” She asked, brows furrowed as she wondered what he could have possibly meant by that.

“Ah, yes. How much do you know about how your connection to the land and the castle works?” Edmund asked, motioning for her to follow him as he led them over to a set of tables hidden away in one of the corners from which they’d have plenty of time to become aware of someone snooping around before they had a chance to overhear them.

“I’ve tried to learn as much as I can, but from all that I’ve gathered it’s established when I’m twenty, is it not?” Arwen asked, wondering what that had to do with what was happening right now. After all, her twentieth birthday was still months away.

“When the ruler before you is… still sits on the throne.” Edmund said, evading the words alive and reminders of her parents deaths. “However, if something happens and you are to inherit the throne before your birthday, then the connection to the land is established by merely being on its soil.”

“By going there… it’s all coming back, isn’t it?” Arwen quickly came to understand what he meant by all of that now. The land which needed a connection to someone of the Baudissan line to grow and prosper now had one. What was once barren and desolate wouldn’t be so anymore. Not since she went there.

“And with it, so are the people.” Edmund added on. “All those who’d been forced to abandon their lives after the kingdom fell. They’re returning now, rebuilding, and settling down again. Of course, it’s slow progress, many are still afraid of Uther and what he may do in these early stages, but… Things are changing.”

“And Uther’s paranoid about what it all means.” Arwen nodded her head in understanding.

“He’s been sending knights to investigate things. See how much people know.” Edmund added on. “So far, it’s good that no one actually knows where or who you are. They just know you’re out there.” He explained, and it brought Arwen some relief. If the people truly knew nothing, there was nothing Uther could do to them for simply taking up an opportunity to settle in a fruitful area. “And many are looking forward to your return.”

“I haven’t known about this for long.” Arwen pointed out, watching Edmund in the dark as he nodded his head, confirming he was already aware of that. “And I haven’t really come up with an entirely detailed plan on what to do about it. But I do think it’s too early for me to simply… return.”

“With that, I do agree.” Edmund nodded his head, and since he was acting as a spokesperson for his father, he knew Geoffrey would think the same. “It is why my father has brought all of us along this time. He was hoping to organise a meeting, not just between you and I, but all of us. So, we may help figure out the next steps.”

“We shouldn’t organize such a thing prematurely, but rather wait until the peace talks are over and you’ve left Camelot. Someone might suspect something if they catch all of us leaving the city around the same time.” Arwen pointed out, Edmund nodding his head in agreement. “And… there is one more thing I must ask you Edmund. About the men your father’s brought along.”

“You may ask me whatever you need, my lady.” Edmund reassured her quickly. “But I assure you right now, all of the men my father’s brought are loyal and wouldn’t say a word.”

“And that loyalty is greatly appreciated. But I understand it may come along with some other emotions.” Arwen dismissed the thoughts of that, knowing Lord Warren knew what he was doing after all these years. It wasn’t what troubled her. “Emotions such as anger and a need for revenge or retribution.”

“I won’t lie to you and say that some of them do not wish for… harsh consequences for the Pendragons and Camelot alike.” Edmund said honestly, Arwen nodding her head as her suspicions were confirmed.

“Until the time and place of our meeting is decided, I’m hoping you can ease some of those tempers.” Arwen began to ask of him, not missing the small gleam of surprise which appeared on his face. “I may not have a firm plan in place, but what I do know it must involve is peace. We are not in a position to fight against Uther and his armies, nor do I wish to. Or we may be plunging Prairene into a desolation which would be worse than the one before.”

“You may be new to this, my lady, but you’re already thinking like a leader. My father will be pleased to-“ Edmund was quick to cut off his words as the sound of thumping and crashing books reached their ears, making the duo share panicked looks between themselves as they stood from their seats instantly.

Walking towards the origin of the noise, Edmund had taken up the front, silently instructing Arwen to remain behind him. However, even then, she could see through the open-ended shelves and once they came upon the culprit, she realized there was no need for a panic. “Merlin!” She whisper yelled, catching her brother’s attention and making him spin around in surprise, one which also made him drop all of his books again. “Would you care to explain what you’re doing here at a time like this?”

“Oh, uh… Reading.” Merlin announced, but that much was already obvious. And he could see it, even in the dark and from a distance, that Arwen’s expression showed how much she believed him. “Studying. Arthur’s pointed out that it’s unbecoming for his manservant to know so little about the other kingdoms and their histories.”

“Merlin, whenever you’re here at this time it’s not because of something Arthur said.” Arwen pointed out in a knowing tone. And the fact that he was poking around in the sections holding books on history and magic and sorcerers, ones that Geoffrey kept under tight lock and key, suggested he certainly wasn’t here at Arthur’s behest to get educated. “So, what kind of trouble is rearing its head this time?”

“No trouble! No trouble at all!” Merlin announced as he began to frantically collect all the books he’d picked from the shelves, some nearly toppling down from the high stack he’d gathered in his hands. “I must get to it. Study, study, study. A servant’s day is never done.” He added on as he did his best to clumsily slip past them and disappear within the aisles of the library.

“Your brother is very…” Edmund began to comment, curious eyes still focused on the direction in which Merlin had disappeared.

“Don’t bother, my lord. There isn’t a word in the English language to properly describe my brother.”

On her way back from checking on a patient in the lower town, Arwen walked through the courtyard of the palace, looking around at the buzzing crowd. Many who’d accompanied their kings on the journey to Camelot continued to make the most of their trip during the days of their stay. However, among the faces of strangers, Arwen easily spotted a familiar one. And while, perhaps on a normal occasion, she wouldn’t have approached or said anything, the look on his face compelled her to do so.

“Arthur, is everything alright? You seem upset?” The sound of her voice made the prince, who’d thus far been absentmindedly brushing his horse’s mane as he stared off into the distance, now turn to her as he snapped out of his thoughts.

And it would seem Arwen was right in her assumption that not all was well as she heard him let out a small sigh at her question. “You read me like a book.” Arthur said in a solemn tone, making the concern on Arwen’s face grow as he began to walk, and she was quick to follow. “I've made a fool of myself, that's all. That's everything.”

“I'm sure that is not true.” She tried to reassure him, not only for the reason of hoping to lift his mood, but also because she knew she’d have heard of something happening by now. Especially with so many guests roaming around the city.

“You have a good heart, Arwen, but I'm afraid it is.” Arthur remained adamant in his belief, continuing on to explain the exact reasons which had caused it. “I have made a gesture,” He motioned with his hands to the air, while Arwen could only attempt to resist a smile as she began to understand what this was about. Or so she thought, at least. “But it was not well received.”

The last part, however, wasn’t one that she herself agreed with. “Are you sure?” She asked, hoping to convince him otherwise in the course of their conversation.

“Pretty sure.”

“And what if you’re wrong about that?” Arwen asked yet another question, watching as Arthur suddenly came to a stop, prompting her to do the same, as he turned to her with a new gleam of optimism spreading through his eyes.

“You do appear to be close to the lady in question.” He pointed out, the subtle way of wording it making Arwen let out a small laugh of amusement.

“Your gesture, it was appreciated. And beautiful.” Now that they’ve established she was ‘close to the lady in question’, Arwen began to say what it was that she really wanted to. “But the situation is a delicate one. It’s not always easy to openly express what one may feel in their heart.”

And all of her words were true. Because while Arthur didn’t know much of it, the events being held in Camelot at the time, the presence of Lord Warren and his men only made matters even more difficult. She didn’t want to cause an upset before she’d even properly met those meant to be her subjects.

“You think there's hope?” And yet his question, the answer to it, she couldn’t deny.

“There is always hope.” She herself believed that. Because while the situation was a delicate one, Arwen believed that if it was all done properly, if she truly managed to come up with a plan that went how she wanted it to, perhaps things could change and become something entirely different. Something possible.

“If only I had some way of knowing.” Arthur muttered, more to himself than he did to her, and still, the words made Arwen laugh yet again.

“Indeed, my Lord.”

An impromptu meeting of Uther’s council found both Arwen and Gaius seated at the table in the council chambers as many around them, most notably the king himself and the master of the treasury, went around theorising about the details of what Camelot needed to do to uphold a proposed treaty that had been set before the kings in their latest meeting.

“We cannot raise the taxes, not to accomplish what we need. The people wouldn’t be able to meet the price, and then we’d be in the same position as we are in now.” Lord Erdian pointed out what they all knew, and had already been said in the course of the meeting.

“Perhaps not.” Uther muttered out, knowing his men made a fair point.

“I do, however, have a suggestion, my lord.” The master of the treasury continued on, the realization that he had an idea which may solve their current predicament had many eyes turning to him curiously. “It is not a rumour anymore, that the lands of Prairene are now being repopulated by the people.”

Arwen, of course, knew that Uther was aware of this information. However, it still unsettled her that it was being brought up. Because she could see where it was going. She could easily conclude what the master’s idea was. And so could Uther. “You’re suggesting we impose taxes on the settlers?”

“As conquered land, it does fall under Camelot’s rule. And as such, it’s laws.” Lord Erdian pointed out. “Based on the numbers we currently have, and keeping in mind that they continue to grow, we would have full right to impose the same taxes as our people currently pay on those who wish to make a life for themselves in the area. Which would, in turn, make it possible to meet the requirements set before us.”

“That is a splendid idea.” Uther announced, seeming rather pleased. “And along with helping our cause, it will allow us to send a message. A message that this foolish tale of a new ruler is simply that, a tale. And that their loyalty is to their king, not a piece of fiction.”

Arwen did quite well in containing the eye roll she felt the need for in that moment. It was quite astounding, the way in which Uther continued to try and convince everyone there was no reason to worry when all the signs were right there that something indeed was going on. He knew the legend, he’d told it to them himself, and yet, he continued to lie in an attempt to maintain his control.

“Then the matter is settled.” The king announced once it became clear no one else was about to protest or even propose another plan. “I will send riders to collect the first income of taxes as soon as next morning.”

And with that, with the decision made, the council was dismissed. And Arwen was left to her planning…

Walking through the halls of the castle as night spread through its corners, Arwen had come up with a rather splendid idea. She knew she couldn’t yet share it with anyone, but after a long time spent reading up on the laws between the kingdoms and boring herself to no end as she understood those concerning taxes, she knew she had what could certainly be deemed as the first step. A small one, but one that would be of help to all, she believed.

“Arwen.” A call from the hall ahead of her had the redhead’s eyes glancing up from her own feet and to the man who’d called her name in the first place, a small smile coming over her face as she came to stand in front of him. “It’s good to see you. I’m sorry I haven’t been-“

“Worry not, my Lord. Your son’s explained everything, and I understand.” Arwen reassured him with ease. “And I’m sure he’s passed on what I said about that meeting you’ve been intending to hold?”

“Yes, a wise choice with which I most certainly agree.” Lord Warren nodded his head, seeming pleased with the proposition she’d made to Edmund. “From what I understand the kings have come to an agreement this evening. All that is left is for the documents to be signed.”

“Good, then your stay in Camelot shouldn’t last much longer.” Arwen said, she herself pleased with the news. “I do hope Uther hasn’t been giving you too much trouble during it?”

“Nothing I can’t handle, I assure you.” Geoffrey simply shook his head to dismiss the topic. It had been days since their arrival and still, Uther had absolutely no idea that he knew much more than he was letting on. “I do hope it is not an issue that I’ve sent Edmund in my stead during our stay.”

“Of course not. I like him. And he seems to understand all of the steps and stones we must cross over along our path.” She said, making sure to give credit where credit was due. She was sure it was important to Edmund that his father knew he’d done a good job.

“Well, it is what I’ve trained him for.” However, that comment made a somewhat confused expression cross over Arwen’s face. “I served as your father’s right hand, and it was a great honour. I trained my son knowing that once you reclaim your throne he’ll be at your side in a similar capacity.”

“My lord, I do not wish to cause offence, but I do think I need to point out that, once that happens, I intend to compose my own council.” Arwen pointed out. She didn’t yet know who would be on that council, of course, but she was more than ready to put a stop to any plans being made in her place.

“Oh no, no, you misunderstand.” Lord Warren was quick to shake his head at her comment, quick to deny what she thought he’d meant. “I see in all your conversations my son hasn’t yet mentioned the connection between your family, between you and him.”

“As I will choose my own husband.” Arwen quickly interrupted him, this time the announcement making Lord Warren let out a sharp laugh, clearly highly amused by where her mind continuously led her.

“I fear my wife would have my head if I tried to send our son off into an arranged marriage.” Lord Warren pointed out in a reassuring tone, bringing some relief to Arwen even if she was starting to feel like a bit of a fool. “My wife, and my son like her, are-“

Whatever explanation Lord Warren was about to give her, he never got the chance to as the sounds of a commotion cut their conversation short. Yelling voices coming from around the corner had the two sharing confused looks between themselves before they began to move in their direction to see what was happening.

“Unhand her, or suffer the consequences.” Recognizing King Olaf’s voice as they approached, as well as the fact that they were in the corridor which housed Princess Vivian’s chambers, it was easy to come to a conclusion for the cause of the disturbance. However, still, Arwen wasn’t ready for the entire story she was met with once they came to stand by the door. “Is this really worth risking your life for?”

It was Arthur that the question was directed at. And it was Arthur who answered it. “Indeed, it is. I would rather die than deny my feelings.” His arm was wrapped around her shoulders in a protective embrace, voice laced with conviction. And all Arwen could do was listen in shock as he continued. “I love your daughter with all my heart.”

As if the words alone weren’t enough, the prince felt the need to solidify his point by leaning down and kissing the blonde princess and as a result continuing to drive what felt like a stake piercing through Arwen’s heart. Just that day, she’d spoken to him and thought they were speaking of them, of their own feelings. Only to have him now profess his love for Princess Vivian. A love so strong that he dared lean down and pick up the glove King Olaf had thrown in challenge.

“Arwen, is everything alright?” Lord Warren’s voice beside her had the redhead snapping from her thoughts. And not only that, it had the manservant who’d been standing in front of them turn around with a wide-eyed look on his face as he finally became aware of his sister’s presence.

“Yes, my Lord, of course it is.” She pushed the words out, already beginning to step away and retreat. “I’m simply tired. I should retire for the night. Have a lovely evening.” She’d rushed it all out before anyone could interrupt her, and once it was done, she turned around and left just as quickly.

There is always hope. That’s what she told him earlier today. And yet now, now he was the one who’d ripped it all away and crushed it. And with it, Arwen felt as if Arthur had done the same to her heart.

Arwen wished to be anywhere but here, taking her spot at the edge of the tournament grounds as she waited for the second round of the fight between Arthur and King Olaf. Both remained as determined as they were last night to continue on with it. To continue on with a fight to the death. One over the Princess Vivian and her heart. She had spent all night trying to wrap her mind around it, trying to understand what had happened. And she soon began to.

It wasn’t Arthur who’d sent the flowers. After all, as she’d told her brother, she’d never said to the prince what her favourite flowers were. But Merlin knew. Merlin was the one who’d delivered them, and Merlin was the one who’d made the mistake of sending them to the wrong person.

And it was her own foolish mind, clinging on to some feelings that, at least for Arthur, were long in the past, that made her misinterpret their own conversation. He thought she was close to Vivian because of their afternoon spent in the markets, he didn’t mean her. He never meant for her to be the one on the receiving end of his gesture and romantic words.

And while at the start of it all, she’d hoped understanding might bring her some peace, now that she did, Arwen found herself no more comforted than before. Perhaps it even made it worse. Or perhaps it was simply made worse by the fact that, due to her position, it would have been unseemly to ignore her duties on the day that their prince himself was in a fight to the death. And so, there she was, waiting for the second round to begin. Waiting to watch as Arthur risked his life for what he deemed true love. His love for another.

“I must say, I’ve heard great tales of Prince Arthur’s skill on the battlefield, but it would seem he’s met his match in King Olaf.” Edmund’s voice speaking up beside her had Arwen’s eyes turning away from the Prince and the King as they stepped up to the battlegrounds once more.

“Perhaps it’ll bring an end to his inflated ego.” Arwen couldn’t hold the bite from her tone as her eyes turned to the battle once the sound of maces clashing against shields began to spread over the area.

King Olaf’s advances had Arthur continuously backing away. One even managed to land a blow to the prince’s stomach that had Arwen doing her best to hold in a wince as she thought of the pain the blow must’ve caused. “If it doesn’t bring about an end to him entirely.” At first, she ignored Edmund’s comment from beside her. “Perhaps I myself am romantically crippled, but I could never imagine going through such trouble for a women.”

The latter half of his statement had the redhead unable to hold back some amusement. “Careful, Lord Warren, don’t let all the eligible ladies gathered together overhear you say such things.” She pointed out in a teasing tone.

“Yes, I do suppose the Lady Vivian is quite enthralled by the display.” Edmund muttered in a thoughtful tone, his words making Arwen’s eyes turn away from the fight and to the fair-haired woman sitting as close to it as possible in the front row.

While she understood how she’d misread all the signs, Arwen still found herself entirely baffled by how it was possible for Arthur to have caught such strong feelings for the woman. Not only because of the time during which it had happened, but also because of what she was like. She couldn’t imagine Arthur falling for someone so selfish and vain. But clearly, she didn’t know him as well as she thought.

Tearing her eyes away from the blonde as she attempted to stop herself from spiralling down the same thoughts as she did last night, Arwen let herself focus on the fight once more. She’d turned back to it just in time to watch as Arthur seemed to regain the upper hand. But while he gloated over it in front of the crowd, King Olaf had taken his chance and used the opportunity to swing his mace again.

This time, Arwen was unsuccessful in hiding her reactions as the mace slammed against Arthur’s shoulder, the force of it so strong that the prince was sent to the ground where he remained lying for a few long moments. Moments during which his opponent came to stand over him, mace swinging through the air, spinning, and gaining momentum as Olaf prepared to deliver one final blow.

And then the gong rang out. And the second round was over. And Arwen let out a heavy breath of relief. So focused on the fight, worry clouding her mind entirely, the woman had completely missed the look coming over the face of the man standing by her side. A look of realization and understanding as his suspicions were all but outright confirmed.

And if he intended to comment on them as the two opponents walked away from the battlefield once more, he never had a chance to before Merlin came running up to his sister. “I need your help.” He announced quickly, Arwen turning to him with furrowed brows.

“What is it? What do you need?”

“It’s Arthur.” And while at first Arwen seemed ready to do whatever he asked of her as soon as those words left Merlin’s lips Arwen’s demeanour changed once more.

“I’m pretty sure Arthur doesn’t need me to help him.” The woman turned away once again, her anger obscuring her judgement and rendering her unwilling to listen. “Or perhaps you should ask the Princess Vivian. I’m sure he’d welcome her help.” While Merlin did his best to hold in his exasperation, knowing they were running out of time, Edmund couldn’t hold back a small smile of amusement.

 “No, it’s you he needs. I, uh… He’s… Arwen, you need to trust me on this.” Merlin stumbled around, eyes glancing to Edmund with uncertainty, unsure of how much he could say in front of the man.

“Merlin, I’m not in the mood to-“ Arwen began to protest, but once her brother had his mind set on something, it was rather hard to argue with him.

“He’s enchanted!” The boy finally exclaimed, at least managing to bring his sister’s eyes back to him. Although, from the glare in them, it was clear his job wasn’t done yet.

“Yes, with Lady Vivian. I’m aware of that, Merlin.” The physician bit back, clearly losing her patience with all of this. She was already upset enough by all that had happened and by the fact that she had to be there to see it. She didn’t need him adding on to it.

“No, I mean literally enchanted with magic, potions, love juice!” He exclaimed, rather grateful for the clamouring crowd around them that made it possible for no one who wasn’t paying attention to him to hear his words while they had both Edmund and Arwen turning to him in surprise. “None of his feelings are genuine!”

“How can you be sure?” Arwen questioned.

“Can you… Can you come here?” Merlin finally realized he wouldn’t be able to say all he intended to with Edmund so intently listening to the both of them. Because of that, he didn’t give Arwen much chance to protest before he grabbed hold of her arm and dragged her away from the Warren and towards a more secluded spot. “Arwen, none of his feelings for Vivian are real. And I don’t have much time for all the details, but the enchantment is one I cannot break.”

“Then how do we get him to realize it’s not real? Merlin, you’re not inspiring much confidence here.” Arwen pointed out. If there was nothing he could do to remove this spell he claimed Arthur was under, even if there was something but it couldn’t be done within the next few minutes, then she doubted Arthur would last much longer against King Odin with his head permanently stuck in the clouds.

“There is one thing. One person…” Merlin said ominously, hoping his sister would be able to figure it out alone. However, as the confused expression remained on her face he heaved a sigh before doing so himself. “A kiss from the person he truly loves. And who loves him. That’s you!”

“Merlin, I-“

“Oh, come on Arwen! Anyone who’s around the two of you long enough can see it.” Merlin interrupted her before she could let any of her own doubts shine through. “I know I’m not explaining everything properly, and I promise I will, but right now I need you to trust me. Or if not me, then trust what your own heart knows is true. You’re the one he loves.”

“I…” For a few moments, moments that lasted much too long for Merlin’s impatient mind, Arwen wasn’t sure what to say. But, once the fog of anger cleared away, momentarily replaced by worry that her brother still might be wrong, Arwen pushed it all down and simply nodded her head. Because a part of her, a part of he needed him to be right. “I’ll try.”

“Go! Go!” Pushing on her shoulders, Merlin quickly ushered his sister in the direction of Arthur’s tent, and she didn’t hesitate in continuing to make her way through the crowd towards it.

“I’ve done what I can…” Gaius tried to tell her as he saw her approach from a distance, thinking she was merely there in her own capacity as physician, but his words went on unheard as Arwen simply pushed past him and into the tent.

“Arwen! Here to wish me luck, are you?” Arthur perked up at her appearance, his optimism still continuing as if he didn’t even feel the pain of the injuries Olaf had caused him. “Don’t worry. I really don't think I need it anymore.”

“God, you’re infuriating.” Arwen breathed out.

“Well, that’s not a very nice thing to say.” Arthur’s brows furrowed in confusion, wondering why she was saying it. But she didn’t give him time to figure it out as she stepped forward.

“Arthur.” The sound of his name made him turn to her fully now, eyes widening as she grabbed him by the shirt and pushed him towards the tent pole, his back now pressed against it as she continued to hold on. “Shut up.”

And then she kissed him. And for a few moments that to her seemed as if they lasted forever, nothing happened. He simply remained standing there, stunned, and not moving. But then things changed. He changed and relaxed and soon enough he was kissing her back, arms wrapping around her shoulders and pulling her closer into his chest as he revered in it.

The spell was broken, Arwen knew it. And because of that, because of what it meant, she stopped clutching onto his shirt and let her arms wrap around his neck instead, trying to bring him even closer if it were possible as their lips danced together. No matter how long it may have lasted, it still seemed much too short in Arwen’s opinion when Arthur finally pulled away.

They remained silent, eyes staring at each other, but even if either one of them intended to say something, about the kiss or about their feelings, they never got a chance to as, with the spell broken, Arthur finally began to feel the effects of his injuries, nearly doubling over at the suddenness. And he would have had Arwen’s hands not settled on his shoulders to help him remain upright.

“What’s going on? What am I doing?” With a confused look on his face, Arthur’s eyes scanned his surroundings, easily recognizing his tent at the tournament grounds but still struggling to remember the cause for it all.

“You’re in a fight to the death with King Olaf. And you’re losing.” Arwen began to explain, watching as his blue eyes widened. She couldn’t be sure if it was because of surprise or realization, but there was no time to figure it out. “There's no time to explain. Just...live for me, Arthur. That's all I ask right now.” She pleaded, hand brushing away some of the hair that had fallen into his face before settling on his cheek.

“Head on straight again?” Merlin’s voice reaching their ears as he made his way into the tent just as a gong, a signal for the competitors to return to the battlefield, sounded again. And as soon as he saw Arthur and Arwen and the way they stood embracing each other, he knew he didn’t need either to answer. “Good. We need to get you back into your armour.”

“I’ll see you once it’s over.” Arwen whispered, her words meant as a promise for later and as a sign of hope that she believed he’d survive this. She had to believe it. And with that as the only focus on her mind, the hope, and the belief, she made her way out of the tent, leaving Merlin to continue on with his duties.

Back out among the crowd, she didn’t seek out Edmund again, but simply remained standing on its edges, eyes watching King Olaf who was already waiting before Uther. He was determined and undeterred by whatever the consequences of this fight may be. He was adamant to deliver the blow in this round which he’d missed out on during the second. And Arwen could only pray that his wishes didn’t come to pass.

Arwen’s decision not to find Edmund again after her time in Arthur’s tent had rendered the man himself standing on his own among the crowd, close to the entrance of the battlegrounds now as he’d decided to return to his father’s side after the princess had been dragged off by her brother. However, he found himself at a standstill as Prince Arthur came along, forcing all those who were moving around to stop and wait while the prince spoke to his manservant in the moments before the fight.

Neither of the men noticed him, but Edmund certainly noticed them. And close enough, he didn’t hesitate to listen in to the words spoken between them as Arthur prepared to face Olaf. “Merlin, if anything should happen to me, look after Arwen. The world may think she is just a physician, dispensable, but… she's not dispensable to me.” With those words, the prince left to face his opponent, and Edmund didn’t waste time on watching him go.

Instead, he continued on his way, walking through the crowd until he reached the area where his father stood along with the rest of their men, all watching as the fight began. “Edmund, there you are! Is the lady enjoying the fight as much as we are?” One of the men, the first to notice his approach, questioned with a pleased look on his face that was hard to miss.

“I don’t think anyone enjoys the sight of people getting hurt as much as you do, lord Montague.” Edmund gave a vague answer to the burly man as he came to stand by his father’s side.

“Pendragons, Edmund. Pendragons.” Montague easily corrected him, smiling as Olaf momentarily seemed to gain the upper hand with his sword again. But Edmund didn’t reply to him any further, instead focusing his eyes on the fight as Arthur’s true skills finally pushed through and he’d used his position from the ground to flip the king onto his own back.

“What is it, my son?” Geoffrey asked, easily noticing the thoughtful look on Edmund’s face as he observed the scene. “Is something wrong?”

“I wouldn’t say wrong. I’ve simply come to a surprising realization.” Edmund shared with his father in a quiet voice, making sure only he could hear him while the rest of the men remained oblivious. “It would seem we’ll have more to consider than just politics when we speak of the future.”

Knowing his vague statement alone wouldn’t be enough for his father, Edmund nodded his head to the opposite side of the grounds where they could also see Arwen among the people. And the proud smile with which she watched Arthur speak of peace and bring an end to the fight was a hard one to miss, as was the loving look with which he returned it.

Arthur had won the fight against Olaf, just as Arwen had hoped he would. And he showed his true character by sparing the King’s life. By putting an end to all the squabbling and infighting which has distracted the kings from continuing on with their peace talks. And by now, the castle was full of glee and joy as the word spread that the treaty had officially been signed.

And yet Arwen did not find herself in a celebratory mood as she returned to the seemingly empty physicians’ chambers. She knew Gaius was tending to a case of a sore throat in the lower town while Merlin was at work with Arthur and thought it the perfect time for some peace and quiet. A chance to think through everything that was happening and continued on happening. All the secrets which then in turn bred lies. And she knew it couldn’t go on that way.

However, before she had much time to get lost in her own thoughts of what she was supposed to do, the sight of a single rose laying on the table caught her eye. Carefully, she approached it, not having to do much guessing who it was from. But if there was any doubt, it would have soon been cleared up as a voice spoke up behind her.

“I thought I'd better deliver it myself this time.” Arwen turned around to look at Arthur as he pushed away from the wall and stepped towards her. “I'm sorry… for… what I put you through.” The apology, genuine and sincere, made Arwen give a gentle shake of her head.

“You have nothing to apologise for. You were enchanted. It was out of your control.” She reminded him, making it known that she was aware of the story and in no way blamed him for what had happened.

“You must believe that my feelings for… Vivian… were not real.” And still, Arthur needed to say it. To say all of it. To make it known where his heart truly belonged. “I have never loved another.”

And yet, it was not words Arwen wanted to hear in that moment, as was clear from the small frown she failed to contain. “Perhaps not right now, but one day you will. One day you’ll find the right person, a princess meant to rule by your side when you’re king. I’m not that person, Arthur.”

Arwen knew she couldn’t let it go on. She knew all these lies would only cause more problems in the future. She didn’t need to only amplify them. While at first, when she knew her kiss had worked, it brought relief, Arwen soon realized how wrong it was. How cruel it was to let Arthur love her when he didn’t even know the truth, didn’t even know who he was falling for.

“You don't know that.” But the prince was unwilling to give up.

“I do. In some ways, better than you.” She said, nodding her head to show just how sure she was in what she was saying. She couldn’t tell him the truth. Not now. Maybe not ever. Not she herself. But she knew it. And she knew how it stood in their way more than any social standing he thought was the only obstacle.

“Things may change.” He tried to suggest, and his optimism brought a small smile to her face. She could wish and hope that is how it would be, but she wouldn’t deceive herself into believing it. Or it would break both of their hearts.

“They may… But until they do,” Arwen, determined not to give in, no matter how much she wanted to, proceeded to politely bow to him. As was her duty. As was her standing. “My Lord.”

And because of that, it was clear to Arthur that there was nothing else he could do in that moment. There was nothing else he could say. So, he simply nodded in acceptance, respecting her wishes as he turned around and walked to the door. And all Arwen could do was watch him go and try to convince herself it was for the best, no matter how much her heart may disagree.

The light of the moon shone down, its rays seeping through the trees of the forest just beyond Camelot. Arwen used it as her only guide as she walked along the unmarked path, hand nervously twiddling with the golden pendant hanging around her neck. It felt right to put it on for this occasion, for the first time since she’d first found it. By the time she took it out of its hiding spot and snuck out of the physicians’ chambers both Gaius and Merlin were sound asleep, and not a soul knew she’d left the castle. Just as she’d planned it.

And she’d planned it to the dot, everything perfect and secure so she’d run into no problems along her way. So, she was pleased once it became clear that her plan had worked, and she’d reached her goal. The sounds of a cackling fire and voices speaking in the night led her the rest of the way until she came upon a small clearing where they’d set up camp.

By now, she easily recognized the faces of all the men that had accompanied Lord Warren to Camelot, not his own and that of his son. And it hadn’t taken long for them to notice her. Once she stepped beyond the tree line and into their sights, all the conversation soon died down as the men rose to their feet, all six of them dropping into low bows now that they were finally able to do it.

“Please, there’s no need for that. Not right now.” She said, sending each man a small smile, hoping to show she was grateful for it despite her dismissal, as they rose back up to look at her.

“I trust your journey here was alright, my Lady?” Lord Warren was the first to speak up, Arwen simply nodding her head in confirmation before he continued. “Then allow me to introduce you to your men.” Arwen didn’t miss the way he called them hers, not his as he’d been doing during their time in Camelot. “Lord Fredrick Willmont and his son, Cole.”

The two men, so very clearly related, stepped forward with wide smiles on their faces stepped forward and shook Arwen’s hand after she’d extended it to them. “It’s an honour to finally meet you, my Lady. For myself and my son alike.” The older of the two, Fredrick, said in an eager tone which brought a smile to Arwen’s face.

“Thank you.”

“Then we have Lord Reynold Grafham, and Godfrey Bothwell,” Geoffrey introduced the other two, both going through much the same actions as the Willmonts had. And while they did so, Arwen couldn’t help but make a small note in her mind as she remembered the name Grafham, another man who’d served on her father’s council. “And Lord Hawlett Montague should be along soon enough. He remained back, to ensure no one followed you when you left.”

“It’s a pleasure to meet all of you.” Arwen said, once again, smiling at each of the faces surrounding her. “And I want to thank you for coming, I know it mustn’t have been easy to do so.”

“It was worth it, my lady.” Lord Grafham said in a kind voice. “I must say, and I do hope you don’t mind it, you look a great deal like your mother. It’s uncanny.” Arwen couldn’t deny that the statement made her pleased.

“Thank you.” She said. While she had no memory of her mother, and all she knew was from books, she felt her heart skip a beat at the new knowledge. Knowing she looked like her, that they shared something at least.

“My son’s made it clear that you are-“ Lord Warren began to speak, but the call of an unfamiliar voice coming from behind Arwen brought him to a rather sudden stop while Arwen herself curiously turned to see what they cause of it may be.

“Say nothing else, Geoffrey! We have spying ears among us!” Arwen assumed the man to be the one who was missing from the group thus far, Lord Hawlett Montague, clearly the perfect man for the task Lord Warren had assigned him; making sure she hadn’t been followed. The only problem was that he seemed quite dedicated to it as he forced the spy to stumble out in front of everyone.

“Oh heavens.” Arwen heaved a sigh as she rolled her eyes at the sheepish smile on the face of the man who’d been caught.

“Hawlett, I assure you, there’s no need to be so rough with the boy.” Geoffrey, as one of the only two along with his son more than capable of understanding Arwen’s exasperated reaction, tried to calm the man.

“No need? This is Prince Arthur’s manservant. He’ll rush right back and tell him everything he’s heard and seen. Any chance at secrecy will be lost!” Lord Montague pointed out in a worried tone, clearly already determined on what was to be done with the boy. And realizing that was what made Arwen speak up.

“My Lord, I can assure you he’ll do no such thing.” She said in a reassuring voice, fixing Merlin with an annoyed glare to which he simply shrugged his shoulders again.

“My Lady, I understand you have a gentle heart, I admire it, but we cannot simply hope for the best.” Lord Montague pointed out, and Arwen could easily hear Edmund give out a small sigh behind her. But she couldn’t fault the man for simply doing what he thought was best.

“It’s not hoping for the best when I know it for fact. Merlin hasn’t said anything for months in which he’s known who I am. That won’t change after tonight.” She pointed out, ignoring some of the surprised looks she received, not only from Montague, but the others as well. “Gentlemen, meet my brother.”

“Oh, oh my! I’m sorry, my lord. Here, allow me to fix that for you.” Flustered and nervous, Lord Montague’s demeanour quickly shifted as he helped Merlin back to his feet, even going as far as straightening his coat while Merlin could only gawk at him in surprise at the title which had been used.

“Uh, not… Not a lord… Not blood related… Not…” The boy was quick to correct him and anyone else who’d made a similar mistake, making Arwen roll her eyes again.

“Merlin, why don’t you just come over here since you insist on being a part of this.” Arwen said simply, and he didn’t hesitate in doing so, happily stepping up next to her while she fixed him with a pointed look. “We’ll talk about your spying later.”

“You didn’t tell me what you were doing. You just snuck out.” Merlin pointed out, acting as if it were a perfectly valid excuse for his own actions. Had they been alone, Arwen could have easily pointed out that he’d been doing the same thing all week by keeping her in the dark about the enchantment placed on Arthur, but she knew it would be better to, for now, simply move on.

However, others were less inclined to do so. “I’m sorry, my Lady, but I have to ask. If I understand correctly, you yourself have been acting as Camelot’s court physician, and treating both Uther and Arthur. Your brother serves as the prince’s manservant. But you… you haven’t used that to your advantage?” The question, posed in a confused tone, came from Lord Bothwell.

Merlin stuttered indignantly at the insinuation, but unlike her brother Arwen maintained her composure and simply turned a calm look towards the Lord who’d asked. “You understood perfectly. My brother and I didn’t get our positions within Camelot with any intentions to do the Pendragons harm.” She explained before making sure to add on more. “Nor do we plan on doing so in the future.”

She watched each of their reactions to that news. Geoffrey and Edmund seemed rather calm, not even surprised by the revelation. The Willmonts showed some signs of it, but from the nods of their heads it was easy to conclude they respected the decision without questioning it. However, it was the other three, Grafham, Bothwell, and Montague, who failed in hiding their displeasure with it.

Not that Arwen wasn’t expecting at least some of the men to be displeased. After all, Edmund did warn her there were those who were looking to make the Pendragons and Camelot pay for the past. And she was ready for them. “I know that, in a way, I can never understand the pain you’ve all felt at the hands of Uther. I do not remember Prairene, or my parents. And I do not intend to tell you how you should feel. However, we must be smart about this.”

“You’re right, you can’t understand it, my Lady.” Lord Montague’s quick tongue lashed out for a short moment before he was stopped in whatever else he had to say when Edmund stepped forward.

“While you may not have come up with an entire plan, you’ve already told me you have things you are certain you want.” Edmund spoke up, hoping to stop Montague while he was still ahead. And as he spoke, he looked to Arwen, giving her a small nod of encouragement to let her know she was doing rather well. “How about you tell all of us now that we’re together what those are?”

“I know I want to reclaim my kingdom and lead my people. Rebuild it all to what it once was.” Arwen said, unable to keep her eyes from turning to Merlin for a short moment as she spoke of what Prairene had been in the past. “But I do not want to do all that only to plunge it into another war with Camelot. It’s a war we cannot afford.”

“Many of the people who are returning are more than willing to fight for the cause, my lady.” Lord Grafham pointed out; his tone much calmer than Montague’s had been. Clearly, while he was initially doubtful of her peaceful approach, he at least was willing to listen and contribute to the conversation.

“For that too, I am grateful. But I don’t want to ask that of them. Not when they’ve returned to rebuild their own lives.” Arwen said. She didn’t want to spill blood if she didn’t have to. Not that of her own people, and not that of the knights of Camelot, many of whom she by now considered friends. “That is what should be our priority for now. Rebuilding, bringing people back and letting the kingdom grow again.”

“Uther won’t be pleased. He already isn’t.” Geoffrey pointed out.

“Yes, I am aware of that.” Arwen nodded her head in understanding. “During the peace talks, Uther held a meeting of the council. In it he decided that a message must be sent to the resettlers.” She started to share, speak of the one part of the plan she was sure of, and she knew was a good idea.

“What kind of message?” Cole asked in a somewhat worried tone.

“Don’t worry, it’s not a violent one. He is smart enough to try and persuade loyalty while he still can, while I’m still gone.” Arwen quickly dismissed each of their worries and fears before continuing. “He intends to impose a tax on them, as conquered land, Prairene is deemed subject to Camelot’s laws.”

All seven of the men bristled at that, clearly angry by Uther trying to force their own people into submission. “Many of the people need that money to build what is nearly a new life in Prairene. Much of them sold any property they owned in Camelot or the other kingdoms before their return.” Lord Willmont pointed out, Arwen nodding her head along.

“While the tax will be the same as that imposed on any other citizen of Camelot, I do agree that our people need it more.” She reassured the men because she too didn’t agree with Uther’s plan. It was good that she had one of her own. “So, perhaps, it would be fortunate if, by some chance, the money never actually reached Camelot.”

Now that had the men sharing pleased looks between themselves. It spread from one to the other as they began to understand what she had in mind. “And what is to be done with the money? Once Uther’s men, unfortunately, lose it.” Lord Grafham asked curiously.

“Half of it will be returned to its rightful owners.” Arwen said, her tone firm and showing there was to be no debate about that. “While the other half will be used to help rebuild Prairene’s army.” She added on looking around at their faces to see if anyone had any objection or suggestions on where else the money should go. “Do not mistake my wish for a peaceful resolution as blind faith of there being one.”

“A kingdom ill prepared is bound to fall.” Lord Warren muttered out, a smile which could best be described as pleased or even proud, could be seen on his face. “Your father used to say that, rather often.”

“My father was a smart man.” Arwen nodded her head with a smile of her own. Maybe he’s the one who’d she gotten that part from? “When it comes to the taxes, do not use our own men for it. Not any of you or any of the future new recruits. And use different groups each time. We want to keep Uther from connecting it to us for as long as possible. Lord Warren, I understand you were in charge of Prairene’s armies during his reign?”

“I was, my lady.”

“Perhaps you’d be willing to take up the position again? Be in charge of regrowing our strength?” She asked hopefully. She knew he and Edmund were the ones among the seven men that she was sure she could trust. And while, she believed Geoffrey wouldn’t endanger her, their plans, or their secrets, by bringing anyone untrustworthy to their meeting, she still intended to follow through with her plans of compiling her own council. And for that, for now, she had to assign duties to those she was sure of.

“It would be my honour, my lady.” Lord Warren gave a small bow of his head before rising into an upright position again. Although this time, he seemed to stand taller, rejuvenated with a new purpose and goal.

“You may accept whoever wishes to join, but no one below the age of sixteen. Children are to be free of any military obligation. Anyone is. Only volunteers.” Arwen said firmly. She wanted them prepared, but she would not do it at the cost of people’s own lives. If there was no need for conscription, there wouldn’t be one. “Men, women, all are welcome. And there is no difference between nobles and commoners.”

“You would let women fight?” Lord Montague asked in surprise.

“I would like to point out, my Lord, that the sword at my hip is more than merely decorative.” She said with a proud smile. “Women are just as capable at is as men are. And if they wish to do so, I will not put obstacles in their way.” She explained. After all, it was entirely normal for Prairene’s queen to ride out into battle with her men if the situation called for it. She saw no reason why she should be the only woman allowed to do so.

“Is there anything else, my Lady?” Edmund asked.

“One more thing.” Arwen nodded to confirm. “I will be appointing an emissary. For all of you to travel to Camelot to keep me updated on the progress would be far too suspicious. But one person alone, it could be done.”

“Did you have anyone in mind?” Fredrick Willmont asked, eager eyes glancing down to his son as he clearly hoped it would be Cole that she chose. And while she appreciated what seemed to be both their willingness, she had a different person in mind.

“Yes.” She said, eyes turning back to Edmund who quickly understood what she meant. “I do hope you’d be willing? With your connections to Camelot, it wouldn’t be too suspicious for you to visit. And it would give Uther a false sense of control; to have you under his own roof from time to time.”

“It would be an honour, my lady.” Edmund nodded his head with a smile, ready to take on the job. Arwen could see the way in which Montague glared at the ground, clearly displeased with the fact that the Warrens were getting specific assignments.

“Thank you, Edmund.” She smiled his way before looking at all of them again. “That is, I’m afraid, as far as I’ve gotten on my own. Of course, if any of you have anything to add, you are free to do so.”

“I do have… One question, my lady.” Geoffrey spoke up, seeming somewhat hesitant as he shared a look with Edmund who seemed to understand the reason. Arwen didn’t. And she found it surprising. There were many words she’d have used to describe both the Warrens, but hesitant or even timid, as they now appeared, weren’t among them. “What shall we… Prairene’s strength, in many areas, had always been… the magic. What are we to do with those who… With the people-“

“They are welcome.” Arwen put a stop to Lord Warren’s search for the right words. She was rather pleased he’d brought up the topic as she herself had momentarily forgotten it. She watched as all of them relaxed, as all of their eyes seemed to turn in one direction before snapping away just as fast. For now, she put it aside. “All who practice magic are welcome as long as they abide by the rules which have always been in place, as long as they use it for good and do not harm others with it.”

“Thank you, my Lady.” Geoffrey nodded his head, stepping back to the line again now that his question had been answered. With a happy smile on her own face, Arwen spared a look at her brother by her side who seemed to be taking everything with wide eyes, stuck in his own thoughts for a moment.

“If that is all,” Arwen said, trailing off for a moment to see if it wasn’t. But as the men remained quiet, she continued on. “We should be getting back to the castle before someone notices our absence.” That managed to snap Merlin out of his thoughts and had him nodding his head. He couldn’t wait to get some time alone with his sister to talk about all that had just happened. “Why don’t you head on before me, I’ll catch up.” The tone she’d used made Merlin simply nod his head, understanding there was something else she wanted to handle alone.

Without objection, Merlin bid his goodbyes to the entire group before he walked back towards the trees, knowing his sister would have no issue catching up with his slow strides once she was finished with whatever else she intended to do. And as he walked away, he could hear some of it. “It was a pleasure to meet all of you, and I hope to see you all soon again.” Arwen’s voice sounded behind him. “Edmund, if I may speak with you privately for a moment before I leave.” That was the last of what Merlin heard, but even then the conversation continued on in his absence.

"You did well, very well.” Edmund said quietly as he and Arwen built up some distance between themselves and the rest of the group, the compliment bringing a relieved smile to her face. She was hoping it would go well.

“Thank you.” She said simply before moving on to why she’d asked him for a conversation in the first place. “I wanted to ask you about something your father had mentioned to me.” She pointed out. “He’d spoken of your role, one that I do not seem to have much of a choice in, when I ascend the throne?”

“And his questions tonight, I assume, have given you an idea or two on what it might be.” Edmund assumed; however, Arwen was glad to find he didn’t seem rattled or nervous because of it. “My future does not depend on yours as much as it does my mothers. I am to take over her position once she passes, which I hope is in a distant, distant future. Until then, she is the one who’ll be performing the duties of maintaining the castle of Prairene. Both in your absence, and after your return.”

“Your mother’s Ayana.” Arwen concluded with a small smile. He resembled his father much more than he did his mother, but she supposed what he’d taken after Geoffrey in looks, he had an entirely different connection he shared with his mother. “And that’s why your father asked about those who practice magic.”

“Thank you for that, you have no idea how much it means. Not only to me, but to him as well.” Edmund said, gratitude palpable in his voice. “He worries, more often than not about what might happen if someone discovers what I can do. It’ll be nice to know he can have some relief. To know that you, that our queen, will be as open minded as those before.”

“Trust me, I understand perfectly well.” Arwen reassured him. Perhaps she couldn’t understand his own position, his own fears, but she could certainly understand Geoffrey’s. It was that understanding, her own experiences of the same kind, that were one of her main reasons for doing any of this; Merlin. “And if, because of it, you wish for someone else to take up the position as my emissary-“

“No.” Edmund was quick to interrupt her and deny the offer. “I want to do it. And I am more than willing to. You needn’t worry about that.”

“Good, I was hoping you’d say that.” Arwen admitted honestly, making the both of them give out a small laugh. “But for now, go home with the rest of the men. Go see your mother. And send her my regards.”

“She’ll be happy to receive them, my Lady.” Edmund nodded his head in acceptance, giving another small bow as Arwen began to retreat. “Thank you, again.”

“There is nothing to thank me for. Until next time, Edmund.” With that, Arwen turned back to the forest and soon disappeared within it, thoughts running wild as she walked briskly to catch up with her brother.

She had to admit, she was pleased. Tonight had gone well, and the first steps of a plan, a real plan were in place. The people would return, the army grow, Edmund would keep her informed on all of it while Geoffrey and the others laid the groundwork for her return.

She knew she could trust the two Warrens, perhaps even the Willmonts who seemed eager to serve. Grafham and Bothwell seemed a bit more testy, but still respectful, willing to follow her even when they disagreed. From what she’d seen, Arwen assumed Montague might present somewhat of a problem in the future. Although she hoped he wouldn’t. But in that moment, on that night, the woman was pretty sure she’d be able to handle whatever the future held.

Chapter Text

Arwen had never been too tight of a sleeper, and through the years of sharing sleeping quarters since they were children, Merlin had quickly learned methods and ways to avoid waking her whenever he snuck out in the middle of the night. He knew which boards to step on and which one to avoid as they’d creak and groan beneath him. He knew never to light a candle, or he’d be doomed. And he knew to memorize where he’d thrown his things earlier in the day so he wouldn’t trip and crash to the ground with a loud bang.

But in that moment, he cared for none of the lessons he’d heard in the past. Not as the voice sounded in his head, one that he recognized with ease. One that had him scrambling around in a panicked manner, not caring for being quiet or subtle. And it was because of that that he didn’t even notice as his sister stirred in her own bed, head turning as her confused eyes took him in in the dark.

“Merlin? What are you doing? It’s the middle of the night.” She questioned, tone still sleepy and annoyed as she pulled her pillow over her head in an attempt to tune out all of his rustling.

“There’s intruders in the castle.” His explanation had the pillow quickly thrown off to the side as the redhead herself began to rise from her bed.

“How do you know? And why are you the one taking care of it?” She questioned as she began reaching for her things, clearly intending to go with him to handle it since he insisted on doing so himself.

“I just know.” Merlin said in a rushed voice, giving her absolutely no answers or time to press him for more. “And I also know you need to stay here.” He added the instruction, making Arwen send him an unamused look which clearly indicated she was about to fight him on the matter. “Please, Arwen just stay here. Promise me you’ll listen.”

It was something about Merlin’s voice, something about the worry he seemed to show because of these intruders that had Arwen realizing this wasn’t just another one of his stupid attempts of protecting her when she didn’t need him to. “Alright, I’ll stay. I promise.”

Merlin knew his sister well enough to know she wouldn’t have actually made the promise if she didn’t intend to keep it. So, reassured that she’d stay back and be safe, he didn’t waste any more time before running out of their room and the physicians’ chambers altogether. It left Arwen sitting in the dark, feet pressed against the cold floor by her bed as she wondered what in the world was going on.

During some point in the night while she was waiting for her brother to return, once the warning bells stopped ringing through the night and the castle grew silent again, Arwen had managed to fall asleep. Which was why, when she woke up the next morning to find Merlin’s bed already empty, she was more than ready to scold him for avoiding her or not waking her to tell her what had happened.

Only, as she got dressed and ready for the day, she made her way to the front of the physicians’ chambers, only then hearing the sound of his voice that let her know he was still there and hadn’t run off. “Yeah, I heard talking. In my head.” Merlin asked whatever question Gaius asked of him just as Arwen opened the door of their bedroom and walked in.

“Is that what happened last night?” She asked, making her presence known to the two men as she walked over to the table, eagerly pouring herself a glass of water and placing some bread on her plate for breakfast. “Why you rushed out so quickly?”

“Intruders broke into the castle.” Gaius gave Arwen the basic explanation which, by now, everyone in the castle would already be aware of. With that done, he turned back to Merlin, knowing his words may mean only one thing. “They had magic?”

Merlin nodded his head in confirmation. “And I recognised the voice. It was Mordred.” The announcement had Arwen’s brows furrowing in surprise as she wondered if she might’ve heard him wrong for just a moment.

“Mordred? What would he be doing back here?” She couldn’t help but question.

“He was guiding someone to Morgana's Chamber.” Merlin announced. He couldn’t hear the other person or their voice, but the fact that Mordred could speak to them through his mind let Merlin know that whoever it was, had magic just like them.

“Well, he and Morgana have always been quite close. Perhaps, he’d simply missed her.” Arwen suggested, her own mind coming up with much more innocent theories on the matter than her brother’s had.

And he knew better than to let it be and let her believe them. Not when doing so could be dangerous, at least until he learned more. “No, this is about more than that.” He pointed out, his own voice thoughtful as he tried to figure out what exactly.

“What do you mean?” Gaius asked.

“What if they'd been caught? Wouldn’t it have been easier to simply send some kind of message to meet elsewhere if it was just about missing her.” The boy tried to show the flaw in Arwen’s theory. “Whatever they were doing, they were prepared to die for it.”

“Merlin, Mordred’s just a boy.” However, Arwen had a hard time believing the sweet boy they all knew would be up to anything bad. “Whatever was happening I doubt it’s as bad as you make it seem.” She suggested optimistically and Merlin could only hope she was right.

However, he knew better than to ignore his instincts. Instincts which were telling him not to let go of this, that nothing good would come from doing so. Because, unlike Arwen, he knew more. He knew what Mordred was destined to become. And he couldn’t just let the boy go.

While the intruders in the night had rattled much of the castle, the entire day within it had been rather peaceful and calm. Arwen and Gaius had both tended to their ordinary duties as physicians, and nothing else had happened. It further worked to convincing Arwen that Mordred’s return to Camelot during the night wasn’t as bad as Merlin worried it might be.

However, she should have known better than to believe they’d now get some peace. After all, once trouble reached Camelot, it rarely stopped all on its own. And the warning bells which suddenly began to ring out as she and Gaius enjoyed their dinner in the physicians’ chambers had the redhead giving out a small sigh of exasperation. “Oh, what in the world is happening now?”

“Whatever it is, I think it best we both remain here for now.” Gaius said, knowing Arwen would be eager to go out there and find her brother to make sure he was alright in the midst of whatever trouble had risen. “Merlin will come and inform us once it’s done.”

And Gaius was right because it didn’t take long for Merlin to come back to their chambers, his day of duties having been nearly done even before the warning bells sounded. And it wasn’t difficult for either of the physicians to notice the dejected state with which he walked through the door.

“Merlin? What’s happened?” Arwen asked curiously, scooting to the side on the bench she’d been occupying to make space for him as he sat down next to her, shoulders sagging and a heavy sigh leaving his lips before he answered her question.

“Someone’s broken into the vaults and stolen something.”

“Well, this isn’t the first time it’s happened. Why do you look so upset by it?” Gaius pointed out, Merlin’s answer not really giving them much of an explanation for his own perturbed appearance.

“Because it’s my fault.” Merlin grumbled out; the muttering somewhat hard to distinguish for the first few moments.

“How could someone else’s actions be your fault?” Arwen questioned her brother in a dubious tone, hoping to make a point and lift his spirits. However, she wasn’t expecting what the answer would be.

“Because it was Morgana.” Merlin revealed honestly, making Gaius speak his name in a scolding tone, ready to put a stop to such speaking, but Merlin continued before he could. “I’m sure of it. The break-in? They didn’t actually break in; they simply unlocked the door. And earlier in the day I found her snooping around Arthur’s chambers. At a time she knew he’d be away.”

“What was stolen?” Arwen asked. For a moment, she feared that Morgana had tried to steal something as she has before; books or artefacts of Prairene on her behalf. But she couldn’t believe the Lady would have gone to those lengths.

“Uther called it The Crystal of Neahtid.” Merlin revealed, sharing the title he’d heard the king use for the object when he’d gone with Arthur to inform him of the theft.

“Morgana stole the crystal?” Gaius breathed out, his tone more questioning and surprised than anything else as he himself seemed to search for what could have been her reasons.

“I'm certain of it. She must have taken Arthur’s keys.” Merlin shared his theory, so convinced that he missed the looks passing between Arwen and Gaius who did their best to maintain a calm and level head during the discussion.

“Can you prove any of this?” Gaius asked.

“Not exactly, but…”

“Merlin.” The older man was quick to begin scolding him again.

“She did it. I'd bet my life on it.” But Merlin was convinced.

“Even if you are so sure, you cannot just go accusing the King’s ward of a crime without proof.” Arwen spoke up, trying to make him see what Gaius was attempting to point out. “You know what Uther is like. He’d have you hanged by next morning.”

And it seemed to do the trick as Merlin gave out another sigh and nodded his head. “I know. You're right.” And he wasn’t just saying it to please her. Merlin knew she had a point. Uther would never believe him over his own ward.

“And you’re painting it as if she’d done something nefarious. I mean, what is this crystal anyways?” Arwen added on, finding it hard to believe Morgana would have had any actual ill intentions when stealing the crystal.

“Doesn't make sense. Why would Morgana steal such a thing?” Gaius whispered, more to himself than he did to them, but both Arwen and Merlin heard him.

“Uther said it was an instrument of magic.” Merlin added on what he’d heard, sending a curious look to Gaius hoping he’d share whatever was on his mind.

“There are many legends about the Crystal.” Luckily, the older physician seemed willing to share.

However, Merlin’s own impatience had Gaius cut off again soon enough. “Is it some kind of weapon?” The boy questioned worriedly.

“Why would Morgana need a weapon?” Arwen jumped in with her own thoughts, sending Merlin a dubious look at his suggestion. “She isn’t even trained in magic. She wouldn’t begin to know how to use it.”

“That I don't know.” Gaius said, although, it was unclear whether he was answering Merlin’s question or Arwen’s own. Not that it mattered. What he’d said so far had revealed enough already.

“You've heard of it?” Merlin asked, but it sounded more like a question as both the siblings focused their eyes on the man sitting across the table, eager to learn as much about the crystal as they could.

“Indeed. The sorcerers of the past believed it held the secret of time itself.” Gaius said ominously, making the two share confused looks between themselves.

“What does that mean?” Arwen asked, finding it more of a riddle than an actual answer and hoping Gaius would be able to share more about it.

“I'm not sure.” Sadly, they had no such luck. “The crystal's an artefact of the Old Religion. There is only one who could tell you more.” Gaius revealed, sending a pointed look to Merlin that had both the boy and his sister quickly realizing what he’d meant by that.

And soon, Merlin nodded his head, knowing it was something he had to do as he began to rose from his seat. “Do you want me to come with you?” The sound of his sister’s question still had him taking a short pause to look back at her with a reassuring smile.

“No, no. I can do this part alone. Don’t worry.” He said simply before turning again and disappearing through the door of the physicians’ chambers. In truth, he didn’t want Arwen anywhere around the dragon. Not when Kilgharrah was making his displeasure with Merlin known with each day that passed. He didn’t want to risk the dragon doing something with Arwen there, something that would force Merlin’s hand in freeing him.

While Merlin had gone to Kilgharrah in hopes of getting some answers, Arwen had ideas of her own on how to get the information they needed. And so that same night, while her brother was gone, she’d made her way to none other than Morgana’s chambers. However, by the time she’d arrived, she found them entirely empty. Even though Morgana had supposedly retired for the night according to Gwen.

Nearly certain that the lady’s disappearance had something to do with everything else that was going on, instead of simply returning to the physicians’ chambers, Arwen chose to wait for her there. She didn’t yet think of going anywhere to announce the Lady’s absence, knowing it could place Morgana in much more trouble if she’d gone of her own will.

However, the longer the time stretched on, and as the first rays of the sun began to seep through the windows, Arwen began to worry. Thinking she might have to go to Uther, because there was no way of knowing where Morgana was or if she was in some kind of trouble, she began to rise from where she’d been sitting at the table while she waited.

And she began to do so just as the door of the chambers finally opened. “Arwen!” Morgana exclaimed in shock, having expected to return to her chambers while they were still empty and find no one inside. “What are you doing here?” The redhead’s eyes focused on the lady, taking in her appearance and muddied cloak, coming to her own conclusions before she finally spoke.

“Morgana, what’s going on?” The physician didn’t mince her words or bother with lies and small talk, but rather, she quickly got straight to the point. “I know about the crystal, and you’ve clearly gone somewhere in the middle of the night. What are you doing?”

“I promised I wouldn’t tell anyone.” Morgana said quietly. She’d suggested involving Arwen in the plan, reminding Mordred that they could trust her, but Alvarr remained adamant it should only be she who was involved, and he was right. If Arwen was caught being a part of this, Uther would surely execute her for it.

“Promised to who? Mordred?” Knowing it would take some coaxing for Morgana to talk to her, especially as Mordred who she was so protective of was involved, Arwen took the next step in trying to get the Lady to tell her what was going on. If she made it known she knew Mordred was there, but hadn’t told anyone, maybe Morgana would be more forthcoming.

Although, first, she had to get past her surprise. “How do you know that?”

Arwen knew she couldn’t tell the truth of how she knew. So, she quickly came up with a different explanation. “I saw him that night, from my window, when there were intruders in the castle.” She said simply, the lie not so farfetched or impossible.

“Arwen, I-“ It was from the tone which Morgana used that Arwen knew speaking of Mordred hadn’t gotten her where she wanted to be. And she wasn’t about to waste their time by letting Morgana attempt to deceive her.

“Please don’t lie to me.” She said to the woman, rendering her silent as she was caught even before she’d done it. “Do you know what you’ve done? You’ve stolen a magical object for God knows who or what they intend to use it for. And as a result, both Merlin and Arthur are in trouble. Merlin could have gotten sacked, at best.”

“I’m sorry. That was never my intention.” And in that part, at least, Morgana did seem genuine.

“So, what was? Why did you need this crystal?” Arwen asked in a gentle tone, hoping to show Morgana she wasn’t here to judge her or turn on her. She simply wanted to understand what was going on, perhaps even help.

“They intend to use it.” Morgana said vaguely, trying to give as little answers as possible.

“That I concluded on my own, Morgana.” Arwen couldn’t hold back a small sigh of exasperation before she continued on with her questions. “Who is they? And what do they intend to use it for?”

“I can’t tell you that.”

The lady’s evasiveness had Arwen’s own suspicion growing stronger with each time she tried to avoid giving an answer. “Morgana… we’ve always been honest with each other. About everything.” She reminded the woman.

“It will help. Help people like me.” Morgana said, her tone hopeful and pleased, clearly trying to convince Arwen to let it go because in the end, it would yield something good.

However, Arwen remembered all the enemies they’ve fought thus far who had magic. “A lot of people we’ve faced claim to have the same intentions.” She pointed out, starting to worry someone might’ve used Morgana’s kind nature, her love for Mordred, to manipulate her. “The fact that you’re being so vague about it… If there’s nothing wrong with what they intend to do, why can’t you tell me?”

“It will work out in the end. You have to trust me.” Arwen had to admit, it was hard to trust someone when it was so clear they did not trust you.

“This is-“ She began to protest again, only to be rendered silent as a knock sounded from the door of Morgana’s chambers, and the lady was quick to allow whoever it was inside in hopes of bringing about an end to this conversation. And she was lucky that that was exactly what had happened as a guard, sent by the King, announced that their presence was requested in the throne room.

After the summons, Arwen was forced to leave Morgana’s chambers so she could answer it, knowing Morgana couldn’t simply go with her as the lady had to change first to hide the traces of her late-night trip. So, when Arwen reached the chambers, she found the majority of the council and even some knights gathered around as they waited for the royals to all arrive and take their seats.

While they still had time, Arwen’s eyes searched through all the faces until she finally spotted her brother. With quick steps, she walked over to join his side, leaning close as she quietly whispered. “I managed to get nothing out of her.” She revealed, hoping he’d had some more luck with the dragon, at least.

“I followed her, last night. She took the crystal to the people Mordred’s with.” Merlin announced quietly, the information making Arwen’s eyes snap over to him. It was clear she wanted him to say more, to share more of what he’d learned. “It can show you the future. They intend to use it to start a war.”

“What?” Arwen whispered in shock, the curious look on her face now quickly replaced with one of disbelief and worry. And, as if summoned by the conversation centred around her, it was right then that Morgana walked into the chambers along with the King and Arthur, making Arwen’s eyes turn to look at her. “She wouldn’t have given it to them if she-“

“She knows.” Merlin knew his sister would believe Morgana had been manipulated and lied to, perhaps threatened to cooperate. He knew how much Arwen cared for her friend. But he also knew the truth, and this time, it wasn’t one he could hide, no matter how much he wished to spare her from it.

The information rendered Arwen entirely silent this time as she tried to process what he’d just said. And she’d done so just in time because, not long after, Uther, finally in his seat, began to speak. “Gaius, I understand you’ve summoned this meeting because you claim to know the whereabouts of the Crystal?”

“I believe so, Sire.” Gaius nodded his head, standing in the centre of the room, the people surrounding him, as he spoke to the king.

“I see. How did you come by this information?”

“In my capacity as physician, I have dealings with many people. They hear things, Sire, and they see things.” Gaius began to explain, trying to be as vague about it as he could without making it seem a lie. “Last night I was confronted by one such man who told me that the Crystal had been stolen by a band of renegades led by a man called Alvarr.”

The information had Arwen looking to Merlin again, the curious look in her eyes clearly asking him whether any of that was true. And in response, he shook his head, silently letting her know it wasn’t. The information Gaius was now giving the King had come from him. From his time following Morgana.

“Who exactly was this informant?” Uther questioned with a dubious look on his face, unsure of whether the source could be trusted.

However, for that too, Gaius had an answer ready. “I think it would only be fair to protect their identity, Sire. If news of the betrayal were to reach the renegades, it could indeed endanger their life.” And it seemed to do the trick as Uther nodded his head in acceptance.

“Where is this Alvarr hiding?” Arthur, who’d thus far been leaning against the back of his own chair, now stepped forward as he posed a question of his own.

“He was last seen in the Valley of Chambray, Sire.” Gaius revealed with ease. And as he spoke, Arwen couldn’t keep her eyes form turning to Morgana, observing her reaction and the way in which she nervously swallowed. She knew Merlin’s information would be true, but Morgana’s reactions only proved it further.

“Summon the guards, Arthur. I want this matter investigated without delay.” Uther instructed his son quickly, wanting the matter handled as quickly as possible. And Arthur didn’t need to be told twice before he made his way from the chambers to prepare.

Arwen didn’t miss the way in which Morgana disappeared just as fast, following after him while the rest of them were forced to stay back and wait until Uther dismissed them. Which, luckily, with one last thanks to Gaius, he did. And once she was free to go, Arwen was quick to rush out into the halls, eyes searching through the area until she spotted Morgana speaking with Arthur.

“Morgana!” She called her name, voice sharp and making both the prince and the lady quickly turn their heads towards her to see her approaching.

“Oh, I know that look.” Arthur muttered out, more amused than anything as he wondered what Morgana could have done to get on Arwen’s angry side. “Seems you’re in need of luck as well.” He said to his father’s ward, and with one last smile sent her way, he began to walk off wanting to escape before he got in the crosshairs of whatever trouble was brewing between the women.

He'd done so just as Arwen reached where Morgana had been standing. However, instead of talking to her there, the physician took hold of the woman’s arm and dragged her into a secluded alcove in the halls before she finally said what was on her mind. “War? Are you insane?”

“How do you-“ Morgana stuttered in surprise, wondering how Arwen could have learned in the short time since their own conversation during which Morgana had revealed nothing and Arwen clearly didn’t know anything yet.

“It doesn’t matter how.” Arwen cut off the question, entirely unwilling to go into the details of it. She could simply explain later, if anyone asked, that Gaius had told her more about Alvarr while they waited.  “What in the world are you thinking? You know this isn’t the way.”

Instead of answering Arwen’s questions, Morgana spent a few long moments silent, eyes observing Arwen as she finally realised how right Alvarr was even when she’d been unwilling to believe him. “They said you wouldn’t understand.” She whispered out in a sad tone. “They said no who isn’t like us would ever understand.”

“Oh, Morgana for heaven’s sake this isn’t about understanding. I understand perfectly. You want to be free. To be yourself without living in fear.” Arwen knew very well what Morgana’s reasons were, which emotions the renegades must’ve prayed on to convince her this was the right thing to do. But there were other ways. And Arwen hoped that reminding her of those would put a stop to this. “What do you think I was doing during the whole week of the peace talks?”

Unfortunately, instead of having the desired effect, Arwen’s words seemed to anger Morgana only further. “Not enough.” The lady bit back, using Arwen’s momentary surprise by the sharp answer to turn away and rush off before the redhead had a chance to stop her.

And Arwen could easily conclude why she’d done so. Why she seemed to be in such a rush. Morgana intended to warn Alvarr and his group, warn them that Arthur and the knights were headed right for them. And perhaps it was manipulation, perhaps something else entirely, that blinded Morgana to seeing what the consequences of that may be. But Arwen could. And they weren’t anything good.

Arwen walked through the courtyard of the castle with a pleased look on her face, happy that, with one short conversation with the king, she’d managed to get exactly what she wanted. Even though she knew she was bound to meet some resistance still as she held on to the reigns of her horse, drawing closer and closer as she walked towards the gathered group of knights among which Arthur and her brother stood.

It was Merlin who first noticed her, head nodding in her direction to make Arthur aware of her presence, and aware of her intentions which were rather clear. And still, the prince felt the need to ask. “What do you think you’re doing?” He turned to her with an annoyed look that did nothing to deter Arwen from her plan.

“My job.” She answered simply as she began to check over the last of the details on her saddle.

“You will-“ Arthur began to protest, not realizing that Arwen wasn’t actually finished with what she had to say.

After all, she’d expected this. And because of that, she’d planned in advance. “As a physician, it is my duty to accompany you on journeys beyond Camelot’s walls. And I’ve already spoken with the King about it, who approves and thinks my services might be needed.”

“I don’t-“ Merlin did his best not to laugh as the prince was interrupted, yet again, by his sister who clearly wasn’t done talking.

“So, we can stand here, with you trying to persuade me not to come, which after some convincing I’ll act like I’ve given in, only to follow you anyways.” Finished with her checks, Arwen turned to him with a sweet smile on her face that only made Arthur sigh. “Or we can get going and stop wasting time.”

With a shake of his head, clearly still displeased but knowing there was nothing he could do, Arthur stepped forward and began to help her climb atop her horse. “You’re infuriating.” He said once she was seated in the saddle, whispering the words so only she could hear.

And they made her smile, genuinely this time, as she looked back down at him. “As are you.”

Despite what seemed a momentary deterrent as their party did not know where to go, with help from Merlin, the whole group of knights had managed to locate the camp Gaius had spoken of and were now sneaking through the forest towards it. And, at Arthur’s instruction, Arwen walked in the very back of it, her own sword in hand and ready for whatever they might face. Even if the prince had told her to turn around and go back should a fight erupt.

However, as it became clear soon after they walked into the camp, there was no one there. There was no sign of trouble or even life for that matter. And it wasn’t long before everyone straightened up and began to relax, Arthur sticking his sword into the ground as he approached what was once a campfire, checking how old it was as he kneeled in front of it.

“Well, whoever was here, they're not here anymore.” The prince announced. And while it wasn’t too farfetched of an idea, knowing Morgana travelling alone would have reached the camp sooner, Arwen still found it somewhat odd. Something about it didn’t sit right.

Because of that, she looked around curiously. While she knew they’d been warned, from the looks of the camp, not much time could have passed between then and now. After all, they’d left all of their belongings and items behind. Not even a single thing seemed to be packed. She’d seen people flee before; some would have at least tried to gather the basic necessities before leaving.

And, as if coming to the same conclusion at the same time, it was Merlin who spoke the words which rang through Arwen’s own mind. “Yes, they are.” But the warning still came too late as seconds later, arrows were sent flying among them, striking down a couple of knights standing on the edges of the group.

Arthur was quick to spring into action, plucking his sword from the ground as he called out the instructions to his men. “Take cover!” As he rushed back, Arthur pulled on Arwen’s hand, leading her along with him to hide behind one of the thick tree stumps as the arrows continued to fly while Alvarr and his men rushed into the camp and began fighting against the knights of Camelot.

“Stay here.” The prince instructed with one pointed look sent her way before he went off to join his men and left her in the same spot. She’d remained quiet at the instruction, not sharing the thought which went through her mind when he’d said it.

At least she didn’t say it out loud until he was gone. “Like hell.”

Arwen didn’t hesitate in stepping out of her hiding spot and letting her eyes evaluate the scene. And she did so just in time. Not long after, she easily spotted her brother running away from the imminent danger. And she also caught sight of one of the bandits using his crossbow to try and shoot him down.

With a simple whistle, standing right behind him, Arwen managed to get the shooter’s attention and turn it away from her brother. As he turned to look who was calling him, Arwen made sure to act quickly, knocking the crossbow from his hands before he could use it against her. And after that, a simple and quick slash across his thighs brought the man down to the ground and allowed Arwen to focus on the next.

With the knights of Camelot outnumbering the renegades, the fight didn’t last for much longer before Alvarr himself was the last men standing and the guards began to surround him while Arthur approached. However, instead of focusing on the man, Arwen looked around, eyes searching for her brother until she finally spotted him returning from further within the woods. Wordlessly, Merlin joined his sister’s side, watching as the prince confronted the leader of the bandits.

“Give me the Crystal.” Arthur commanded, but they all knew it wouldn’t be that easy.

“Why should you care?” The man bit back at the prince, clearly unwilling to cooperate. Not that he had much choice. As Arthur nodded at some of the knights standing behind Alvarr, it wasn’t long before he found himself in their hold, unable to resist as Arthur began to search through his pockets. “What use is it to you?”

Still, all of his questions went by ignored. As Alvarr spoke of there being no use for the crystal, warned that Arthur did not have the power to wield it, and rambled on while Arthur took the crystal and walked away, no one answered him nor acknowledged him. The knights simply took him away to be taken to Camelot and await what will surely be an execution as punishment for his crimes.

But all that mattered was that Alvarr’s band had been defeated and the crystal regained before it could cause damage to the kingdom. And with some relief to bear over that, Arwen turned back to her brother again, ready to return home only to find him fixated on Arthur’s retreating form with a dazed look on his face.

“Merlin.” She called his name but to no avail, prompting her to put a hand on his shoulder as she tried again. “Merlin.” This time, it seemed to do the trick as Merlin’s eyes finally tore away from Arthur and turned to look down at her. “Are you alright?”

“I’m fine.” He reassured her quickly, Arwen raising a doubtful eyebrow at that. “I’m fine. I promise. Just… the crystal.” He explained shortly and quietly, Arwen nodding her head in understanding now. She couldn’t feel it herself, but it came as no surprise that he could; not when it was something that powerful. “Come on, we should get going.”

After their conversation in the renegade’s camp, Arwen hadn’t given the crystal any more thought. Not even as the group of knights had made camp for the night on their way back to Camelot. And because she’d slept through it peacefully, she had no clue as to what had happened. And she remained entirely unaware of the conversation going on between Merlin and Gaius in the physicians’ chambers, Merlin sharing what he'd seen in the crystal, while Arwen was away.

Because now that they’d returned and all was well again, the redhead knew there was one more thing she needed to handle. One more person she needed to see. And, since she wasn’t sure how it would go, her knock on the door came somewhat hesitant and unsure. But, nonetheless, Morgana’s familiar voice called out from the other side and allowed her to enter.

“I was hoping we could talk.” Arwen spoke in a gentle voice as she stepped through the door, spending a few moments standing by it as it remained open in case Morgana was still angry with her and chose to send her away.

However, much to Arwen’s relief, the lady stood from her table and even sent her a small smile as she spoke. “Of course, come in.” Not about to question her good mood, Arwen did as she was told, making sure to close the door behind her so they wouldn’t be overheard.

“I want to apologise.” Arwen began to speak, Morgana’s curious eyes watching her and waiting to see what she had to say. “I was too harsh when trying to get through to you. I should have chosen my words better, and for that I am sorry.” And from her words, one thing became clear to the lady. She was sorry for the way she spoke, for what she’d said, but she wasn’t sorry for trying to stop her. Or aiding Arthur and the knights in defeating Alvarr and his men.

It was then that it dawned on her that Arwen truly would never be able to understand. No matter how much Morgana tried to convince her or make her see. And so she knew what she had to do. “It’s alright, you merely had my best interest at heart. I’m sorry for my own part in it all.” While she’d been honest with Uther about her hatred for him, she knew she couldn’t take the same course with Arwen, not when she knew so much. Morgana knew she had to convince the physician that she’d seen the wrong of her ways. “And you’re right. War is not the way to accomplish what we want.”

The words brought relief to Arwen’s face, happy to know that despite a momentary lapse, Morgana was back to who she was. “I know that what I’m doing, I know it’s slow, Morgana. But it will yield results. I promise you that.” Arwen tried to reassure her, to bring some amount of comfort after what certainly couldn’t have been an easy thing to go through. “And once it does, it might even be better. Going to Prairene when people know we’re friends, they’d never have to suspect what you can do.”

“You’re right, of course.” Morgana forced a smile to her face, pretending as if what Arwen had said brought her joy, even when she knew it wouldn’t matter in the end. Not when she could see it all falling apart even before it’s begun.

“It will be alright, you’ll see.” Arwen smiled back at her friend before continuing to add. “And whenever you need a shoulder to lean on, you know I’m right here.

“Thank you, Arwen. I’m lucky to have such a good friend by my side.” Morgana said in a gentle tone, stepping forward and taking hold of Arwen’s shoulders to pull her into a hug, one which the redhead happily returned. And as she did so, she missed the way Morgana’s friendly expression soon changed once she couldn’t see it; the smile on her face wiped away and replaced by a cold look in her eyes. For now, her trickery had worked. And Arwen was none the wiser. Just as Morgana needed her to remain.

Chapter Text

In her time spent in Camelot, Arwen had grown quite accustomed to impromptu meetings of the council and being summoned at any time in the day should the King deem it necessary. And of course, since Camelot had no shortage of troubles, such things happened often. So, she wasn’t too surprised when they’d all been summoned because a man had requested an audience with the King, claiming to have information which Uther needed to be aware of.

“I'm a herder from the northern plains, Sire.” The man now standing in the centre of the room spoke and introduced himself. “Three nights back, we were camped beneath the walls of Idirsholas.”

“I'm not sure I would've chosen such a place.” Uther muttered out, sharing a knowing look with some of the guards surrounding him. Arwen couldn’t be sure what prompted the reaction, unaware of the legends which swarmed the area.

“Good pasture is scarce at this time of year, Sire.” Joseph explained, feeling as if he needed to make an excuse on the behalf of himself and his companions.

Knowing there were more important matters to discuss, Uther barely waited for the man to finish before speaking up again. “And what is it you have to tell me?” He asked in a bored tone, clearly not taking the man seriously. It made Arwen roll her eyes. Even if the man wasn’t here with some great large threat, he still came because he needed help.

“While we were there, we… We saw smoke rising from the citadel.” The man said in a hesitant tone, and at the words, something in Uther’s eyes seemed to change. Arwen noticed it with ease as he turned to look at Gaius beside her, almost instantly.

“And did you see anything else?” The older physician asked in a testing tone, not willing to jump to conclusions, but also, rather clearly, not too fond of the idea that this man was telling the truth. Or hadn’t simply imagined what he thought he’d seen.

“No.” Joseph said simply.

“Did you go inside?” Uther asked, small traces of doubt in his voice as if he suspected the man himself of starting the fire from which the smoke had risen.

“No. Nobody has stepped over that threshold for 300 years!” Joseph denied this quicker than he did before, his voice sounding fearful at the mere thought of doing such a thing. “You must know the legend, Sire.”

At that, Arwen’s brows furrowed in wonder, curious about this legend. Luckily, Gaius knew she wouldn’t be the only one. “When the fires of Idirsholas burn, the Knights of Medhir will ride again.” The physician shared the simple version of it for all those who didn’t know.

It made Arwen lean over, closer to Merlin as she quietly whispered. “What is it with fires burning again around here? Why can’t the sign be something more subtle. Like a special magical butterfly?” She asked, making her brother do his best to keep in the laughter which threatened to burst out.

“I don’t think those exist.” He pointed out in as quiet a tone.

“Then you’ll just come up with them.” Arwen shrugged her shoulders like it was the easiest thing, making Merlin let out a small cough to hide his chuckle.

“See to it this man is fed and has a bed for the night.” Uther instructed, rising from his chair as he waved one of the knights to tend along to Joseph while the rest remained, all waiting for their King to give further instruction. Which he did, turning to his son soon after as he continued. “Take a ride out there.”

“Why?” Arthur asked in surprise.

“So, we can put people's minds at rest.” Uther gave a simple enough reason, not wanting to create a panic until they were sure there was reason to. But if there wasn’t, and people were left to their own devices and suspicions, one might still spread.

“Surely this is superstitious nonsense?” Arthur’s question had Arwen incapable of resisting the unamused look she sent his way. How could he still even ask such a stupid question.

Luckily, Uther wasn’t so easily dissuaded from his decision. “Gather the guard and do as I say.” Those were the last words the King spoke to his son before turning away and walking out of the chambers, willing to hear no more protests. And while he had no intentions to stir up fear and worry, his severe reaction to the news had Merlin and Arwen sharing a look between themselves, wondering just how real this new threat might be.

Back in the physicians’ chambers once the meeting was over, Arwen found herself sitting at one of the benches, reading a book Gaius had given her when she asked if there is anything written about the fires of Idirsholas or the knights which they awaken.

“Why is Uther so worried?” Merlin asked from his own spot once he gave up on the idea of reading over her shoulder and continued on with his packing for the journey he’d be accompanying Arthur on. He’d always been the type who’d rather learn by listening to a story than bothering sorting and sifting through written information.

“Because the Knights of Medhir are a force to be reckoned with.” Gaius said in a warning tone, making the boy turn to him curiously.

“Do you believe the story as well?” He asked, somewhat surprised by that. “Both of you?” He added on, eyes turning to his sister next who seemed rather focused on learning as much about it as she could.

The question had the redhead finally glancing away from the pages of her book to fix him with a pointed stare. “How often do we face something that, up until that point, has been just a story?” She asked the same thing she’d wanted to ask Arthur when he expressed his own disbelief during the meeting.

“It's more than a story, Merlin.” Gaius spoke up in a certain tone. “Some 300 years ago, seven of Camelot's knights were seduced by a sorcerer's call. One by one, they succumbed to her power. At her command, they became a terrifying and brutal force that rode through the lands leaving death and destruction in their wake.”

“What happened?” Merlin questioned.

It wasn’t Gaius who spoke up to answer, but Arwen instead. “It says here,” She began, tracing the words with her finger on the page as she read out loud. “Only when the sorceress was killed that the Knights of Medhir grew still, frozen.” As she finished the sentence, her eyes looked back up at Gaius with questions in them, wondering if that was correct.

The older physician nodded his head in confirmation before turning to her brother again. “Merlin, if what Joseph says is true, then something has awoken them, and I fear for each and every one of us.”

“Lovely.” Arwen grumbled out, giving out a heavy sigh as she dropped her forehead to the centre of the book in annoyance. “Just… Lovely.”

“I packed you some provisions for the journey.” Arwen announced as she stepped up next to her brother and the horse he was preparing for their journey to the castle of Idirsholas. With a small smile, he took the extra bag from her hands, working on tying it along to his saddle as he thanked her. “You know, maybe I should come with you. It is in my list of duties and-“

“No!” The sharp call didn’t come from Merlin, but Arthur who wasn’t too far away as he climbed atop his own horse. “And before you go running to my father, I’ve already spoken to him and he agrees there surely won’t be need of your services during this trip.”

“You…” Arwen hissed in disbelief, hating that he’d been one step ahead of her this time and there was nothing she could do about it. “Damn you, Arthur Pendragon.” She groaned out, sending the blonde a glare which only made him laugh.

“You’re going to have to find new tricks because I’m on to you now.” The prince pointed out, making Arwen shake her head, pretending to be annoyed with him when, in reality, the amused smile on her lips made it rather clear she wasn’t.

“Alright then!” Merlin announced loudly, breaking the short moment between the prince and his sister as he began to climb up on his own horse. “Best get going. No time to waste.”

Snapped out of her interaction with Arthur, Arwen turned back to her brother and looked up at him. “Be safe.” She instructed in a pointed tone.

“You too.” Merlin’s words made his sister give out a small laugh.

“Merlin, I promise I won’t just sneak away and follow you.” She said firmly. She didn’t have enough time to pack and get ready this time. Although, she probably would rush through it if needed.

“No, I mean…” Merlin trailed off, searching for the best way to explain what was on his mind. “If the Knights are awake, and coming here, then they’ll be here before we return so… Just lock yourself and Gaius up tight, alright?”

“Merlin, really, stop scaring your sister. It’s just a fairy tale.” Arthur scolded his manservant in a pointed tone, making the dark haired man roll his eyes at Arthur’s idiocy.

“Don’t worry, my lord, I don’t scare easily.” Arwen reassured with a small smile as she stepped back from Merlin’s horse so he could head off. “And fairy tale or not, there’s still other dangers out there. So be careful, both of you.”

Arthur sent her a small nod, a silent promise that they would be. “We’ll be back soon.” He said before gently kicking his horse in its side, taking the lead as he rode away and Merlin and the rest of the knights followed after him.

“Put some black pepper in it too. I find it helps with the swelling.” Gaius instructed Arwen while she worked at the table, brewing a paste which would help a man in the lower town who suffered from aching joints that made it difficult to work. With a nod of her head, she turned to the shelf, plucking the items she needed along with the black pepper before returning to her work.

Not that she could continue it for long before a knock sounded at their door. Both physicians looked up to see Sir Leon entering their chambers with a worried look on his face. “Gaius, Arwen, it’s the King. He seems to have fallen ill.”

Gaius instructing Arwen to put some black pepper into the tincture she is making that it should help with the swelling symptoms of the disease she is treating in the lower town when Leon walks into the chambers requesting their help as the king seems to have fallen ill.” The announcement had them sharing worried looks between themselves, both abandoning their previous tasks as they followed Leon out of the physicians’ chambers and through the halls of the castle.

When they reached the king’s chambers, the trio found Uther in his bed, a sweat covering his brow as he seemed to be dozing off for at least a moment. However, as soon as Gaius came close enough, reaching over to test the king for a fever, the man woke with a start. “I have court business that needs tending to.” He announced, more than ready to get out of bed if it weren’t for Gaius who easily pushed him back to the pillows.

“You have to stay in bed, Sire. You have a fever. I'll prepare a tonic for you.” Gaius instructed a man who seemed rather happy to obey the instruction. That alone was sign enough that he wasn’t feeling well as Gaius, Arwen, and Leon stepped away from the bed again while Uther settled back without protest. “When did he first fall ill?”

“It came on this morning.” Leon shared, watching as the physicians held a silent conversation with only their eyes. “It's not something to worry about?” Unsure of what their looks meant, Leon couldn’t help but worry.

“No. It will soon pass.” Gaius was quick to reassure him, not wanting to raise a panic should word of the king’s illness spread as rumours tended to in the castle. “Be sure to let me know if there's any change.”

“We treat symptoms like these on a daily basis, Leon. It’ll be alright.” Arwen added on some reassuring words of her own. But when the knight wasn’t looking, she and Gaius shared yet another worried look between themselves, both aware that they were painting a pretty picture when there was no way to be sure of anything in that moment.

Luckily, if Leon had any more questions or had even caught them in their exchange, it was quickly dismissed from his mind as yet another guard appeared at the door, eyes searching through the room until they finally fell on who he was there for. “Gaius, Arwen, a few people in the castle have fallen ill and are requesting medical attention.”

The announcement had Gaius letting out a small sigh before he turned to look at the woman standing at his side. “I’ll go prepare medicine for the king, and perhaps others; you check on the rest of the sick.” He instructed, Arwen nodding her head in understanding. “I fear we might be facing a contagion.” And one that was spreading fast.

“I’ll go with you.” Leon announced, following after Arwen as she began to head for the door. He thought it important to stay appraised on the situation if Gaius’ worries proved to be right. However, before leaving entirely, he turned to the guard one last time. “Instruct his manservant to watch over him and get us if anything changes.”

By the time afternoon came around, Arwen and Leon had long expanded their physician’s visits beyond the walls of the castle and out into the city, going as far as the lower town. Whatever illness had come on so suddenly, it was consuming everyone.

But the more time went on, the more oddly it presented. What started as fevers and cough soon turned into sleep. A sleep from which none of the ailing could be woken. One that consumed them at a moment’s notice. So much so that as she and Leon made their way through the halls of the castle, many were already sleeping, slumped against the walls.

“I need,” Arwen let out a small breath as she came to a stop in front of a set of stairs. “I need a moment.” She announced, proceeding to sit down on the stairs to catch her breath. She no longer suspected, by now was rather sure that neither she nor Leon were far behind the rest of the sick.

“I won’t protest.” The knight announced, slumping down against the wall beside the stairs and leaning his head back as he relished in the short moment of rest.

“All this running around with me certainly hasn’t helped you evade whatever this sickness is.” Arwen said in an apologetic tone, wondering whether remaining focused on his own duties instead of helping her could have, perhaps, spared Leon from contracting the disease himself.

However, the knight seemed to be convinced otherwise. “I don’t think anyone in the castle’s been able to evade it.” He pointed out, hand absentmindedly waving at the air as, with his eyes closed, he wasn’t really sure which direction all the sleeping bodies were in at that moment. Although it didn’t matter, because whichever direction he’d pointed to, he would have been right.

“It doesn’t make any sense. The way it came on so quickly, almost as if…” Arwen was talking to herself, muttering away as she tried to clear her mind from the fog consuming it and think straight, trying to find a source of the contagion. Although, the more she thought of it, the more there seemed to be only one possible answer. Eyes snapping open, she looked around the sleeping bodies littering the halls. “Oh no.” She breathed out in a worried tone.

A worried tone which Leon did not register as he shifted around into a more comfortable position. “It’s quite nice here.” He mumbled, his voice drifting off just as he was. And the realization of it made Arwen jump to her feed as she reached for him.

“Leon! No, no, no! I need you to stay awake.” She called, shaking his shoulders in an attempt to break him out of his stupor, but it was already too late as he’d fallen asleep just like the rest. Arwen sighed in despair as she rose to her feet again, ignoring the small sway in her step as she regained her balance. “Okay, okay, Arwen, you need to stay awake. Come on, I need Gaius. God, Gaius, please be awake.”

Luck didn’t seem to be on her side, because by the time Arwen reached the physicians’ chambers once again, her progress painfully slow as she felt exhaustion seep into her bones with each new step, Gaius was out like a light, sleeping away atop one of the books he’d been reading before. And he wasn’t the only one. Whichever hall she went down, whichever corner she turned, everyone seemed to be asleep.

Leaning against the door as she wondered what to do next, Arwen couldn’t help but wonder how she was still standing. “Why am I still… Oh. Prairene. Makes sense.” She talked to herself, hoping it would somehow work in keeping her awake and make resisting the growing need for sleep easier. “Okay, Arwen use it. Come on, think! Why… Why… The King! No, no, no.”

As realization dawned on her, despite her exhaustion, Arwen rushed out of the physicians’ chambers once more. Suddenly things started making more sense. If everyone was asleep, servants, nobles, and guards alike, there was no one left to protect the King, no one left to protect Camelot. Perhaps Merlin was right. Perhaps the Knights truly were on their way here. And the city was entirely defenceless.

“If Montague could see me now.” Arwen muttered through a series of heavy pants as she was forced to slow down. She was rushing around in an attempt to save Uther. But she couldn’t dwell on the irony for long as the sound of footsteps echoing against the silent halls reached her ears.

Acting quickly, Arwen hid in one of the alcoves as they grew louder. And she couldn’t ignore the fact that they were perfectly alright. Whoever was walking around was moving quickly and efficiently. They were awake. She held her breath as the steps draw near, hoping she wouldn’t be spotted. And while she wasn’t, Arwen still heard the person’s voice despite being unable to see them. She heard the worried whispers spoken in a familiar tone.

“What have you done, Morgause? What have you done?” Morgana’s questions finally revealed to Arwen what was happening. It was Morgause, it was all her doing. The Knights, the sleeping sickness, she was the one behind all of it. She and her magic.

Once she could no longer hear Morgana’s footsteps, Arwen gave out a small sigh of relief, leaning her head back against the cold wall behind her as she closed her eyes for just a moment. And with her eyes closed, her mind began to muffle and quiet down.

“No.” She scolded herself, pushing away from the wall before her body could protest. “I won’t reach the king.” She muttered to herself, realising she was running out of time. While her theory about her connection to Prairene keeping her awake longer than the rest was rather plausible, clearly it wouldn’t last forever.

Eyes looking around as she tried to think of her next step, it wasn’t long before Arwen realized where exactly in the castle she was. Perhaps she couldn’t reach the King’s chambers. But she could reach Arthur’s. With newfound determination she pushed on, bursting through the doors of the empty chambers, and closing them behind her, just in case.

She didn’t waste time on looking around, but instead, headed right for Arthur’s desk behind the curtain. Once she reached it, hands leaning against the surface for support, she grabbed a piece of paper and the quill which was resting in the inkwell. Only then did she begin to take note of her shaky hands, and as she tried to focus on writing out the words she intended, the way her vision blurred from time to time, eyes starting to close of their own accord.

And she’d managed to write some of it out. Perhaps what was most important. But not all of it. She didn’t get to pass on the whole message before sleep finally consumed her and the quill dropped from her hand as she slipped away.

Arthur and Merlin had returned to an entire city asleep, not a single soul moving through the town or the castle, both of which were littered with bodies of those who’d had nowhere else to go as they were consumed by whatever sickness had befallen Camelot in their absence.

Knowing many would have gone to the court physicians, knowing the king would have tasked them with finding a solution to whatever was happening, the prince and his manservant had chosen their chambers as one of the first places they checked. Hoping to find both Gaius and Arwen there. Hoping they might still be awake and have some answers.

And Merlin was the first to rush through the door, Arthur not far behind him. With ease, he spotted Gaius’ form, slumped forward and asleep at his worktable, completely oblivious to Merlin calling his name. “It must be the work of magic.” Merlin explained, finding no other possible reason for the state of all the people.

Arthur didn’t comment on the theory as he walked through the chambers and up the steps which led to Merlin and Arwen’s bedroom. “We have to find my father.” The prince announced, knowing the safety of the king should be their priority. However, as he pushed the door open to look inside, he couldn’t keep his worry from continuing to grow as he saw no sign of the other physician. And silently, he promised himself that he had to find her too.

Their search didn’t last long, Arthur and Merlin managing to find not only Uther who was asleep like the rest, but also Morgana. She, surprisingly enough, was perfectly fine, seeming untouched by magic or disease. At least that made her capable of helping them as they carried Uther’s sleeping form through the halls and into Arthur’s own chambers.

Once inside, neither Merlin nor Morgana hesitated in dropping the King’s feet to the floor, happy to be rid of the weight they’d been carrying through all the halls. “We can't leave him here! We have to lift him onto the bed.” Arthur pointed out to the two of them indignantly.

“Why? He's asleep. He's not going to know.” Merlin asked as he worked on cracking his back and moving around to get everything in order again. However, his response did not seem to be well received as the prince yelled his name in a scolding manner. “Well...I'll get him a pillow.”

“He's the King!”

“All right. Two pillows.” Merlin agreed obliviously, making Arthur throw his hands into the air while Merlin walked to the bed. Grabbing the two pillows, he was about to turn away and go back to place them under the king’s head. And he would have done so if it weren’t for something catching his eye from beyond the curtains which served as a partition between two sides of Arthur’s chambers. “Take them.”

Merlin absentmindedly handed Morgana the pillows before walking over to the desk, both Arthur and Morgana giving him confused looks as they couldn’t see what he was so focused on from where they stood. “Oh, thank god.” Only when Merlin breathed out in relief did Arthur step forward to check what it was, leaving it to Morgana to make his father as comfortable as he could be.

Once he moved past the curtain himself did he manage to understand Merlin’s relief and felt much of his own. Joining his manservant, Arthur knelt down by Arwen’s sleeping form, checking her over only to find her condition the same as anyone else’s. Although, unlike the rest, she didn’t seem as if she’d chosen that particular spot to lie down in, but had simply fallen and never gotten up. And Arthur couldn’t help but wonder what she had been doing in his chambers in the first place.

But, knowing that, until she was awake he’d get no answer to that question, he dismissed it from his mind as he began to reach for her, to pick her up and put her somewhere more comfortable. However, before he could, he noticed something else. “What’s this?” He questioned as he plucked a piece of paper that had been clutched in her hand. “Take the King and leave. Morga…” He quietly read over the words before trailing off.

“What?” Morgana asked in a nervous tone.

“Nothing.” Arthur gave out a small sigh, storing the note away in one of his pockets. “That’s all she managed to write.” He said. It wasn’t hard to see it was written in her last moments, the usually neat handwriting now slanted and uneven. “Why would she be mentioning you, Morgana?”

“Clearly she was telling us Morgana’s still awake. To get her too. Because of the potion.” Merlin tried to find an easy explanation, although it just continued to pile onto his previous lie.

But at least it worked. “Right. Right.” Arthur nodded his head in agreement, certainly not having a hard time believing Arwen would have tried to ensure the protection of as many people as she could. Dismissing the question from his mind, Arthur paid no attention to Merlin or Morgana as he finally continued on with what he’d initially intended to do.

And while he was focused on picking up Arwen from the floor and carrying her over to his bed, he missed the look his manservant was giving Morgana. Or the confused expression Morgana herself bore as her eyes focused on his desk. As he brushed away some of the hair that had fallen in Arwen’s face, Arthur missed the signs of the lie happening behind him.

Because neither Merlin nor Morgana were able to figure out why Arwen would have been writing the lady’s name in her note to Arthur. And what neither could know yet was that it wasn’t Morgana’s name she’d been trying to warn the prince about, but rather Morgause’s.

Merlin was only snapped out of his thoughts once he spotted Arthur straightening up from the bed and swaying on his feet in the process of doing so. “You alright?” He asked the prince, quickly coming to understand what had caused the momentary lack of balance.

“Are you feeling the same?” Arthur turned to him now, a new worry growing on his face.

“We're getting sick.” Merlin explained it with ease, unable to keep his eyes from turning to Morgana a moment after, noting that she still remained perfectly fine. His theory about it being her magic that was keeping her awake could no longer stand. Not when his own wasn’t protecting him.

“We can't let that happen.” Arthur breathed out, giving his head a sharp shake in an attempt to clear the fog. “We must keep my father hidden. We must keep this room secure.”

When she started to wake Arwen couldn’t know how much time had passed. She could feel something soft beneath her as her senses began to return. For a moment, as she opened her eyes, she thought it was simply just another morning, a normal day. But as she took her surroundings, realizing she wasn’t in her own bed in the room she shared with her brother, but rather Arthur’s chambers, everything started coming back to her.

Looking around, she could see things were now out of place. Someone had been here while she was asleep. And as she remembered more, she realized someone had also placed her in the bed. Eyes turning to the desk in the corner, she stood up and walked over, looking through all of the papers atop it only to realize her note was gone. Arthur had been there. He’d returned.

Her mind already moving a mile a minute, her legs carrying her towards the door in an attempt to go searching for him and Merlin, it was only then that Arwen heard the sound of rushing footsteps in the hall right outside. For a few moments, she remained frozen, hoping whoever it was, worrying it might be the Knights of Medhir, she hoped they wouldn’t open the door.

“They’re in the throne room!” She heard the voice call out, recognizing it as Leon’s. Because of that, she didn’t hesitate in opening the door now, and rushing through it, nearly running into the running group of knights clad in red cloaks. “There you are. I’m glad you’re alright.” Leon told her, taking a short pause as he caught sight of her.

“Likewise. Now, come on. If I’m right about who’s behind this, we have no time to waste.”

Together, they rushed after the rest of the knights, reaching the throne room in time to see Morgause kneeling on the floor with Morgana in her arms, chanting in a language that Arwen could not understand as smoke billowed around her. Its force sent papers and items alike flying through the air, whipping at Arwen’s hair even from a distance as she brought up her arms to shield her eyes.

But she still watched as the strong wind kept everyone in place, unable to approach and put a stop to whatever she was doing. Soon enough, the results of it became clear to all. The spot where the two women were on the floor was soon empty, within the blink of an eye, they disappeared within the smoke the sorceress had summoned. And just like that she was gone. And she’d taken Morgana with her.

In the days since Morgause’s failed attack on Camelot, Uther had not relented. Day after day, he continued to send out knights and patrols. Day after day, the search for Morgana continued as the king refused to give up hope in finding her. Men were sent to all corners of the kingdom.

And every day, they returned the same as the one before. No one had been able to find a single trace of either Morgana or Morgause, who’d taken her. And every day, all of the searching parties returned more disappointed than before, their hopes dwindling the longer the search went on.

Arwen couldn’t blame them. She herself couldn’t keep the frown from her face as she dismounted her horse. Each day, she’d been accompanying Merlin and Arthur and whatever group of knights went along to search; Uther adamant that Morgana might need medical attention when they find her, and Arwen should be out there with them.

As she brushed the horse’s mane, Arwen’s eyes caught sight of Arthur as, without a single word, he abandoned his horse to one of the stable boys and rushed off into the castle. With a small sigh, knowing Morgana’s absence wasn’t only hard on her, she did the same before following after him. In that moment, not caring who saw or what they thought. Luckily, he hadn’t gotten far, and soon she found him staring out a window into the courtyard as the other search parties began to return.

“We’ll find her.” She said in a tone that was both gentle and firm at the same time as she stepped up next to him, her own eyes focused on the window and the men, a part of her hoping that, perhaps, by some miracle, she’d soon see Morgana among them.

“You don’t know that.” Arthur said lowly.

“No, I don’t.” Arwen nodded her head. She wouldn’t lie. There was no way to be sure. There was no sign or clue to follow. “But I believe it.” She had to. And as long as she could, she would.

“I should have done more. Protected her better.” Arthur gave out a heavy sigh, leaning his hands on the windowsill as he looked down, some of his hair falling in his face and obscuring his eyes from her view.

“Arthur, this is not your fault.” Arwen said in a reassuring voice. But when he didn’t respond, or even look at her, Arwen’s hand reached for his shoulder, giving it a gentle tug and forcing him to turn to her. “Look at me.” She instructed, hand going to his cheek and making him do as she said so he could see her face, see how she believed what she was saying when she spoke again. “None of this, none of it is your fault. And were she here, Morgana would be saying the same thing.”

“You truly think she’s still out there?” Arthur breathed out; his voice so sad that it made Arwen feel as if there was a lump in her own throat.

“I do.” She whispered gently. “And I’ll continue to believe it until someone gives me proof, good, strong proof, that I’m wrong.”

Her conviction made Arthur think of what she’d told him before. The words used in a different meaning then, but also applicable now. “There’s always hope.” He muttered out, making her smile just a little as she nodded her head.

“There’s always hope.” She repeated, wrapping her arm around his shoulders and pulling him closer, Arthur’s own moving to her waist as he held on, finding some comfort in the embrace as he chose to share in the same mindset as she did. They’d find Morgana, he had to believe it. As did Arwen.

What neither of the two of them were aware of was a pair of ears listening in to their conversation from beyond a corner. Merlin stood, head leaning against the wall as he held back tears, his hands tightening around the sword he’d taken from one of Morgause’s knights in an attempt to keep his emotions at bay.

He’d told Gaius the truth of what he’d done, but not Arwen. Not when, on that first night, she cried over her friend. Not when she so fiercely searched for her each day. Not when she admitted to him just how much she missed her.

He couldn’t bring himself to do it. And he knew it made him a coward. Because he didn’t have the strength to tell his sister that he’d killed her friend. She’d never forgive him. And he couldn’t bare that on top of everything else.

Chapter Text

In the span of an afternoon, things had gone from bad to worse. The searches had been called off, all of the city needing as many men as it could spare. To fight. To defend their home. To face off against the dragon that had been freed and its wrath turned on all those within the city.

For days, his attacks came merciless and endless. For days, Arwen had been bound to the infirmary, barely sleeping as she tended to all the injured. Although they seemed to come more quickly than they left. From cuts and scrapes, to broken bones, Arwen had seen all kinds of injuries in the past three days. But most of all, she saw burns.

People lay on cots and beds, writhing in pain as the balm to ease it had long run out. She hated being unable to help. Being able only to do the bare minimum to treat people. But no one was able to leave the castle. No one was able to gather the supplies both she and Gaius would need to do proper work.

“We’ve run out of water.” And Gaius’ latest announcement made their situation seem even more bleak. It made Arwen give out a heavy sigh. She knew things could not go on like this. Without water they’d be rendered entirely useless. And so, with a determined move, she grabbed the bucket from his hands, already heading for the doors. “Arwen! You can’t go out there!”

But she didn’t listen to him. Pushing through the floods of people making their way into the citadel, she slipped past the guards manning the door and out into the streets. She knew she couldn’t linger. Even if she’d been allies with Kilgharrah once before, it was clear that the dragon no longer cared for any of the prophecies or destinies he’d told them and helped maintain. And so, she knew she couldn’t count on him showing her kindness if he spotted her.

That was why Arwen had to move quickly, had to make the most of the time she had. Running through the square, she was quick to reach the well and beginning to pull on its levers once the bucket was in place, she was relieved to see the water flow freely into the bucket. She could feel the heat of the fires burning around her, but paid it no mind. She didn’t let her surroundings distract her.

At least not until she heard her name. A panicked call of a voice she knew so well had her turning, first to look at Arthur where he stood across the square. But as she found his worried eyes shifting between herself and the sky, Arwen soon looked up and spotted him. Kilgharrah flying through the clouds, descending down at a speed unlike which she’d ever seen. And he was flying right for her.

“No, no, no.” She muttered out, panic flooding her own mind as she abandoned the well and the bucket, beginning to run as fast as her legs would carry her. She didn’t dare look back, didn’t dare to see whether she was making any advances in escaping the dragon’s clutches. It was a dragon! Of course she wasn’t! But still she ran.

She could feel a hand take hold of her arm, pushing her along to go quicker. But it didn’t matter. The dragon was upon them by then, and with his claws, Kilgharrah slashed at Arthur’s shoulder. The force sent them both flying to the ground, Arwen trying to break her fall with her hands but remaining unsuccessful. Not that it mattered, she could handle a few scrapes.

“You’re hurt!” She was more worried about Arthur as she heard him groan out in pain when he tried to push himself back up to his feet. Glancing up to the sky, Arwen could see Kilgharrah who’d momentarily flew higher starting to turn back towards the. “Come on, we must get you inside.”

Grabbing hold of the prince’s arms, Arwen helped him to his feet. And once they were both capable of running again, Arthur did not let go of her hand as he pulled her towards one of the doors to the servant corridors of the palace. With one last glance back up to the sky, he watched the dragon fly overhead before closing the door shut again before it could attempt to get to them again.

For a short moment, both letting their relief distract them as they leaned against the wall to rest, they remained silent. Until it was Arthur who spoke first. “Are you alright?” His question had Arwen’s eyes snapping open, sending him an incredulous look.

“I’m not the one that question should be directed at.” She pointed out, pushing away from the wall as she knew there wasn’t much time to rest or take a break. “Come on, I need to look at that, and clean it, and… There’s no water. I’ll find something. I’ll find a way. But right now-“

“Arwen. Arwen.” Arthur said her name multiple times before finally putting his hands on his shoulders to stop her rambling. He couldn’t be sure if it was caused by fear or exhaustion, but either way, he didn’t like to see her getting so worked up. “Let’s go.” He said in a gentle voice once she quietened down, taking hold of her hand and starting to lead through the corridors and halls toward the infirmary.

With so many people hiding away or fighting in the streets, the castle seemed nearly deserted in all other areas. It made reaching the infirmary a rather quick task, and once they did, Arwen quickly directed Arthur to one of the empty cots as she went in search of whatever supplies she could find to clean his wound.

“Some of the knights managed to bring us water.” Gwen, who’d known Arwen had run out for that same purpose, walked over to the redhead once she’d spotted her moving through the crowd.

“Oh thank heavens.” Arwen breathed out happily, grabbing a clean cloth off a table full of supplies and one of the buckets of water. “I didn’t manage. Even left the bucket behind.” She grumbled, knowing that it would have been useful sooner or later, probably sooner, if she’d had more success.

“Are you alright?” Gwen asked, worried eyes looking away from a woman whose cut arm she’d been tending to so she could look over her friend, searching for any sign of injury until the redhead reassuringly shook her head.

“No, not me. But Arthur got hurt. I should get back to him to examine it properly.” Arwen explained, both her eyes as well as Gwen’s after her, looking to the secluded corner of the infirmary where the prince waited. “Do you need any help?”

“No, I have it handled. Go.” Guinevere reassured Arwen before returning to her work, leaving the latter to do the same. With the bucket in one hand and fresh bandages in the other, she made her way back to the prince who, already understanding the process, had taken off his chainmail and shirt while he waited.

“Sit, sit. I need to clean it first.” Arwen instructed as she returned to his side, pulling up a small stool so she could sit down in front of the bed on which he sat. With her eyes entirely focused on the wound caused by the dragon, Arwen dipped the clean cloth into the bucket of water before she began to clean it, hoping that all the dirt, grime and blood were making it look worse than it was. “It’s deep so it’ll take longer to heal. But it could have been worse. It could have been so much worse. You really shouldn’t have done that. You could have-“

Arthur simply watched her as she worked, blue eyes entirely focused on her face as she continued to nervously rant on before he finally spoke up in protest. “I wasn’t going to let anything happen to you.” His words made Arwen not only stop her own, but also momentarily freeze, eyes snapping up to him in small surprise. “I don’t care how dangerous it was.”

The words along with the look he was giving her, made a shy smile appear on Arwen’s face as she looked down at her feet, about to pull her hand away from his chest to continue on with her work. But before she could, he placed his over hers, holding it there, right above his heart as he took one more moment to bask in the relief of knowing she was safe, not caring who saw or what they thought.

On the fourth day, the citizens of Camelot were revealed to know even dragons needed their rest. For the first time, Kilgharrah left them alone. He’d flown away in the night and not yet returned. It allowed everyone a moment of rest, a moment to sit and to think of what they could do next. If it was even possible to do anything.

“The dead number 49 men, 27 women, a further 18 women and children are unaccounted for.” Arthur listed off as the majority of the council, along with a handful of knights found themselves in an urgent meeting. “Most of last night's fires are now out. The castle walls, in particular, the western section are near to collapse… I could go on.” Even though he’d offered to do so, it was clear Arthur didn’t want to continue speaking of all the death and destruction that the dragon had caused.

“Do we have any further idea on how the beast escaped?” Uther questioned, eyes turning to the knights as he rounded the table. This time, they weren’t in the council chambers, knowing they might be Kilgharrah’s target should he suspect they’re in there.

It took Leon a moment to realize the king was speaking to him while he’d tiredly hung on the edges of the council. “I regret to say, Sire, we don't.” The knight revealed. Not that anyone had much time to dedicate to the investigation of the matter.

Arwen spared a glance at her brother who had now subtly looked to his feet, rather lucky that no one had gone searching for the culprit who’d released Kilgharrah. Not that she feared he’d be caught. After all, how many times before had neither of them been seen sneaking down to the dragon’s cave. Their luck would have had to slipped down the gutter and disappeared for the first time someone spotted him to be now.

“There must be some way to rid ourselves of this aberration.” Uther grumbled out, more to himself than to anyone else. Arwen knew, that if anyone had any suggestions of a solution, they would have spoken long ago. But still, she could also understand Uther’s desperation for answers.

Eyes looking around the room to see if anyone would speak up, Arwen was about to turn to Gaius last, and would have seen the look on his face, had she not been distracted by Arthur’s uncomfortable shifting on his fit. “Sit. Physician’s orders.” She whispered, not wanting to attract too much attention in the silence as she gently pushed the prince in the direction of his seat, to which he did not protest.

“We need a dragonlord, Sire.” The older of the two physicians announced, clearly having been aware of the answer for some time now. Perhaps even since the dragon first began its attacks. However, by the doubtful looks on the faces of the older council members surrounding them, Arwen suspected finding one would be easier said than done.

“You know very well that's not an option.” And Uther only confirmed her suspicions spoke, turning back to the window in a disappointed manner.

“Sire, what if…” But anyone who knew Gaius knew he wouldn’t have suggested such a thing if it were just another dead end that would lead nowhere. “There was, indeed, one last dragonlord left?”

“That's not possible.” Uther spoke confidently.

“But if there was?”

Gaius’ insistence had many realizing there was more to the subject than any of them knew. Even Uther now turned to look at him, eyes wide. “What are you saying?” The king questioned, and Arwen, in her tired state, struggled more than usual to point out that Gaius was clearly saying there was another dragonlord out there.

“It may just be rumour.” The physician began, Uther urging him on, moving to stand in front of Gaius as a new spark of hope appeared not only in his own eyes but in the eyes of all around the room. “I'm not exactly sure, but I think his name is Balinor.”

“Where does he live?” Arthur asked, eagerly standing from his chair to look past his father and at Gaius.

“He was last seen in Cenred's kingdom; in the border town of Engerd, but that was many years ago.” Gaius shared what he knew, this information making hesitant looks pass through the room at the mention of Cenred.

“If this man still exists, then it is our duty to find him.” Arthur, however, felt no worry over it himself. At least, not enough to be deterred from the newly set goal.

Uther, on the other hand, had different opinions on the matter. “Our treaty with Cenred no longer holds. We are at war. If they discovered you beyond our border, they would kill you.” The king looked back to his son with a pointed glance.

“I will go alone.” Arthur nodded his head in understanding, thinking his father’s warning to mean one thing when it really meant another. “That way I will not be detected.”

“No, Arthur. It is too dangerous.” The king continued to protest. For a moment, Arwen debated with herself, wondering whether she should speak up on the matter. If she did, she’d be siding with Uther, saying it was unwise for Arthur to travel with his shoulder.

But, as she thought of it, she wondered of the alternative. If he stayed, he’d simply be back out in the streets as soon as Kilgharrah reappeared, fighting alongside the rest of the knights. At least, this way, he manages to rest it at a little more so than he would by wielding a sword. So, she chose to remain quiet as the prince continued to debate his father.

“More dangerous than staying here?” Arthur questioned, posing much the same question as Arwen did to herself. “I'll not stand by and watch my men die when I have the chance to save them.”

“I have given you my orders.” Uther instructed in a tone that many were by now more than familiar. It was one he used when he wished no more discussion or protest on the topic at hand.

And while it usually had the desired effect, this time Arthur refused to back down. “Do not make this a test of wills, Father.”

“I'm not talking to you as a father, I'm talking to you as a king!”

And still, Arthur disobeyed. “I will ride immediately.” He announced in a calmer tone than his father’s as he walked by the man and headed for the door.

“My concern is for you.” Uther called after him, making the prince pause for a moment as he turned back again.

“Mine is for Camelot. I'll send word when I've found him.” Arthur reassured before turning again, eyes looking to Merlin as he gave him new instructions. “Prepare the horses.” And with that, the prince left the chambers, the council staring after him as he went, and Merlin quickly followed.

In the moments after, silence took over the room, but it didn’t last for long as Arwen was the first to break it. “My Lord,” The sound of her voice had Uther’s eyes now turning to her as she spoke. “If I may be excused? Since neither Merlin nor the prince are… skilled in medicine, I wish to examine his wound before he leaves.”

“Of course, go on.” Uther nodded his head, perfectly content with her reasons as he waved his hand allowing her to follow after his son. And after a short curtsey, Arwen did just that. Although, she did not get far before the king spoke again. “Arwen, if there is any indication that the wound should prevent him from going on this journey…”

“You’ll be the first to know, Sire.” She nodded her head in understanding before turning and walking out the door. And this promise she did intend to keep. If there was any reason for concern in regard to the wound Arthur had sustained that night, she would ensure he was forced to remain in Camelot. Hell, she would be the one to go get this Balinor if need be.

Walking through the halls, Arwen was quick in making her way to the prince’s chambers. With a small knock on the door, she waited for his call from the inside before she walked through the door. “Already done, Merlin?” Arthur’s back was turned as he worked on packing what they’d need for the journey.

“Not Merlin.” Arwen announced as she closed the door behind her, the sound of her voice making Arthur spin around on his heel to look at her. “I’m here to check your shoulder before you go.”

“And use it as a reason on why I shouldn’t?” Arthur arched a suspicious eyebrow at her, making the redhead shake her head with a small sigh.

“If I have concerns, yes.”

“It’s fine, just hurts, is all.” Arthur tried to reassure her as he continued packing.

“Let the physician be the judge of that.” She pointed out, in a tone that made it clear she wasn’t about to let him talk his way out of this. “Now come on, the quicker I’m done, the sooner you can get going.” She added, knowing things might go smoother if he believed that she wouldn’t simply make up a reason to keep him from leaving. And so, with a small sigh, Arthur relented.

With firm instructions from Arthur to tell her brother to stop packing at a snail’s pace, Arwen made her way back to the physicians’ quarters through the silent halls. Much of the castle’s occupants were using the time of peace to get some much-needed sleep. So, it came as quite a surprise when, just as she was about to walk through the door, Merlin came rushing out in a flurry, nearly crashing into her in the process.

“Merlin? Are you alright?” She questioned, first because of his erratic movements, but then also because of the look on his face that she noticed only when she regained her footing and looked up at him.

“Did you know too?”

“Know wh-“

“Was it some kind of revenge? For me not telling you about your parents and the letter?” Her brother’s questions had Arwen growing even more confused and struggling to find the right words. Not that he’d given her much time before he pushed past her and walked off.

“Merlin!” She tried calling out to get him to stop and explain what in the world he was on about, but her calls went on ignored, leaving Arwen to walk into the physicians’ chambers. “What did I just crash into?” She questioned, sending Gaius an incredulous look in hopes he might have some answers.

“I told him something, about Balinor.” Gaius revealed ominously, making Arwen’s already wide eyes widen even more as a result of her impatience. “Balinor… He’s Merlin’s father.” The information had Arwen stunned to silence, struggling to even think of something. Actual words eluded her entirely. “Come, he might be angry, but we should still see them off.”

“Right, right, you… You’re right.” Arwen nodded her head, still shocked, but no longer so much so that she was incapable of following Gaius back out into the halls as they made their way towards the courtyard. The longer they walked, the more her thoughts cleared. “You know, Gaius… one would think you’d learn the first time around.” She couldn’t help but point out.

“I know, I know. But there’s no taking it back now.” The older physician heaved a sigh, knowing she was right. He’d kept her origins from her, and it had ended badly. He should have known then that it was unwise to do the same with Merlin, and yet couldn’t bring himself to break the promise he’d made to Hunith all that time ago.

It wasn’t long, as they walked through the courtyard towards Merlin and his horse, before the boy spotted them. And he was the first to speak once they were close enough to hear him. “I'm sorry. I didn't mean to-“

“I know that.” Gaius reassured him before Merlin could even finish his apology.

The boy’s eyes turned to his sister soon after. “And I know you would have told me. I was just lashing out and I’m-“

“Don’t mention it.” Arwen, much like Gaius, didn’t even give him a chance to finish before she threw her arms around her brother’s shoulders. “Be safe, and look after Arthur. Make sure to force him to take it easy on his shoulder.”

“And Merlin,” Gaius speaking up had the Ambrosius siblings pulling apart, both their eyes looking to the older man now. “Whatever happens, you must not let Arthur know who this man is. Uther would view the son of a dragonlord with the deepest suspicion.”

“I understand.” Merlin said with a small nod, and he did so just in time before the prince himself appeared.

“Come on, Merlin.” Arthur instructed, not wasting a moment as he walked to his horse.

“You're ready?”

“No thanks to you.” The prince grumbled out as he climbed onto his horse, making Arwen let out a small laugh which was quickly cut short as she saw him wince at the pain the action caused his shoulder.

“Are you alright?” She couldn’t help but ask before she even thought it through, suddenly debating her decision to let him go again.

“It's just a scratch.” Arthur’s dismissive tone had her sending him a small glare that managed to bring a smile to his face as he’d known she’d react that way. “We’ll return as soon as possible,” The prince announced, eyes focusing on Arwen as he added one last part. “Stay safe until then.”

“You as well.” She told him, watching as he made his horse set off. However, before Merlin could follow, she stepped towards him again, this time speaking in a hushed voice. “I know Balinor might not be too open to the idea of returning to Camelot and within Uther’s grasp.” She began to say, Merlin letting out a small hum as he too could imagine receiving such a reaction from the dragonlord. “So, when you speak with him, when Arthur isn’t nearby, let him know safe passage is being organised to get him away from here once his job is done.”

Merlin didn’t need much more explanation to understand what his sister was saying she’d do. “Thank you.” He whispered with a small smile on his face just as Arthur’s yelling voice called his name. “I have to go. I’ll see you soon.” He said to both Arwen and Gaius before making his horse follow after Arthur’s, leaving the two physicians to watch them go as they hoped that, not only would they be safe, but also that they’d succeed. Because who knows what might happen to Camelot if they didn’t.

Arwen had been somewhat wary when going to see the man Lord Warren had mentioned to her when they last spoke during his stay, the one he suggested she go to if she ever needed to send a message to her people while Edmund wasn’t available. And considering he hadn’t yet come to her with any new updates on their progress, Arwen had to do it this way.

Upon further inspection and some questioning, she’d discovered that the man, Cassian Bellware had moved to Camelot shortly after Arthur’s twenty-first birthday, during the event of which she’d first met Lord Warren. And he’d moved there at the instruction of Lord Warren himself, gotten a job at a tavern which the knights of Camelot liked to frequent while simultaneously reporting back to Geoffrey with any information he managed to overhear and deemed worthy of note.

The fact that he’d lived there for so long and hadn’t even made himself known to her in any way whatsoever while doing his job and keeping her secret, somewhat reassured Arwen in his loyalty. Which was why she didn’t have too much worry as she moved through the night in the woods beyond Camelot.

She could hear the sounds of chaos which had started up again since she left, the castle once more under attack by the flying beast that continued to set it ablaze. It would make returning to it much more difficult, but she pushed those worries to the back of her mind for now as she continued on her way to the meeting place which had been set.

“Edmund?” She whispered out into the night as she reached the bend of the small creek which passed alongside the walked trail, eyes looking around the trees until she heard the snap of a twig behind her. Spinning on her heel, she let out a small breath of relief as she caught sight of three familiar faces. “There you are.”

“Our apologies, my Lady. We didn’t mean to cause you a fright.” It wasn’t Edmund who spoke but the blonde haired boy who stood by his side, Cole Willmont, Geoffrey on his other side as well.

“It’s alright.” Arwen reassured him as she walked back, bridging some of the distance between them as she spoke. “Although, there was no need for all of you to come. For this meeting I needed just one of you. But I am thankful, nonetheless.”

“And what exactly is the reason you’ve called for us?” Geoffrey asked curiously, weary eyes looking back in the direction of Camelot. Of course, word had spread about the danger which the kingdom faced, but hearing of it and seeing it, even from a distance, were two entirely different things.

“If I needed you to organise safe passage for someone out of Camelot, could it be done?” Arwen asked curiously.

“We can go right now. The sooner, the better really.” Edmund said with a firm nod, making the redhead let out a small laugh at his eagerness. Not that she could blame him for it.

“Not for myself, for someone else.” She pointed out, watching the disappointment spread not only over Edmund’s face, but also that of his father as well as Cole’s. She couldn’t blame them for hoping she’d want to escape all of this, but Arwen had no intentions of leaving when she was needed. Just this little excursion was too much already, in her opinion.

“Who is it that you need it for?” Edmund asked, not trying to force her into it. Even though he hadn’t known the princess for long, one thing was already abundantly clear to him about her character; she wouldn’t be talked into anything she didn’t want to do.

“Arthur’s gone to find a dragonlord and bring him to Camelot,” She began to explain.

“Dragonlords are extinct, my Lady. I suspect the prince won’t have much luck.” Geoffrey pointed out.

“One survived the Great Purge, but the details of that don’t matter right now.” Arwen gave them the simple version before getting back to the topic at matter. While Arthur is willing to let him go free once he’s helped handle the dragon threatening Camelot, I don’t trust Uther to share in the sentiment.”

“Not an unreasonable suspicion.” Cole let a small frown take over his features as he agreed.

“Merlin’s gone with Arthur and intends to have Balinor deal with the dragon in a field outside of the city instead of taking him there right away.” Arwen said, pulling out a folded up piece of paper from her cloak and handing it to Geoffrey so he could see the exact location she was talking about. “Once he’s done-“

“You want us to take him away. Smuggle him away from the city before he can be taken to Uther.” Edmund finished for her in understanding as he glanced over his father’s shoulder at the map. “It could be done, certainly?” Edmund said, although the tone and questioning look which joined it as he glanced at his father, made the statement sound more like an inquiry.

“Especially if it’s just Arthur we have to ensure doesn’t see us.” Geoffrey nodded his head, a curious glance sent to his son who added a nod of his own. He could easily knock Arthur out from a distance, giving them enough time to get Balinor and escape without actually hurting the prince; something he was sure Arwen wouldn’t allow. “Cassian knows where in the area we are staying. Once you know the time when this will take place, have him relay it to us. We’ll take care of the rest.”

“Thank you. You don’t even know how much this means.” Arwen said with a happy smile. And she was thrilled to know it could be done.

She knew how much Merlin had always longed to know his father and possibly even meet him. She was pleased that by doing this, she could ensure them both some relief that, not only would Balinor be safe, but they’d also get to see each other in the future instead of the man having to go into hiding again. If only things always went according to plan…

For another night Kilgharrah had let his rage out on the city of Camelot, burning whatever he could see and leaving behind terror in his wake. When day came, he relented again, giving the people some semblance of peace. A hope that they may rebuilt what he’d destroyed.

But as she watched from the battlements, looking as the people below carried buckets of water and put out the fires which remained, Arwen knew it would take more than a night. It would take much more until the kingdom and its people truly healed. And right now, it didn’t seem like they’d be able to. Not without the dragonlord. Not if Arthur and Merlin failed to convince him to come and help. The more time went on without any word on their progress, the more worried Arwen grew.

“Arwen.” Gaius’ voice sounding off next to her had the redhead’s eyes tearing away from the people and to her mentor, sending him a small smile of greeting. One which clearly didn’t reach her eyes. “Are you alright, my dear?”

“Yes, yes. I’m just… worried. And scared. And missing Morgana. All of this when we could be out searching.” She explained, giving him the short version of everything that was swimming around in her mind.

“She's stronger than people think. I believe that, wherever she is, she'll be alright.” Gaius reassured her, putting a comforting hand on her shoulder that made Arwen send him a grateful glance.

“And Arthur?” She couldn’t help but ask before she even attempted to stop herself, eyes gazing out to the woods beyond the walls of the castle as if she were hoping to see him returning right in that moment.

Instead of answering her question, Gaius asked one of his own. “You care a lot for him, don't you?” He now understood things better, after having seen the two on the night Arthur got injured.

“Everyone does.” Arwen pointed out in a dismissive tone, trying to cover up the truth which she didn’t dare share. Even if she did trust Gaius to keep it secret.

“I think he cares the same way about you.” But still, the older man wasn’t about to easily be tricked into letting go of it. The statement made Arwen’s sad eyes turn to him, showing small signs of surprise even though she knew she shouldn’t be. “It's alright, I won't tell anyone.”

His reassurances made her give out a small laugh that lacked in any genuine sign of humour. “It doesn’t matter. This situation we’re in… When he finds out the truth…” She shook her head, silently scolding herself for still entertaining the thoughts of a future when she knew she’d be the one to destroy any chances of it someday.

“Oh… The world's a strange place, Arwen. Never underestimate the power of love. I've seen it change many things.” He said optimistically, making her turn fully to him as she leaned down to wrap him up in a tight hug.

“Thank you, Gaius. I hope you’re right.”

“I often am, my dear. I often am.” This time he did actually make Arwen laugh.

The call came on the third day of their wait. Leon appeared at the door to the physicians’ chambers, his sudden entrance waking Arwen from where she’d fallen asleep reading at the table. And while, on any other day, she might’ve scolded him, or herself for that matter, once the knight said what he’d come to announce, she couldn’t think of anything else as the three rushed back to the makeshift council chambers.

They’d arrived before Arthur, the king and rest of the council already there, optimistically looking to the door every few moments as they waited for the prince to return and inform them of how the mission had gone. And then he finally arrived, walking through the door with Merlin right behind him… Just the two of them…

Watching their faces, even before Arthur spoke, Arwen knew something was wrong. From the disappointed look on his, to the entirely devastated look that her brother was trying to hide from his own features. Ignoring the tension surrounding the silent room, Arwen was quick to move through the council and towards her brother, appearing at his side just as Arthur finally spoke.

“I'm sorry, Father. I failed you. The last dragonlord is dead.”

The explanation for their crestfallen demeanours had Arwen sending her brother a sympathetic look as she took hold of his hand, giving it a gentle squeeze in silent support as he fought his own tears. She knew she couldn’t say anything in the moment, or perhaps even later, that would make it any better.

“There are many years where I might've wished for that news.” Uther whispered out, Arwen’s green eyes turning to him in a glare which she could not contain. It was his doing that had Kilgharrah directing his ire at all of Camelot. His doing that resulted in there being no dragonlord left to help them. And still, he couldn’t see his own role in all of it.

“All is not lost, Father. We have to fight the monster ourselves.” Arthur said, voice determined as he took a brave stance. “So let us ride out and fight on our own terms: on open ground, on horseback, where we can manoeuvre better.”

“There is no point.” Uther argued.

“So what?” Arthur asked defiantly, continuing on to point out the only alternative left. “We stand here, watch Camelot fall?”

For the longest time, silence spread over the chambers as all waited to see what the king would decide. And finally, he nodded, pushing away from the table as he spoke in a grave tone. “You have my blessing.”

His words made Arwen give out a breath she had been holding while she waited. She knew what that meant. What going out to face the dragon would be. A suicide mission. There was no chance. Not without Balinor. But Arthur remained steadfast in his determination to do whatever he could, take whatever chance was left, to save his people and kingdom.

“I need a dozen knights!” The prince spoke in a firm tone, turning his head as he regarded all the knights that had gathered in the room for the meeting. “Those who do not wish to fight can do so without stain on their character. For those brave enough to volunteer should know, the chances of returning are slim.”

For a few excruciatingly long moments, nobody moved, men glancing between themselves as they thought through the choice. Arwen’s heart beat quickly as she watched them. And then one moved. Of course, Leon was the first to step forward, the first to volunteer, loyal in the face of any danger.

And after him, a chain reaction started. One by one, a dozen nights came forward. One by one, they surrounded Arthur as they silently volunteered for the challenge. All knowing that this might be their last. Arthur looked around at the faces surrounding him, nodding at the men in gratitude.

With his eyes surveying the room, it wasn’t long until they fell over the shoulders of his knights and focused on Arwen as she stood at her brother’s side. Meeting her teary eyes, it only strengthened Arthur’s resolve, reminding him of how important this was. Reminding him that they couldn’t fail. Or all would be lost.

Once the meeting had ended, the knights and Arthur going off to prepare for what awaited them, Arwen found herself back in her bedroom, sitting by her brother on his bed as she held on to him while he cried. She hated being unable to do anything, being unable to say anything to ease his pain.

“Merlin, what happened?” Gaius asked in a gentle tone as he sat on Arwen’s bed, sympathetic eyes focused on the boy as he continued to clutch onto a wooden figurine of a dragon he’d brought back with him.

“I couldn't save him.” He revealed in a heartbroken tone.

“Merlin, I’m so sorry.” Arwen whispered sadly, giving his shoulders yet another squeeze.

“He said the dragonlord's gift is passed from father to son.” The boy revealed, making his sister pull back slightly, but still, she did not release him. Since they’d returned, she thought their hopes died with Balinor only to now know there might still be a chance. A chance that, as usual, came at a great risk to Merlin himself.

“That is true.” Gaius spoke in confirmation.

“When I faced the Great Dragon, my magic was useless.” Merlin pointed out, reminding them of yet another reason Kilgharrah’s attacks had been so successful since they began. There was nothing he could do, nothing he tried, that could stop him.

“Your father wasn't dead.” Gaius shared what he knew of how this particular gift worked. “It's only then you can inherit his powers.”

“Do you think I'm strong enough to stand up to him?” Merlin asked, eyes finally turning away from the carving in his hands and up to Gaius’ face.

“Only time will tell.” Gaius said, knowing there was no point in claiming to know when there was no way to. All they knew was that no matter what the outcome may be, Merlin would try. He’d do everything he could. And that he wouldn’t be doing it alone.

And so, it wasn’t long after their conversation, after both the siblings left the chambers, that Gaius found himself standing on the battlegrounds, watching from above as Arthur and his knights rode out past Camelot’s walls and into the forest surrounding it, as they rode out to face the dragon.

Once they did, Gaius remained where he was. He didn’t leave, but instead, continued to watch. And it was a short time later, as the sun began to set and night drew closer, that he saw yet another horse move below him, rushing along the drawbridge as the blue cloak of the rider, obscuring fiery red hair beneath its hood, blew in their air behind her.

They’d both gone. And Gaius could only hope they’d both return.

Arwen had left after Merlin and Arthur had, having to ensure one more thing was in place before she did. Because, while it wasn’t Balinor who’d be facing against Kilgharrah, she knew the necessity to take a dragonlord into hiding once the job was done might still prove needed if Merlin was forced to expose his gifts in front of Arthur.

After delivering a message to Cassian, she’d headed straight for the stables. And with a horse and some provisions, set off beyond Camelot’s walls. She rode as quickly as she could, ignoring the darkening sky as she pushed her horse to go as fast as it could. But as sounds began to spread through the forest around her, she knew what was happening. She knew she needed to hurry.

She wasn’t sure what she should expect to see when she came upon the clearing, or perhaps she didn’t even want to think of possibilities, and still, Arwen was shocked by the sigh she met. Many of the knights were sprawled across the ground, some even set ablaze during their fight with the dragon. And the only man left standing, fighting for as long as he could was Arthur himself. Although that too did not last for much longer.

She was quick to jump down from her horse as she watched Arthur’s spear pierce through the dragon’s side, Kilgharrah rearing back as he roared in pain. The beast swiped at Arthur, sending the prince flying through the air. And once he hit the ground, Arthur did not get back up, rendered unconscious by the blow. It allowed Kilgharrah to stalk forward, his head already rearing back as smoke flared from his nostrils.

Understanding what he intended to do, Arwen didn’t hesitate, she didn’t think or search for a different solution. “No!” She simply rushed forward, throwing herself down to shield Arthur even though, in reality, her body alone wouldn’t have been enough to fend off the burning flames.

So it was quite lucky that Kilgharrah had no time to do what he intended before a second roar screamed through the field. But this one did not come from him. Head snapping up, Arwen’s eyes turned to her brother as he began to speak, the sound of his voice and language which he spoke making the dragon now turn to him, completely disregarding both Arwen and Arthur.

Whatever it was that Merlin had said, it worked. He’d managed to overpower Kilgharrah, his dragonlord gift now wakening within him. Arwen watched as the dragon, which until moments ago had been attacking anyone in sight, now became peaceful as it bowed down to Merlin. Her brother, with the dragon now tamed, picked up the spear which lay at his feet.

“I am the last of my kind, Merlin. Whatever wrongs I have done, do not make me responsible for the death of my noble breed.” Kilgharrah spoke in a new, pleading tone, knowing he was now beaten.

But for a moment, just a moment, it seemed as if Merlin wouldn’t listen as he rose the spear higher, thrusting it forwards and making the dragon wince in a panic while Arwen called her brother’s name in an attempt to stop him. Neither of which was necessary as the blow never actually came.

“Go! Leave! If you ever attack Camelot again, I will kill you!” Merlin threatened in a yell, making sure the dragon could hear and understand. And he did, bowing down once more in both acceptance and gratitude at once. “I have shown you mercy! Now you must do the same to others!”

“Young warlock, what you have shown is what you will be. I will not forget your clemency.” Kilgharrah said, his voice full of admiration. “I'm sure our paths will cross again.” The dragon promised, and knowing how much he’d already foretold and foreseen, Arwen suspected he might be right about that. However, for now, they were free of the dragon and its dangers as Kilgharrah set off to the sky and disappeared among the clouds.

With the dragon gone, Arwen let out a heavy breath of relief, head leaning on Arthur’s chest as she finally took a moment to relax. At least until she felt the prince shift beneath her, his voice first coming out in a somewhat strained groan. “What… What happened?” Arthur mumbled, eyes looking around wildly until he discovered the dragon was no longer there.

“You dealt him a mortal blow.” Merlin announced with a smile, making Arthur’s eyes snap back to him in surprise, shifting between him and the woman still kneeling by his side as he tried to process the information.

“He's gone?”

“You did it, Arthur.” Arwen nodded her head to confirm the lie, hoping he wouldn’t think much of it or question how. And luckily, he didn’t. Instead, the prince let out an exhilarated laugh as he pushed himself up into a sitting position so quickly that Arwen was about to protest.

However, before she got the chance, Arthur’s arms were wrapping around her waist, pulling her into a celebratory hug as he continued to laugh. And after a few moments, she herself could no longer contain it either. Soon enough, all three of them were laughing, flooded with relief and victory.

Arwen pulled out of the embrace as they did, moving to stand to her feet and help Arthur rise to his own. And once he did, he laughed again, picking her up and spinning her around as the redhead gasped in surprise before returning his hold. This one didn’t last nearly as long before Arthur pulled away, now walking to Merlin’s side and clapping him on the back in a happy manner.

And while the two celebrated the moment in their own way, Arwen let her eyes turn to the edge of the forest where she’d spotted three figures standing and observing the scene. While Arthur was distracted, she sent them a small nod, a silent reassurance that all was well, and their help wouldn’t be needed after all. And she watched as, with a small bow, the three soon disappeared within the shadows.

She suspected they might’ve seen more than she intended them to, but in that moment, Arwen couldn’t bring herself to think too much of it or worry. In that moment, as she turned and walked back to her brother’s side, throwing her arms around him in congratulations, all she could focus on was her own relief. The dragon was defeated and the kingdom safe. They were safe. And that was all that mattered.

Chapter Text

A year had passed. A year of continuing on with their daily lives. But for some, it was easier said than done. And their king most of all. With each day that passed, he continued to send out patrols and knights. He continued to search for Morgana even after so many had lost hope. Arwen couldn’t blame him for it. Not when she herself still prayed that her friend was somewhere out there. That she was alive, and that one of these days they’d find her and bring her back home.

However, even though she was holding on to hope, she could also see the points some others were making. The council had grown worried about the amount of men they continued to lose during these patrols. They’d decided it was time to attempt putting an end to it. And, as he so often is, Gaius was chosen as the spokesperson for their message.

That was why Arwen now found herself standing in the physician’s chambers, mixing and grinding ingredients together as she waited for her mentor to return. She didn’t think Uther would do something too terrible, but the King’s patience hadn’t been in its best state during the absence of his ward. And so, Arwen couldn’t help but worry how Gaius’ conversation with him might go over.

So, when she heard the door to the physician’s chambers open up once again, Arwen couldn’t hold in a small sigh of relief. Her questioning eyes looked to the grey-haired man, but she didn’t even need to ask how it had gone. She could see it in Gaius’ face that the conversation hadn’t yielded the results many among the council would have wished for.

“I’m afraid Uther is determined to continue on as he has been.” Gaius announced, even though she didn’t ask, as he came to sit down at the bench on the opposite side of the table. He gave out a small sigh, clearly disappointed with their King’s stubbornness, before he continued. “He’s determined he’ll find her.”

“You can’t blame him for holding on to hope.” Arwen tried to reason. Among the council, it was only her and two other lords who supported the King in continuing on with the search for Morgana. However, Arwen knew her opinion on the matter was skewed due to her own wishes of finding the lady. “I haven’t told people to stop looking.” She added on. As soon as all business with Kilgharrah threatening Camelot had been done, she sent more word to Lord Warren and the rest of the men. She employed them too, tasking them with searching for the missing woman while continuing on with their other duties throughout the lands.

“But yours don’t wear the colours and sigil of the kingdom. They can pass along borders and lands without much alarm.” Gaius pointed out another fact that they both knew. “And even then, with two groups searching for her…”

“We can’t give up Gaius.” Arwen stopped him before he could even say what she knew he intended to. For the last six months, they’d had similar conversations before. And every time, Gaius hoped to soften the blow which one day may come. Because even if Morgana returned, Gaius knew it wouldn’t be without consequences as Arwen continued to remain unaware of all that truly transpired while Camelot slept through Morgause’s attack last year. “What if she’s out there? Hoping we’ll find her and we’ve given up? We can’t just-“

Arwen’s following words were cut off as the door to the physician’s chambers suddenly opened. Whenever a guard would enter without even the propriety of a knock, both Arwen and Gaius knew it was for an urgent matter. The two were alert and on their feet even before the man spoke, but once he did, it didn’t take them long to gather their supplies and rush off after him.

“The Lady Morgana’s returned.”

Everybody gathered in Morgana’s chambers remained as quiet as possible, a tense silence hanging over them as Gaius checked the lady over. Arwen stood off to the side with Gwen, nervously biting at her nails as they all kept waiting to see what the older physician would say.

And after what seemed to last an eternity, he finally broke the silence. “You need to rest.” He instructed in a gentle tone, patting Morgana’s hand reassuringly before he straightened up.

“I'll stay with her.” Gwen told him, not even hesitating to offer. Not only was it her duty as Morgana’s handmaiden, but she was adamant on it too, wanting to stay and make sure her friend was fine throughout the night.

“Call me when she wakes in the morning, Guinevere.” Gaius said with a small nod, turning to the door and walking towards it, knowing that out in the hall Uther was eagerly waiting for an update. As he left the room, his spot by Morgana’s side was now vacant, but not for long as Arwen stepped forward.

“Do you want me to stay?” She asked Morgana in a quiet voice, the lady’s tired eyes looking up at her as she sent Arwen a small smile before shaking her head, trying to silently reassure her she’d be fine. “Well, if you need anything, anything at all. Don’t hesitate to send for me. No matter the time.”

“Thank you.” Morgana whispered out, exhaustion clear in her voice and making Arwen step back again as she got ready to leave herself. However, she couldn’t before sharing one more thing.

“I’m happy to have you back, Morgana.” She said, letting her smile shine through. And it only grew when Morgana returned it.

“It’s good to be back.”

With that, Arwen sent a final nod to Gwen, silently letting her know that she too could send a guard to get her if she needed anything. Turning around, the redhead walked out of the lady’s chambers, quietly closing the door behind her as she began to descend down the steps leading into the hall where she could hear the final words of Gaius and Uther’s conversation, the physician reassuring the King Morgana would be alright.

“May I see her?” The King asked in an eager voice.

“Best wait 'til morning.”

“Yes, of course. Gaius, thank you.” Uther accepted the physician’s answer just as Arwen came down to join Gaius’ side. “Both of you.” He added, sending a small nod to Arwen as well before he turned on his heel and walked off, leaving the two physicians standing alone.

“Arthur will want to know how she is as well.” Arwen pointed out. While both of them had suggested that Morgana be given some peace and quiet once she was taken to her chambers, it was rather clear that the prince wanted to stay by her side just as much as the king.

“You go tell him. I’ll tell Merlin.” Gaius said simply, knowing it was best for Arwen to be out of the physician’s chambers when he first returned. Merlin, left alone and waiting, would certainly be eager to know whatever Morgana might’ve said. And they couldn’t discuss it in front of his sister, not when she didn’t know what had happened a year ago in the first place.

“I’ll see you once I’m done.” Arwen nodded her head, accepting the job and soon beginning to depart through the halls of the castle herself. Headed for the Prince’s chambers, she didn’t worry about him possibly already being asleep or even absent. She knew he’d be waiting to hear some news. And that suspicion was only confirmed as she knocked on the door once she reached it, an eager call ushering her inside.

“How is she? Will she be alright?” Arthur’s questions came flooding out as soon as Arwen stepped through the door, making it impossible for her to hold back a small smile.

Silent until she properly closed the door behind her, not wanting just anyone to overhear them talking, she finally turned back and gave him a small nod of her head. “There’s no knowing what’s happened throughout the year, but physically… She’ll make a fast recovery.” Her words had Arthur breathing out a heavy sigh of relief as he slumped into his chair at the table.

For a few moments, she silently watched him. She could see the relief and happiness of finally having her back, but she also noticed something weighing on him, even if he did try to hide it. Stepping forward, she spoke again in a gentle voice. “It’s happy news Arthur, what’s wrong?”

“I told my father we should stop looking.” The prince admitted, his voice best described as ashamed as he stared down at his hands atop the table’s surface. The revelation made Arwen give out a small sigh, suddenly understanding what was troubling him. “If he’d listened-“

“But he didn’t.” She spoke firmly, coming to stand beside him and reaching for the hands he was using as a distraction from looking at her directly. “You’re not the only one who said it. Many had. But that doesn’t matter now. What matters is that you found her and brought her back. Everything else is now a thing of the past.”

“You never did.” Arthur pointed out simply, his blue eyes finally snapping up and meeting hers which, for a moment, looked confused, unsure of what he meant by that. “He told me. In the council meetings you were just as adamant to keep up the search as he was. You never gave up hope.”

“Well, I am infuriatingly stubborn.” Arwen pointed out in a lighter tone, hoping to lift his spirits even a little and stop him from continuing on to blame himself. And so, she was quite pleased with herself when he finally cracked a small smile. “You found her. That’s all that matters now.” She added gently, squeezing his hand one last time before she let go and started heading for the door. “Good night, my Lord.”

“Thank you, Arwen.”

While Arwen had spent the majority of last night and this morning enjoying the happy feeling of having Morgana back, it didn’t make her blind to whatever tension had risen between Gaius and Merlin in her absence the night before. Not that they’d told her anything about it. However, Arwen was still determined to find out what was going on. So, when on her way to Morgana’s chambers, she saw none other than her brother walking out the door, Arwen didn’t let him simply get past her and go on.

Instead, she appeared in his way, blocking him from walking by without even noticing her as he was too consumed by whatever thoughts had managed to bring the wide smile onto his face. “Merlin, what’s going on with you and Gaius? You’ve been off all night. Is everything alright?” Her questions though made it slip for just a short moment before it returned again.

“We were just worried for Morgana, that’s all. Nothing to worry about.” Her brother said in a breezy tone. And while, usually, Arwen would have pointed out he was being evasive, the good mood in which he appeared to be as he spoke about it made Arwen’s own concerns begin to dispel just a little. “She’s fine, and she’s back, and she’s safe. And it’s a beautiful day. I don’t think anything could ruin it.”

“Well, alright then.” She couldn’t help but laugh at his demeanour. Clearly, whatever had been bothering him last night was by now wiped from his mind. He was good at keeping secrets, despite what some, like Arthur, would have you believe. But not even her brother had the ability to act perfectly fine when something was wrong. Arwen knew that best of all. “Is she awake?”

“Yes, I think she’s looking forward to seeing you.” Merlin announced. During his conversation with Morgana, he’d specifically told the lady that Arwen didn’t know anything about what he’d done. He wanted to spare her should Morgana decide to say something to Uther. However, to his surprise, she’d reassured him she’d say nothing to Arwen herself. It was as if Merlin had been worried for absolutely nothing.

“I’m going to go see her.” Arwen’s smile was back as she finally moved out of her brother’s path. The two siblings said a short goodbye before the physician continued on her way, climbing the steps towards Morgana’s chambers and pausing in front of the door to compose her own eagerness for a moment before she knocked.

Peeking her head inside once she heard Morgana’s familiar voice call out, Arwen smiled at the woman as she found her sitting up in her bed. “Another physician’s check-up? Really, I’ve told Gaius I’m alright.” Morgana, while protesting the idea, still smiled at the sight of Arwen as the redhead closed her door behind her.

“A friend’s check-up. One you’re not getting out of.” The woman instructed in a pointed tone as she walked over to the bed, sitting down next to her friend. “The first step of it is a hug. The tightest hug I can give, as a matter of fact.”

Her words made Morgana laugh in amusement as she nodded her head. “I think I can manage a hug.” She said in a happy tone, letting Arwen wrap her arms around her, and it certainly was a tight hug, Arwen hoping to show just how much she’d missed her friend during the time she’d been gone.

But if the hug didn’t suffice, she certainly intended to say it too. “I missed you. So much.” Arwen whispered as the two friends held on to each other for a few long moments. “It’s so good to have you back.”

“I missed you too. More than most.” Morgana smiled happily as she pulled out of the embrace, scooting slightly back on the bed so the two could properly look at each other as they sat side by side. “For a year I worried I’d never get to see you again. That I’d never get to apologise.”

“Apologise? You haven’t got anything to apologise for, Morgana. What are you talking about?” Now Arwen found herself growing entirely confused, unable to catch on to what the woman was talking about. But Morgana knew what she meant, and she knew she had to do this, if at least to see what Arwen would make of it all. To see where she stood with the physician after all this time.

“I know you figured it out, what Morgause was doing a year ago.” Morgana said, Arwen’s face turning sombre as she thought back to the sleeping curse which the sorceress had placed on the entire city in an attempt to take it. “I know you know I had-“

“She tricked you.” Arwen stopped herself from focusing on thoughts of Morgause for too long, knowing that wasn’t what mattered now, but rather Morgana herself. “Just as she did Arthur when she first came to Camelot.” While the spell Morgause did for Arthur hadn’t been a trick, it was still somewhat true that she’d played him perfectly to get what she wanted. And Arwen was in no way surprised she’d done the same with Morgana. “You can’t be blamed for that.”

“You really mean that?” Morgana asked, unable to hold back the small tinge of surprise from her voice. She’d been expecting to have to tell a story, just as she had with Merlin, about how she’d seen the evils that magic can do and wouldn’t be swayed again. But instead, Arwen surprised her with her amounts of faith. Even after what she’d done before Morgause’s attack. “I thought Merlin might’ve…“

“He never liked talking about it. I think he missed you more than he dares admit.” Arwen teased a little, not even realizing Morgana was bringing her brother up with different intentions. But still, her answer gave the Lady the answers she was looking for. It confirmed that Merlin was actually telling her the truth about Arwen not knowing what he’d done to her. And, in a way, even if she didn’t want to admit it, it brought some relief to Morgana. Knowing that her old friend still cared about her just as much as she did before she disappeared.

“Well, I missed him too.” Knowing any further prodding might arouse suspicion, Morgana simply moved on, sending Arwen yet another smile which seemed to convince her there was nothing odd about her questions at all. “But I don’t think we should mention that to Arthur.” Arwen quickly nodded her head in agreement, laughter bursting from both of the women as they continued to sit together and talk as if no time had passed at all. It was just as Morgana wanted it to be.

The moon shone through the treetops, lighting a path through the woods and towards the cave where Morgana was headed. She’d managed to sneak out of the city without any issue whatsoever, and with a smile on her face was now making her way to the meeting place set by Morgause.

Torches lit her way as she walked past the Bloodguard at the entrance to the caves. And the further she ventured into the cave, it wasn’t long before she came face to face with the blonde sorceress waiting for her there. “My sister. How have you fared?” Morgause asked as she caught sight of Morgana’s approach.

“Camelot has welcomed back its daughter with open arms.” Morgana announced with a proud smile as she slipped the hood off her head, reaching for Morgause’s extended hands as they both took in the good news, the knowledge that all was going to plan.

“Uther does not suspect?” Morgause questioned eagerly, wanting them to be sure there would be no obstacles to what had to be done next.

“He laps up my lies like the snivelling dog that he is.” Morgana announced with a smirk on her face, happy to have so easily tricked them all into believing her to be the innocent naïve lady that they knew her as.

“And the boy?”

“Merlin? He believes I've changed. And he's right.” Morgana said coldly, pulling a handkerchief from her robes and handing it to Morgause, knowing Uther’s tears were the last thing they needed. “Soon he will see exactly how much.”

“You’ve done well.” Morgause said with a proud smile on her own features as she turned away from her sister, beginning to gather other things she needed as their conversation went on. “What of the Princess?” She asked, knowing that Morgana’s former friend was just as important as the rest.

“She was even easier to convince than her brother.” Morgana announced happily, doing her best to maintain the proud smirk on her lips instead of showing the genuine happiness Arwen’s acceptance made her feel. “She’s simply overjoyed to have her friend back.”

“Good. Then you believe she will do what we need her to?” Morgause glanced back at her sister as she put some ingredients into a cauldron which seemed to hold a thick brown liquid.

This time, the pleased smile on Morgana’s face wasn’t forced like the one before. “Once she realizes that I can give her all that she’s been working towards from the shadow, we will have Prairene’s support.” The Lady announced confidently, determined to take the steps to ensure it all went how she wanted it. And that Arwen would play the part that had been set out for her.

The banquet hall was alive with noise and joy as the celebration in honour of Morgana’s return took place. People ate and drank, some danced along to the music, while others lingered around and engaged in happy conversations on the side-lines.

Arwen watched from one of the corners of the room, smiling as she saw Morgana and Gwen moving along the room and laughing together, pausing every so often as another person came up to the lady to welcome her back themselves. Although, Arwen was nearly certain that whatever the rest of them said, it didn’t near Uther’s own speech that he’d given a few minutes ago before leaving the hall to get some air.

“Quite the celebration.” A voice speaking up beside her had Arwen spinning to her right in surprise. “Makes me quite glad I accepted Arthur’s invitation to come.” The smile on Edmund’s face made it rather clear he was more than enjoying the surprise his sudden appearance was causing.

“I didn’t know you’d be coming.” Arwen said what was already obvious, brows furrowing as her surprise began to shift to concern. “Is Arthur’s invitation all that prompted it? Is everything alright?” She questioned in a quiet voice, wondering whether he needs reason to use the excuse that the prince had given him.

“I do come with news, but it’s good news.” Edmund sent her a reassuring smile, putting a hand on her shoulder and giving it a gentle squeeze to make her relax again. “However, now is not the time to share it considering your prince is on his way over.” He added on soon after, smirking in amusement as Arwen sent him a small glare for those word choices.

However, Arthur had no chance to reach the two of them before a couple of guards rushed into the hall, trying to be as quiet and subtle as they could as one made his way to Gaius while the other walked to Arwen’s side. With a curious look, she listened as he leaned down to tell her what’s happened, face paling at the news before her eyes snapped over to where they’d been moments before the disturbance.

Without hesitation, she moved among the people, already noticing from the corner of her eye as Gaius was led away by the guard who’d spoken to him. However, instead of instantly following, Arwen made her way for the Prince who’d already been approaching. “Come with me.” She said as quietly as she could, motioning for both him and Merlin to follow as they began to exit the banquet hall as a new concern reared its head.

Hearing of what had happened from the guards was one thing, but seeing it was entirely different. And Arwen wasn’t sure what to make of it as she and Gaius, followed closely by Merlin and Arthur, left the King’s chambers after he’d been carried to his bed by the Prince, the scene kept as private as possible.

“What could've made him like this?” Arthur’s voice sounded behind them, making both physicians pause in their steps as they shared a somewhat hesitant look between themselves before turning to the two men with them.

“I have no idea.” Gaius tried to soften the blow, and it wasn’t too much of a lie, there was no knowing what might’ve caused Uther’s behaviour for now. Not while he was still distraught and needed rest.

Arthur, however, was by now more than familiar with the physicians’ tricks. “Gaius, he was lying on the ground crying.” He pointed out in a demanding tone, wanting to know more than the simple answer which wasn’t much of one in the first place.

“It could just be exhaustion.” Arwen tried to suggest, this time taking the pressure off of Gaius as she supported his initial findings. And again, it wasn’t too far from the realm of possibility. After the year he’d had, and a sudden rush of emotions once more when Morgana returned, the King could easily have been overwhelmed.

But it was something on Gaius’ face, something Arwen too had noticed but not yet questioned, that had Arthur still looking to the man with questions in his eyes. “Gaius. What aren't you telling me? What's wrong with him? Tell me.” The Prince insisted, wanting to know as much as he could about his father’s state, even if there was a chance he wouldn’t actually understand it.

“When I found him, he was mumbling. Most of it was incoherent, but…” Gaius’ hesitation had all three of them now sending him questioning looks, wondering which part of the story he was leaving out. Whatever it was, it was quickly becoming clear that it was a reason for concern. “He kept mentioning your mother's name.”

“He never talks about her.” Arthur muttered in a confused tone, his brow furrowing as he remained unsure of what to make of it.

“He claimed that he saw her.” Gaius added on more, the words making Arthur’s confusion wipe away and be replaced with worry as he began to look around the halls, as if searching to see if anyone could be listening in on their conversation. “In the well.”

“Did the guards see him in this state?” Arthur asked in a worried tone, eyes glancing between both Gaius and Arwen now as he expected answers.

“I think you're worrying too much.” Gaius attempted to ease the Prince’s nerves, but didn’t manage much before Arthur was speaking again.

“If the people get to know about this-“ Arthur whispered sharply, knowing what such rumours had the power to do. But this time, it was Arwen who interrupted him.

“Arthur, there are plenty of explanations for what happened. You mustn’t jump to the worst before we know more.” She said in a gentle tone, reaching out and putting her hand on his arm to make him calm down and ground him. “As for the people, we tell them it was illness. One from which he’s recovered and all is well.” Arwen knew there was a chance she was wrong, a chance that the worst explanation may be the right one. But, for the sake of all of Camelot, she had to hope it wouldn’t be. They all did.

As if the night hadn’t already been eventful enough, Arwen now found herself sneaking through the halls of the palace with one specific place in mind. She knew that, as always, the library would be abandoned at this time of night. And while, during some of their first meetings within its aisles, she’d always been on high alert, by now Arwen easily moved by the desks and shelves on her way to the corner where she’d been meeting Edmund for their secret conversations throughout the last year.

“Your highness, it’s good to see you again.” Edmund said, already waiting for her in their meeting place and seeing her approach. He greeted her with a small bow which only earned him a shake of her head.

“Quit it with that, will you?” Her question had the man letting out a small chuckle as he motioned her over to sit at the table which they most often occupied, a few books on medicine set out around them. Nobody had ever walked in or interrupted their meetings before, but if they did get caught, Arwen could easily excuse it as a part of her job and explain Edmund as a nuisance that wouldn’t leave her to it. “You said you had good news?”

“My father held the meeting you spoke of the last we saw each other.” Edmund said, Arwen’s attention now on high alert as she listened to every word. “King Rodor is hesitant to make any promises all the while nobody’s really… certain you’re real…”

“We expected as much. Rodor is a kind and just leader, but that does not make him a fool.” Arwen reminded him, not seeming too dejected by the revelation. It was their own idea, after all, to utilize the secrecy which still remained about her identity to their advantage.

“However, according to my father, if your intentions remain the same,” Edmund continued on after the short interruption. He had no qualms about that part of the story changing, by now it was clear to anyone who’d had a chance to interact with Arwen beyond her capacity as a physician, that all the promises of peace which his father made on her behalf wouldn’t be broken. “Prairene will have Nemeth’s support once you return to the throne.”

This was the plan she and Edmund had thought of. Seeking out Prairene’s former allies to see where they’d stand once things began to change again. By now, everyone knew she was somewhere out there. Everyone was beginning to realize Prairene’s strength was growing and something was afoot. But aside from the men she’d already met, even as the volunteers continued to join the ranks and swear allegiance, nobody but the initial few truly knew of Arwen’s identity and location. Now was the perfect time to have her people reaching out to those beyond their own kingdom as they prepared for the future.

“My father’s advised me to try and get you to reconsider reaching out to King Caerleon as well.” Edmund added on, his voice a bit more hesitant this time than it was while he delivered the news of Nemeth. He was certain he already knew what her answer would be, and was soon proven correct on it too.

“As I said before, reaching out to those who have issues with Camelot isn’t the right way. Once our alliances become public knowledge, it will send a wrong message.” Arwen pointed out, knowing the words by heart by now as she’d given the advice great thought already. “Nemeth and Gawant are both allies to Camelot, as they were to Prairene along with it during the Great Purge. We want allies who see the picture the same way as we do. Who see the ability of both kingdoms to co-exist. Not those who will support us only for the sake of spiting Camelot and the Pendragons.”

“Or worse, hoping for war.” Edmund added on, knowing very well that he agreed with her reasons. His father did too. If anything, their conversation now made Edmund think back on what Geoffrey had said before he left for Camelot. “He’s right, you know? You’re growing to become an incredible queen.”

“I’m not queen yet, Edmund.” Arwen pointed out the technicalities behind his statement, making the Warren let out a small laugh of amusement.

“Your twentieth birthday has come and passed, the land has accepted you and welcomed you. All that is left now is a bit of ceremony.” He reminded her right back, making the redhead nod her head in agreement. By tradition of her kingdom, technically, she already was its ruler. And still, working from the shadows and continuing on with her days as a court physician made it seem less real than it was.

“A bit of ceremony that, I’m afraid, will have to wait a little longer.”

“Yes, and until then you’ll be treating the sickly Pendragons.” Edmund said with a shake of his head, but the tone of his voice made it clear he was more amused by it than anything else. “Rumours are that Uther’s fallen ill? Is it reason for concern?” He knew that, if it was, there would be some tensions back home among them men who all believed they’d be the one who knew how to best handle the situation and utilise it for their own benefit.

“We’re not sure yet.” Arwen said honestly. By now, she knew she could trust Edmund. After a year as her emissary, the man had well learned which parts of her life he was allowed to inform her men of when he returned to them and which he was to keep to himself. “But let’s hope not. Or trouble will soon be knocking at all our doors.”

The following morning, Arwen found herself standing in her usual spot in the council chambers, listening as Arthur delivered a report to the king for which the council had been summoned in the first place. “We've had reports that mercenaries are streaming into Cenred's kingdom.”

“Do we know why?” Uther questioned, but even when he seemed to be listening, his voice still came out as aloof and distracted. Something Gaius and Arwen had already covered in a simple conversation, loud and close enough for many of the council to overhear, in which they feared the king’s passing illness may still serve as a slight distraction during the meeting. They could only hope no other symptoms presented themselves in such a public space.

“There is rumour that Cenred is amassing an army. I think we should send a patrol out to assess the situation.” Arthur suggested confidently, knowing that a threat such as this one needed to be addressed with the utmost urgency so they may be ready in case trouble truly was lurking beyond the corner.

However, his advice was met with complete silence as the King’s eyes seemed to focus, not on his son, but the empty space behind Arthur. Even as the prince called out to him, Uther’s attention did not turn. And by now, many were beginning to notice, all shifting around and looking to the doors where the king seemed to be staring, only to see nothing there.

“Leave me alone. Get out of here!” Arwen’s eyes jumped back to the front of the room as the King’s booming voice called out. Uther jumped from his seat, pointing a finger at the nothingness which grasped his focus and put the fear in his eyes which was now prominent for all to see.

“Father, will you-“ Arthur tried to calm the man and control the situation, but whatever vision had presented itself to Uther it was far too hard to ignore or forget as he continued to yell at no one.

“I said get out! Get out! I'll have you hanged!”

“Get him out of here.” Arwen whispered as quietly as she could to the knight standing by her side, giving Leon’s arm a subtle push forward. And he did not need to be told twice before he and Arthur joined forces in restraining Uther as his hallucination continued to agitate him more and more, escorting him out of the chambers before the situation could grow any worse. And still, his screaming voice did not stop until he was taken too far to be heard any longer.

With both the King and the Prince now gone, it was clear to all those still gathered that their meeting was now over. And slowly, people and council members began to trickle out into the hall, the whispers passing between them hard to ignore as Gaius, Merlin, and Arwen continued to stick together as they themselves left the council chambers.

“There must be some explanation.” Merlin said quietly once they found themselves in a more secluded corner in the hallways, his curious eyes looking to both physicians as he hoped they might have some answers they hadn’t yet shared with Arthur.

“During the Great Purge, Uther drowned many he suspected of sorcery. And some, God help them, were children, killed for the magic they were born with.” Gaius began to explain, his suspicions now seeming like the only possible explanation for what was happening with the King. “Maybe his conscience is playing tricks with him.”

If he intended to share any further theories, Gaius was soon brought to a pause as another person joined their small circle; Edmund appearing at Arwen’s side with a perturbed look on his face. “Edmund, is everything alright?” The woman questioned instantly.

“I’m sorry to tell you this, but word is spreading like wildfire.” The Warren man warned all three of them, knowing it was important they be aware of the state of things within the castle. “I wasn’t there, and even I already know of the King’s state during the meeting.”

“Whatever it is, we can no longer hide this.” Gaius heaved a heavy sigh, knowing Edmund was right. Whispers like these were the quickest to catch on among the people. But he could see Merlin’s face, and the way in which he seemed to be failing to come to the same conclusion. “A king's hold on his people's a very fragile thing, Merlin. If they start to lose faith in him, I fear for Camelot.”

“Whatever is causing it, we need to-“ Arwen was about to suggest they begin doing whatever was possible to stop this from continuing on. However, before she could, some greater force within the universe decided things weren’t already bad enough. It was the sound of the warning bells that interrupted their conversation with instant effect.

And while at first there was no knowing what may have been the cause for them, it wasn’t long before Leon came to get the physicians, for it was their expertise that was needed in the moment. And, once he took them out to the castle walls, an obscure and hidden spot beneath the drawbridge, the answers to what was going on became glaringly obvious.

“Don’t remove the dagger.” Arwen instructed the guards who were already kneeling by the unconscious man’s side, only stepping away once they became aware of the physicians’ presence so they could make space for them to do their jobs. Which they quickly got to. While Gaius examined the wound and dagger embedded in it, Arwen checked for the man’s heartbeat, happy to find it steady and strong despite his injuries.

“Take this man to my chambers. I need to speak to Arthur as a matter of urgency.” Gaius told Leon swiftly before turning back to Arwen again as the guards began to carry the man away. “Go with him, tend to his wounds. The dagger doesn’t seem to have hit any major organs and quelled the bleeding. He should make a full recovery.”

“I’ll see to it.” Arwen nodded her head, quickly following after the guards as they made their way to the physician’s chambers. While Merlin went with Gaius and Leon to get Arthur, Arwen was joined by Edmund who was more than willing to offer his help as they found themselves in the physician’s chambers, the guards leaving once their job was done. “Whoever attacked him didn’t do much of a good job. The injury itself is rather minor.”

“Do you think it’s connected to what’s happening to Uther?” Edmund asked as he took a seat at the table once it became clear his help wasn’t required in this instance.

“The timing is slightly suspicious.” Arwen couldn’t help but agree for a moment, but there were too many gaps for them to jump to such conclusions. “But if this happened during the night, then wouldn’t we know by now if someone had snuck into the palace and done something?”

“It could have been a spy. Someone seeing the state of things, checking if the rumours are true.” Edmund pointed out that whoever had snuck in may not have done so with some specific plan to cause harm outright. “Either way, after today many will know they are. I suspect many will try to act on it.”

Pausing her actions of cleaning the guard’s wound, Arwen turned to Edmund as she thought more of his words. “I need you to send word to your father. Have him watch the men, I don’t want anyone getting any ideas about all of this. Things continue as they have been. Leave dealing with Uther to me.” She said firmly, not wanting anyone to try something they thought would help them only to make matters worse instead.

“I’ll see to it right away.” Edmund nodded his head. He knew, in some ways even better than she, that some of the men back home would certainly see opportunity in this. And others, like Montague, have been eagerly waiting for one. Arwen was wise in getting ahead of it before anyone’s ideas had any chance to even properly be formed.

As Edmund quickly left the physicians’ chambers, Arwen continued to silently work on binding the man’s wound once it was cleaned and stitched up. Focused on her work, she didn’t even hear the sound of the door silently pushing open behind her. Or the footsteps of the figure approaching her. And she never got the chance to either before something heavy suddenly slammed into the back of her head, Arwen having no time to react before everything turned black.

“He’s dead.”

Arwen wasn’t sure what came first, her ability to hear what was happening in her surroundings or to feel the way someone was giving her shoulders a slight shake, clearly in an attempt to wake her up.

“Five more minutes, Gaius.” She grumbled out in a somewhat annoyed tone, hearing the physician laugh somewhere off to the side, commenting about he suspected she might be perfectly alight.

“Arwen, it’s not morning, it’s not Gaius, and you’re not sleeping.” It was the sound of her brother’s voice that came from closer to her side. And his words made her eyes snap open just as her memory started to return. She remembered the injured guard she’d been treating before…

“Ouch my head.” She grumbled out, hand reaching to the back of her head where she could certainly feel a small bump that had already formed while she was unconscious. Accepting her brother’s helping hand, she rose back to her feet; eyes glancing to the direction of the cot where a body was now covered with a sheet. Whoever had knocked her out came because they needed the man dead. Whoever had attacked him could have been identified. The conclusions weren’t hard to come by.

“Come on over here, let me see it.” Gaius instructed, motioning her over to sit on one of the benches while he leaned down to check both her head and eyes for any sign of injury or concussion.

“I’m fine, really. Just hurts where the impact was and nothing else.” She tried to reassure him, but it was clear that Gaius’ demands were about to come along. And they’d be something along the lines of rest, avoiding exertion and whatever else he deemed necessary but most likely wasn’t. “I have to check on the king too, it’s my turn tonight.” She pointed out, hoping that a reminder that someone else’s health was far more important would make him relent before he even tried.

She didn’t have such luck. “Merlin can go do that. You stay here tonight and rest. That’s doctor’s orders and you yourself would be giving them if the roles were reversed.” Gaius said in a simple tone, waving Merlin along who obediently went on to tend to his sister’s duties while he left her in Gaius’ good hands.

“Sending Merlin might not be the best idea.” She pointed out once Gaius stepped away, deeming her initial hypothesis of being perfectly fine for someone who’d been knocked over the head a correct one.

“I’ve instructed the King’s guards to come and get me if there’s any change. I’m afraid Merlin is bound to return with no news that is of importance.” Gaius pointed out, already knowing what the boy was bound to find.

“Whatever’s going on, not only with Uther but with the guard and intruder… It’s not good, is it?” Arwen couldn’t help but ask. For a year, they’d had a good time enjoying some peace. No dangerous sorcerers threatening the kingdom, no plots or assassination attempts. She knew it couldn't last.

"I'm afraid not, my dear." Gaius shook his head, letting out a heavy sigh as he seemed to think something over before he spoke again. "We must take action before the consequences are too severe to remedy."

"What does that mean?" Arwen's brows furrowed in confusion, wondering what kind of idea or solution he may have come up with.

"Uther isn't capable of leading. Not at a time like this." Gaius pointed out, already heading for the door with newly determined steps. "It is natural that the duty should fall to Arthur in Camelot's time of need."

"He won't do it." Arwen's words made the physician come to a pause at the door, turning back to her with a questioning look. "Not while Uther is alive. He'd see it as giving up on him." She knew that, now more than ever, after all that had happened with Morgana, Arthur would be entirely willing to even step in for a short time.

"We must at least try." Gaius sighed, knowing she had a point. But he wouldn't be doing his duty if he didn't try and convince the Prince it was what would be best for them all.

"I understand." Arwen nodded her head, however, she had to admit, she wasn't considering volunteering to have that conversation. Not when she was almost certain she knew how it would go. "Good luck."

Things continued to go from bad to worse, and Arwen continued to grow more and more concerned as, by the time the next morning rolled around, she and Gaius soon became aware of the fact that Merlin had never returned from checking on Uther's state the night before. Hoping to find him, Arwen made her way to the first place she thought he might be.

Even though she knew Arthur's conversation with Gaius the night before hadn’t gone over too well, Arwen didn’t hesitate as she knocked on the door of his chambers, hoping to discover her brother inside and perfectly alright. Hoping that the uneasy feeling in the bottom of her stomach was just false paranoia and nothing else.

“Finally, my useless manservant! You’re lucky that-” Arthur exclaimed, eyes not even turning to the door for the first few moments as he gave his breakfast companion a pointed look, thinking it was Merlin who’d knocked and realizing he was wrong only once he turned around with a glare that was soon wiped from his face. “Arwen, I’m sorry. I thought you were Merlin.”

“By what you’re saying when you did, I suppose it’s safe to assume my brother hasn’t shown up for work this morning?” She asked, although it sounded more like a worried statement as she ran a hand through her hair, wondering where he might’ve disappeared off to.

“Is he missing?” Edmund asked with furrowed brows from where he was sitting at the Prince’s table, the two clearly having a late breakfast together before Arthur was to go train with the knights.

“The last we saw him was last night when he went to check on the King instead of me.” Arwen said with a small sigh, sending a smile to Arthur as he motioned her over to take a seat at the table.

“Why did he go to check on my father instead of you?” Arthur asked curiously, none of this really making much sense to him.

“Because Gaius demanded I rest after…” Arwen realized she’d said a bit much only after she’d already said it. But seeing the expectant looks on the faces of both men, she knew it was too late to get out of it. “After whoever killed the guard knocked me over the head to get to him.”

“I’m sorry… When did this happen?” Edmund was the first to find his voice and questioned in surprise.

“Shortly after you left.” Arwen said, her tone quickly becoming dismissive as she went back to the more important topic at hand. “Did you see Merlin at any point last night after the meeting Gaius called?” She asked, eyes turning to Arthur who seemed to think it over for a moment before shaking his head in denial.

“I should keep looking for him then. I’m sure he’s fine, this was only my first place to check.” Arwen let out a small sigh as she rose up from her seat again, not wanting to raise too many alarms just yet since she hadn’t really checked too many places yet anyways.

“I’ll help you.” Edmund was quick to volunteer, and something about the look he sent her made it clear to Arwen that she shouldn’t refuse the offer as he rose to his feet and began to follow her to the door. So, instead she simply sent him a thankful nod as she pulled it open.

“Arwen,” Arthur’s voice made them both pause however, the redhead turning back to look at him again. For a few moments, Arthur remained longer, eyes glancing to Edmund as if he were expecting him to leave so he could say whatever was on his mind. But once it became clear he wasn’t going to, the Prince spoke again. “I’m sure he’s fine. It’s Merlin, after all. How much trouble could he possibly get into?”

The irony of the question almost made Arwen laugh, but she managed to hold it in as she smiled at the man, a smile which didn’t quite reach her eyes. “You’re probably right. Thank you, and I’m sorry to have disturbed you.” She said.

“It’s nothing. Really.” Arthur reassured her with a smile of his own, watching as she turned back to the door and walked out into the hall, Edmund close behind her. Watching them go made Arthur wish he had a chance to offer to help himself, but his duties made it impossible. Leaving him to let her go off with his friend instead.

However, what Arthur didn’t realize was that there was more than one single reason that Edmund had followed after Arwen. One that was revealed only when the door to the Prince’s chambers closed behind the two of them and they began walking through the halls of the castle.

“I did see Merlin last night. I think after he checked on Uther.” The man announced, making Arwen stop her movements so she could turn to him with a questioning look, instantly wanting to know more. “I saw him through the windows, sneaking out of the city.”

“Sneaking out… but why? Why would he need to do that?” Arwen wondered out loud, knowing Edmund would have as much of an answer as she herself did. Still, she knew that, whatever the cause, it must’ve been serious if he’d gone off so suddenly without even telling either her or Gaius. “Could you…” She looked up at him, about to ask a question before she thought better of it. “No, never mind. It’s not your job.”

But Edmund already guessed what she was about to say, and was nodding her head before she could even fully brush the thought away. “I’ll go.” He said, watching as a small sign of relief appeared on her face. “I’ll find him.” And she really hoped he would. They both did. And that he’d find him in time.

Chapter Text

Merlin felt his eyes flutter awake; mind still foggy as he tried to discern where he was. It was a cave, that much was clear. And through its entrance he could see the night sky illuminated by the moon and stars. And as he looked at it, his memories began to return. He could remember Morgause and Morgana’s secret meeting, the former trapping him by the time morning rolled around. He could remember Kilgharrah saving him from the attacking Serkets, and the short conversation they’d had afterwards.

“You shouldn't have let me sleep!” He called out just as the big dragon’s head came into view through the cave’s opening. He started to rise to his feet, feeling the ache where the Serket had stung him, but pushing through it. Although, he didn’t get too far before feeling a hand on his shoulder, pushing him back down to sit.

“Careful there, I may know how to heal Serket poison, but that doesn’t mean the remedy is instant.” The third voice joining in on their conversation had Merlin snapping around in surprise. At no point did he even notice they had company.

“Edmund! How are you… When did you… You’re here?” Merlin stumbled around, mumbling and trying to get an actual sentence out before he made himself look like a complete fool.

“It’s a good thing Kilgharrah knows I’m a friend, because tracking a dragon is quite impossible.” Edmund said, somewhat vaguely, but he didn’t deem the whole story too important to waste time on. He’d seen the dragon rescue Merlin and thinking he was in good hands had begun to head back to Camelot only to be surprised to find the creature leaving him a trail to follow.

“We had no choice but to let you rest, young warlock. The venom was too strong, even for your great powers.” Kilgharrah added on, hoping Merlin would understand. However, what the boy focused on more in his initial state of panic was the man standing right beside him. Only a few seconds later did he remember that, while they’d never spoken of it between themselves, Arwen had mentioned to him that Edmund had been there to see him use his magic and dragonlord abilities last year.

“We don't have time for this.” The Ambrosius heaved out a sigh, pushing thoughts of Edmund and all else out of his mind as he rose to his feet, too quick to be stopped this time. “I need to get back to Camelot. The kingdom is in danger and… It's my fault. I should've listened to you. Should never have trusted Morgana.”

He could hear the Lord by his side let out a small hum of surprise as the culprit for Merlin’s sudden disappearance was revealed. But Kilgharrah, already aware of Morgana’s true nature, was the first to answer. “You did what you felt was right, and that shows great courage, but trust is a double edged sword.”

“I thought… Because she has magic, I thought we were the same.” Merlin said, his voice lower this time and laced with regret, but also a certain sadness that was hard to miss. Especially for Edmund. He did not only hear it, but recognized it as well, making his eyes turn to the warlock next to him who remained entirely oblivious to his gaze.

“In some ways you are.” The Great Dragon’s words made Merlin shake his head instantly.

“No. I will never be like her.” He was quick to deny it, determined to never let himself get consumed by anger as much as Morgana had. Even though, that wasn’t what Kilgharrah had meant in the first place.

But the dragon didn’t linger on that. “You have learnt an important lesson, Merlin. Your determination to see goodness in people will be your undoing. But I fear that your futures are now joined forever.” He pointed out in a solemn tone. “She is the darkness to your light, the hatred to your love.”

“I need to get back to Camelot.” Once again, Merlin’s determination reignited, making Edmund sigh as he and Kilgharrah shared a knowing look between themselves.

“You're not yet fully recovered Merlin, and it's more than three days' walk.” The dragon pointed out.

“One you’re in no state for.” Edmund added on. He could see that the cure was working well to restore Merlin’s strength, but even with a horse to make their journey easier and shorter, he didn’t want to risk his condition worsening again.

However, what the two were unaware of, at least until a smile appeared on Merlin’s face, was that the boy had ideas of his own how to make it all much easier. “I've no intention of walking.” He pointed out proudly, making Edmund send him a confused look.

At least until he realized where Merlin’s eyes seemed to be focused. “You don’t mean…” He glanced between the dragon and Merlin, trying to believe he was wrong in his assumption. But as Kilgharrah sighed and began to move, it became clear he wasn’t. “Alright, I would like to use this time to point out heights have never been a favourite of mine.”

The night sky was finally beginning to show first signs of the rising sun as Merlin, Edmund and Gaius returned to the physician’s chambers. Merlin’s eyes glanced to the bedroom door, silently looking to see for any sign of his sister being awake even if it was highly unlikely at such an early hour. And once he was sure that she wasn’t, he turned back to the two men standing with him. “We must tell Uther what Morgana has done.”

When he and Edmund returned to Camelot with Kilgharrah’s help, he’d instantly gone to wake Gaius before all three of them went to the King’s chambers. There, they’d found the mandrake root just as when Merlin first discovered it. They knew what was wrong with the King and they’d taken the first steps to fix it. But in his determination to protect people, Merlin wanted to do more.

“Are you mad? He'd have both our heads if we made such accusations. He'd look at it as treason.” Gaius sent him an incredulous look, marvelling at the fact that Merlin hadn’t yet learned the lesson about speaking up against nobles being futile.

“We can't just let her get away with it.”

“The King is paranoid only in regard to matters he wishes to be.” Edmund pointed out, knowing that they stood no chance. Even if he himself, as a Lord, spoke to the king, it wouldn’t yield results. “He dotes on her every word, he won’t believe a single thing any one of us claims.”

“You've seen how blind he is to her faults.” Gaius nodded in agreement. “Besides, the root is gone now. It can do no more harm.” He added on. And with the root gone, so was any evidence of there even being an enchantment that had made Uther go mad. Much less evidence that Morgana had a hand in it.

“No, you don't understand. I heard Morgana and Morgause. There's more to their plan, I'm sure of it.” Merlin said, remembering not only the conversation he’d overheard while he thought he was hidden, but also the words Morgause spoke when she thought she’d trapped him. “And Arwen…”

“What about Arwen?” Edmund’s shoulders stiffened in concern, just the insinuation that she might be a part of it making him grow even more alert now as his eyes glanced towards the door behind which she slept.

“Morgause worried about me telling her my suspicions about Morgana just as much as she did with Arthur. And she was pleased to find out I didn’t.” Merlin recounted what he’d heard. “Whatever their plan is, they need Arwen in the dark about it just as much as everyone else. They need her for something, I’m sure of it.”

Clearly unsettled by the thought, Edmund opened his mouth to ask a question about it, but before he could, a new voice interrupted their conversation and had all three of the men jumping in surprise.

“You’re back! Thank heavens!” Having risen with the dawn, determined to go looking for Merlin herself once she realized he was back, it hadn’t taken Arwen long to take note of the voices speaking in hushed tones from the main room of the chambers. And once she recognized them, it wasn’t long before she rushed out and straight to her brother; enveloping him in a tight embrace full of relief. “Where have you been? And what made you think it was a smart idea to just go off on your own without warning anyone? And why didn’t you-“

“Arwen. Arwen!” Merlin called her name to get her to stop scolding him and rambling along. Stepping out of her hug, he put his hands on her shoulders in a calming gesture as he spoke again. “I’m fine. I’m back and I’m fine. That’s all that matters, right?” His evasive answer earned him confused looks from not only his sister, but Gaius and Edmund as well, both wondering why he didn’t want to tell her what he’d learned.

And, of course, Arwen wasn’t about to let him get away with all of it so easily. “I still expect some answers.” She pointed out, fixing both him and Edmund with a questioning gaze as she waited for one of them to give her some.

“I found Merlin-“ Edmund was about to, but before he could get too far, Merlin interrupted with a story of his own.

“Lost in the woods. I got lost in the woods. You know me.” He shared quickly, watching as Arwen raised an eyebrow at that, clearly not entirely convinced or satisfied with the explanation. So, ignoring Edmund’s eyes, Merlin continued on. “I saw someone, sneaking out of Uther’s chambers. They’d placed a mandrake root there, an enchantment which made him act the way he has been. I tried to follow them, but they disappeared before I could discover who it was.”

“It must’ve been the same person who killed the guard. He must’ve caught them sneaking in or out to put it there.” Arwen said thoughtfully, the questions on her mind finally seeming to ease as she focused on the explanation next. “Well, now that we know what they’re doing, and the cause for Uther’s… troubles. We can fix it, right? He’ll be fine again?”

“Yes, yes. Removing the root will begin to ease his symptoms. He should recover and be back to his old self soon enough.” Gaius nodded his head in a reassuring manner. “As for the perpetrator… We’ll discover their identity the next time they try and then handle it.” While he wasn’t sure why Merlin was hiding Morgana’s involvement form his sister, Gaius knew he must’ve had good reason.

“Good, good.” Arwen nodded her head in acceptance of the explanation, seeming to remain entirely clueless about there being anything more to it as she continued on to a new topic. “You must be starving after being gone for so long. I’ll go make us all some breakfast.”

With that announcement, she walked away from the group and to the other side of the room as she began to prepare what she’d need. And once they were sure she was focused on her new task, Edmund was quick to lean closer to Merlin as he whispered. “Why didn’t you tell her?”

“Arwen loves Morgana. If she found out what she’s doing she wouldn’t be able to hide that she knows. Morgana would realize I’ve told her.” Merlin pointed out, glancing back to the redhead as Gaius started up a conversation to keep her distracted. “I don’t want to risk something happening to her because of it.” He didn’t know what Morgana’s plans were just yet, or what role she intended for Arwen to play in them. He couldn’t put his sister at risk until he knew. Not when the Lady they’d known, the gentle woman who’d never hurt anyone, seemed to be long gone now.

Because he was keeping all that he knew a secret, Merlin was forced to go on with his day as if nothing at all had happened. And that meant returning to his job as Arthur’s manservant among all other things. A job that was highly demanding as all the consequences of Arthur’s inability to take care of his own needs in Merlin’s absence came to light.

All the cleaning up, armour polishing, and reorganizing had Merlin running around the castle on an endless loop. However, his duties came to a sudden interruption as, while moving through one of the halls, he was suddenly yanked back and dragged into one of the hidden alcoves, coming face to face with an enraged Morgana.

“I don't know how you managed to escape, but I do know one thing: if you breathe a word of what you saw, I will make your life a very short and painful one. Just think how Uther would react if he learned that a serving boy had tried to poison his beloved ward.” Morgana spoke in a rushed voice, wanting to get through all she intended to say before someone caught sight of them.

And she wasn’t through with her threats just yet. “And for her sake, I hope you haven’t said anything to Arwen either. It would be terrible if the knights of Camelot were suddenly instructed to search her belongings. Maybe because someone mentioned the letter and pendant she hides in her bottom drawer to the King?” While the threats she made to ruin his life did nothing to stir Merlin, this one had his blood running cold.

It was one thing for Morgana to reveal she knew who Arwen was. In some ways, Merlin already suspected she might. But it was entirely different to find out she knew so much. Because that would have to mean it wasn’t her own work that had led her to the discovery. It was Arwen herself. Arwen had told her and showed her the items.

Merlin didn’t know when or why, but he was more certain now than he was before, as he watched Morgana rush off again, it was a good choice not to tell Arwen about her betrayal that morning. Because, whatever Morgana needed Arwen for, whichever reason she needed her kept in the dark, she was willing to throw it all away if Arwen discovered the truth. And Merlin was determined to avoid that at all costs.

Even though the first steps towards Uther’s recovery had been taken when Merlin and Gaius removed the mandrake root which was making him sick, the King’s state still hadn’t improved enough for him to be present as an emergency meeting of the council was called. It was Arthur who Leon was now delivering his report to. “I estimate they will reach the city within two days.”

“Under whose banner do they march?” Arthur asked, his voice heavy even if he tried to hide it. The news of an army marching straight towards them had unsettled the whole council. They knew there was a possibility as word of Uther’s condition spread beyond their borders, but many had hoped it wouldn’t reach this point.

“Cenred's, Sire. We knew he was amassing an army...” Leon spoke as Arthur turned his back, shoulders tense as he walked away from the table which they all surrounded. He stood by Morgana who’d been hanging on the edges of the room, merely listening.

“How many men?”

“20,000 maybe more.” Arwen couldn’t help but let out a small sigh at the information. She knew as well as the rest of the council those numbers highly outweighed their own. Things began looking bleaker by the second.

“I fear that news of the king's illness has spread beyond our borders. Cenred sees an opportunity.” Gaius pointed out what they all had concluded by now already. But a few of them were capable of deducing even more.

Arwen, as one of them, had quickly began connecting the dots. Whoever had been sneaking into the castle to make Uther sick was doing it with these intentions. She only couldn’t be sure if they were doing it on Cenred’s behalf, to give him an excuse or an easier chance, or because they simply wanted someone to attack the kingdom without care for who it actually was.

“Then we must find a way to appease him.” Leon suggested, thinking it the best course open to them.

“Not what my father would do, he wouldn't bow to our enemies.” Arthur called back.

“Forgive me, Sire, we are outnumbered two to one.” The older physician spoke again, his pressing on the matter making Arthur turn around back to the table and council.

“What concessions will Cenred insist on? What territories will he demand?” The Prince questioned, clearly unwilling to even entertain the thought of giving any of it up.

But Arwen thought better than to actually do it. “We’re not saying that we have to give him something.” She spoke up in a patient tone. “But pretending to negotiate, pretending to be open to a peaceful solution. It would buy us time.”

“It shows weakness, Arwen.” Momentarily, the man lost his temper, his voice rising until he looked at her face and saw the pointed expression on it. One that reminded him that all she or anyone else was trying to do was help. “I’m sorry.” He schooled his tone once again, hands leaning on the table as he stood opposite to her. “I’m afraid there's only one course of action open to us.”

They all remained silent as he pushed away from the table, all looking to him as he moved to its head, taking the throne positioned there for the first time since the meeting began. Silently accepting that the decision rested on his shoulders. And it needed to be made. “We must prepare the city for siege.”

“Are you sure that is wise?” Leon didn’t give much pause before the question came from his mouth, concern about the decision clearly written across his features.

“The castle is our strongest weapon. No army has ever taken Camelot.” Arthur pointed out. He’d spent his life training and learning for this very moment. Knowing where Camelot’s strengths and weaknesses lay so he may utilise them all. He prayed he was doing so in the correct manner.

The doubt of his knight did not help ease that worry. “But what about the people in the outlying villages?” Leon continued to ask, ignoring the looks he was getting from some of the council members who suspected he would never have put up this much of a fight if it were Uther delivering the instructions.

“Give them refuge within the city walls.”

“And what of their houses, their livelihoods?” Leon reminded that there was more to care for than just people. “Cenred will destroy everything in his path.”

“But they will have their lives.” Arthur pointed out, deeming it a priority.

And with that, Arwen had to agree. “Once the threat is over, we can find ways to help them rebuild.” She pointed out, eyes looking to all of the council who soon began nodding their heads in agreement, before finally turning to Arthur who sent her a brief look, a silent thanks for her support before he looked to Leon again.

“Go. Ready the army.”

Arwen moved through the halls of the castle, using her one moment of peace for another task that wasn’t on her official list of duties. From the moment the council meeting had finished and Arthur’s decision was made, everyone had begun preparations. Supplies and provisions were being amassed as more and more people began to flock to the safety of the castle.

They could be seen from all of the windows, coming from every corner of the kingdom in seek of shelter. And as she stopped at the door of his chambers, Arwen could see Arthur standing by one of them, looking out to the groups gathering in the courtyard.

“My lord, I don’t mean to disturb you…” She spoke up, with the door already open it wasn’t as if she could knock and wait for him to call her inside. At the sound of her voice, he quickly spun around, turning away from the window and placing all of his focus on her.

“No. Come in, please.” He said without hesitation, moving away from the window and coming to stand at the front of his desk, leaning back against it as she walked into the chambers and towards him.

“I’ve come to tell you your father’s starting to feel better. He’s more and more like himself again.” She said, hoping a little good news amidst all else would help lift his spirits.

“I could do with him here.” Arthur admitted honestly, making her give a subtle shake of her head as she took a step closer.

“You should have more faith in yourself.” She knew she could have told him he would be soon enough, or that it would all go well, but that wasn’t what he needed to hear in that moment.

“What are the people saying?” Arthur asked, knowing that she’d spent much of her time helping the refugees get settled and find space for them. She’d been among them for most of the day when she wasn’t helping Gaius prepare the hospital.

“They are glad that you have taken charge.” Arwen said honestly. Despite his own doubts, she’d spoken to enough people to know that, despite their own fears of the situation, they believed in Arthur. They believed he’d do whatever he could to protect them and the kingdom.

“I've committed them to a siege.” Arthur gave out a small sigh, still showing that he was unsure in his own decision. “There's going to be casualties.”

“They trust you, Arthur. I trust you. More than your father or any man for that matter.” She reminded him. In the last year, she’d learned just how much doubt could play tricks on one’s mind when making decisions for the good of a kingdom. She had grown more familiar with the weight, even if it wasn’t in the same manner in which he was experiencing it now.

“What if-“

“You need to stop questioning yourself and worrying. Trust yourself as we all do. As I trust you.” She interrupted him before he even had a chance to ask whatever it was that he wanted to. Broaching all the distance remaining between them, her hand reached for him, settling on his arm as she gave it a small squeeze to drive her point further. “Forget everything and everyone else. You have to do what you believe is right.”

Standing like that, a silence lapsed over them after her words, Arthur’s eyes entirely focused on her own which she was unable to tear away even when she felt his hand settle over hers. For a moment, they both let themselves forget about all the danger and worry as they focused on each other. But then Arwen remembered.

She finally tore her eyes away from his, glancing down at their hands one last time before she slowly began to pull hers away. “I should go, Sire.” She said in a quiet voice, knowing there were still lots of things to do in the time they had left. And so, with one final smile sent his way, Arwen turned around and began heading for the door.

But she didn’t get far before he spoke again. “There's no need to call me that.” He reminded her. Something he’d taken to doing often as of late. And it made her look back at him with a smile. But it wasn’t like all the others she usually gave him. This one could best be described as proud.

“There is every need, Sire.”

Arwen stood at the windows, watching as Cenred’s armies now amassed right at their gates, their calls and cries echoing through the stone walls for all of the city to hear. It was merely a matter of moments before it all began and the empty hospital beds and cots which surrounded her started to become crowded. There was nothing that could be done to stop it anymore.

“Are you sure you don’t want to take my advice and go while there’s still time?” Arwen questioned the man standing by her side, clad in his own suit of armour with a sword at his hip even though, since he wasn’t a knight of Camelot, he wasn’t really allowed to go out and join them in the fight.

“No chance you’ve changed your mind about coming with me?” Edmund asked in a light tone, trying to make a joke of it despite his own nerves continuing to grow as the situation continued to escalate.

“I’m needed here.” She reminded him, her voice determined as she glanced around the hospital. People were moving around, volunteers who’d come to them from other villages and offered their own medical expertise, courtiers and noblewomen who often spent their time helping the physicians during battle, everyone was preparing for the long night ahead of them. And Arwen knew her place was here with them.

“And I’m not the kind the abandons my friends in their time of need.” Edmund gave his answer, voice just as determined as hers had been. He wasn’t a knight of Camelot, and technically not even Prairene since there’d never been a royal to make it official until now. But he knew his duty was at her side. And if she intended to stay during the siege, it was his duty to keep her safe during it. “Really, it’ll be fun. We never get this kind of excitement back home.”

The joke managed to get Arwen to crack a smile, amused eyes turning away from her surroundings and jumping back to him. “Then lets get ready for some excitement.” She announced, continuing on with the light hearted approach to their situation. It didn’t make anything better, but in some small way, it eased their worries enough to make them capable of doing their jobs. And that was what would matter most.

The sounds of battle raged on beyond the walls of the hospital, and Arwen was doing her best to ignore them as she moved from patient to patient. Soldiers and ordinary people alike continued to flood into the infirmary, seeking help for their injuries and wounds. Just as anticipated, everyone offering help was swarmed with work, the injured seeming to come in quicker than they were able to treat them. And still, she didn’t relent at any point, doing whatever she could for all of them.

And when he wasn’t helping her with the most serious patients, Edmund had offered his services to the knights. While he couldn’t fight outright, he could help with bringing in the injured, skilled enough to face any danger that might intercept their paths along the way to the hospital doors.

Every time she heard them open, Arwen would pause what she was doing just for a second, looking up to check not only who’d been brough in with which injuries, but also to make sure Edmund was among them. And this time, as she heard the familiar sound, she was relieved to see his face as he led a wounded knight over to one of the empty cots.

As the man was seen to by Guinevere, he let his eyes snap up, searching for a moment before they met hers. They both offered each other a nod, a silent communication passing on the message that both were fine and continuing on as they were. And once that was done, Edmund was back to speaking with some of the knights at the door, the group deciding their next step and plan.

Returning to her work, Arwen finished off bandaging a cut on the leg of one of the knights before she straightened up. Looking down at the basket she carried from bed to bed, she realized she was running low on some supplies. Meaning she had to go back to the main table and restock them before she could see to another patient. Turning towards it, she began to move through the crowd, brows furrowing curiously as she saw Gaius standing there, alongside her brother who was supposed to be outside with Arthur.

The sight of Merlin made Arwen push a bit harder, hoping to reach them quicker as she worried what his presence in the hospital might mean. She could see the two whispering to each other, eyes glancing around at the faces of those surrounding them as if they didn’t want to be overheard. However, just as she began to draw closer, only a few steps separating her and the table, Merlin and Gaius’ conversation seemed to end as he rushed off once again.

“What did Merlin need? Is everything alright?” She asked as soon as she found herself standing next to Gaius. At the same time, she began collecting bandages and clean cloth that she needed to continue on with her duties once their conversation ended.

“Yes, yes. He simply came to give us an update on how things are going outside.” Gaius shook a dismissive hand, trying to sound as reassuring as he could. However, Arwen knew better than to believe her brother would have just left Arthur’s side for a mere update. Not that she had a chance to point that out to Gaius as the man announced he had a patient to return to.

For a moment, Arwen debated following him and then the door opened again. Just like every time before, her eyes turned towards it, and this time she struggled to spot Edmund. Not because he wasn’t there or because he’d been injured, but simply because he got lost in the crowd of injured people, this one much bigger in size than normal.

With a sigh, Arwen realized there was no time to question what her brother was up to. Instead, she rushed over, basket in hand, as she began tending to the newest influx of patients. With her focus dedicated solely to helping them, the woman pushed all thoughts of Gaius and Merlin out of her mind for now. And that was why, no longer determined to get more answers, she didn’t even notice as Gaius snuck out of the hospital, following closely after Morgana as the Lady made her escape.

The lower town had been taken, making many seek solace in the knowledge that the citadel still stood. As Arthur had intended and planned. It was their best defence. The best place to make a stand. And they all had to pray and hope it would work in their favour.

As the injured continued to pour in, Arwen took a moment’s pause, grabbing a glass of water for herself as she took in a few deep breaths. With her eyes surveying the room, she searched for a familiar face. But aside from Edmund who stood at the doors, talking to the two guards tasked with protecting the hospital, she could see no one else. Not Gaius, nor Morgana, not even Gwen who she saw most often as the handmaiden continued to seek her help for the more severe cases and injuries.

She prescribed the seeming absence to the thick crowd among which they could not be seen and didn’t give herself much time to dwell on it. Especially as she heard Edmund call her name from the doors, making her brow furrow as she noticed the concerned looks of all three men standing there while she made her way over.

“We can’t leave our post. Our orders are to stay here and protect the injured. To protect the entrance.” One of the knights said in response to whatever Arwen hadn’t managed to catch as she drew closer.

“What’s going on?” Arwen demanded as soon as she was close enough, eyes first going to Edmund as he’d been the one to call her. However, instead of an answer, he simply pointed his finger towards the courtyard. It was hard to see due to the smoke and fires in between them, but it didn’t take Arwen too long to catch what he was presenting her with. “Where the hell are the guards meant to be protecting that man? Honestly! And where are those bringing in the injured?”

“They’ve joined the fight. Now whoever is able brings in others.” The other knight explained, making Arwen heave a sigh. But she didn’t give much more of a reaction as she turned to one of the tables where items were stored. Among pots, pans, cups and many other supplies Gaius said they might need if the siege lasts long, she plucked an item hidden beneath the edges of the tablecloth.

“Are you serious?” Edmund couldn’t hold back the surprised question as he caught sight of her walking back towards them and the doors, her sword in hand and intentions clear if the look on her face was anything to go by. “You’re serious. Alright then, off we go.”

“Keep the doors open. If anyone notices we’re moving the king himself they’ll try to get to us. We need to be able to get inside, and close them within seconds.” Arwen instructed the two guards, both nodding their head in understanding and agreement as Arwen and Edmund made their way out into the night air.

“I understand Arthur, I can explain that one. But if you die saving Uther Pendragon, you do realize the men back home will have my head?” Edmund questioned as he and Arwen ran through the streets, ducking and moving out of sight so no one would spot them as they made their way to the well.

“Then make sure I don’t die.” Arwen said dismissively as they kneeled behind a overturned wagon, waiting as one of the knights disposed of a man from Cenred’s armies that was threatening to get too close to the royals.

It was what all of them were doing, clearing a path, and manning the surroundings, preventing anyone from getting too close to their injured king. But nobody stopped either her or Edmund as they came into view, rising from their hiding spot as they rushed over the first chance they had.

“Arwen? You’re not supposed to be out here.” Arthur’s surprised voice sounded over the sounds of clashing swords and screaming men as she came to stand beside the King, kneeling down to get a good look at his injured leg, determining how hard it might be to get him back to the hospital.

“You can scold me later, Arthur.” She said in a pointed tone, reminding him of the situation they were in, even though it was the reason for his words in the first place, as she tied a piece of cloth around Uther’s leg to tame the bleeding until they could treat the wound properly.

“Infuriating.” Arwen heard Arthur mutter to himself as she rose back to a standing position, neither she nor Edmund hesitating in throwing the King’s arms around their shoulders, knowing the urgency of getting him away from the battle while they still had time. “Thank you. Get him to safety. We’ll provide you with cover.” This time he spoke louder so all could hear, and Arwen offered him a small nod before she and Edmund began to lead Uther away.

Drawing closer and close to the doors of the hospital, Arwen began to hope the walk back, while slow and hobbling due to Uther’s injury, would be a success. However, she’d thought so too soon as moments later three of Cenred’s men managed to defeat the sole knight who’d been blocking their path to the King.

As they rushed forward, Arwen gripped her sword in hand, stepping away from Uther to block the blade of the attacker closest to her. “Take him to safety!” She called to Edmund in the midst of a swinging at the man with her own weapon. However, from the corner of her eye she could see him hesitating, Uther nearly getting free from his grasp as he continued to insist he had to continue fighting himself. So, in a moment, as she disposed of the first attacked, Arwen turned to Edmund with a pointed look on her face. “Doctor’s orders!”

What to Uther would seem like a simple and true statement, calling herself a doctor, to Arwen and Edmund had entirely different meaning. It wasn’t doctor’s orders, it was an order from a queen. One that Edmund couldn’t refuse. Begrudgingly, he did as he was told, watching as Arwen ducked out of the path of another sword coming her way, using her own movements to slice at the man’s stomach before he could even attempt to stop her.

Left with only one opponent, Arwen poised her sword, ready for an attack. However, before either of them had a chance to move, stones began to fall from the side of the castle, crumbling on top of Cenred’s soldier and burying him beneath the rubble. In a small moment of surprise, Arwen looked to the courtyard, finding her brother standing there as she thought it was him who’d done it. Only Merlin was staring at something behind her with shock on his face.

Turning around herself, Arwen noticed Edmund still standing at the hospital door while the two knights who’d been guarding it carried Uther inside. Realizing it was Edmund and not Merlin who’d used magic, Arwen shook her head in disbelief as she ran for the door before any new attackers appeared.

“Thank you, you idiot.” She whispered to Edmund as they worked together on closing the doors again, the man only letting out a small laugh at her scolding tone before he began following her to the bed where the knights had taken the King. “Someone find me Gaius!” She called out to no one in particular, hoping whoever heard her and saw him first would send him her way as she began to treat the King’s leg.

Arwen moved through the hospital. With Uther’s injury taken care of and Gaius finally back from wherever he’d disappeared to, she’d been thrown back into the thick of it while he continued to attempt and convince the King his place was not out there. Directing people to empty cots and corners at this point, and instructing knights what to take to whom, she had no time to question either him or Merlin on what in the world they were up to.

However, if one thing was clear by now, it was that there was something else going on. Something other than the battle raging on right outside their doors. But that didn’t mean there were no questions on her mind. Arwen continued to glance around, trying to gather any clues she could on her own as she walked through the crowd.

While her initial plan was to simply tend to yet another wounded knight, catching sight of Edmund as he helped his own patient to one of the cots had Arwen diverting from her path. “Are you alright? Are you injured?” She asked as she caught hold of his shoulder, helping him sit down on one of the stools after he’d suddenly swayed on his own two feet.

“Magic.” Edmund whispered, as quietly as he could while still ensuring she could hear him above all the other noise crowding the space around them. It made Arwen’s brows furrow in a confused manner, prompting Edmund to explain further. “I felt it. Performed here, in the castle.”

“Maybe it’s just Merlin, doing… something to stop all of this?” Arwen suggested hopefully. After all, Cenred didn’t use magic, he wasn’t a sorcerer. But… whoever had been sneaking into the castle to put the mandrake root beneath Uther’s bed was. “That has to be it, right?”

Edmund hesitantly began nodding his head, hoping her suspicion was right. Even though he knew that there was little chance what he felt coming from Merlin. He began looking around, trying to see if the manservant was somewhere within the hospital. However, instead of finding Merlin, his eyes got glued to the window looking out into the battle. “Arwen…” He didn’t find any other words he could say as he stared out in shock, the redhead coming to stand beside him instead of in front of him as she did the same.

“It wasn’t Merlin.” She gave out a small sigh as the answer to what the magic Edmund felt might’ve been used for became apparently clear. From within the hospital, they could only watch as an army of skeletons advanced on a group of knights stuck fighting against Cenred’s living men.

“There! He’s over there!” Edmund spoke up, making her green eyes tear away from the glass and turn in the direction where he began leading her. She caught sight of her brother, rushing up to Gaius as the physician abandoned Uther’s side to see what he had to say.

“What’s going on?” Arwen questioned as soon as she was close by, pushing her way past a few last people before she was right at Merlin’s side. She didn’t miss the look he sent to Edmund behind her, almost as if speaking a silent message not meant to be understood by her.

“Arthur’s instructed to seal off the hospital.” Merlin explained. “Someone’s summoned an army of the dead. They’re attacking from within the castle itself.” He gave the same description he’d given Gaius moments before, only in this version, he made sure to leave out Morgana’s name from it.

“How do you kill something that is already dead?” Edmund questioned in disbelief, this time a look passing between Arwen and Merlin themselves as they already knew the answer.

“No time.” Merlin said, knowing they were both thinking the same thing. But the sword which he’d cast into the Lake of Avalon would be of little help in a situation where it wasn’t only one undead creature they had to deal with. “I’ll see what I can do!” He called out as he began to run for the door again, Arwen sending an incredulous look to the two men beside her.

“Close the door! Seal them!” Arthur’s voice reached her ears, making her look towards where it came from only to find the man already headed their way. “We need to get my father away from here.” He announced as soon as he was close enough for the two physicians to hear him without having to alarm anyone else.

“Sit. Let me see that hand.” Arwen focused on the injury which she could so clearly see as he held his hand close to his chest in an attempt to avoid injuring it any further. As she took hold of it, he tried to dismiss her worry, but she maintained her grasp on her wrist as she pushed him down on one of the cots. “You plan, I heal. You have a few minutes.”

“I agree that the king’s safety is a priority, Arthur, but I’m not sure what can be done.” Gaius spoke as Arwen began cleaning the cut on his palm, trying to be as gentle as she could.

“We can’t fight a battle on two fronts.” Arthur pointed out the obvious, going to wave his hands through the air in desperation only to have Arwen re-establish her hold on him.

“Keep still.” She scolded as he let out a small hiss at the pain as she tightened the first layer of bandages.

But it wasn’t long before he returned to his main priority. “I don't know how much longer we can hold the citadel. We need to get my father to safety.” He continued to relay the situation, knowing things were seeming bleaker by each passing moments. They couldn’t waste many more of them.

“How? We no longer control the lower town.” Gaius, however, had just as good of a point to make. “There's no escape, Arthur.” The words made Arthur’s face pale as he realized Gaius was right. With the way things were right now, there was nothing they could do, not without risking his father’s life even more so than it already was by just being here.

“Perhaps we can clear a path? Find a way to smuggle him out.” Edmund suggested, trying to think of a solution in the short time they had. “You mentioned once there are caves and tunnels beneath the castle.”

Arwen, ignoring Arthur’s question on how she’d know that, nodded her head in confirmation. “Clearing a path to them would be much easier right now. But I have no idea if they lead out to the surface.” She reminded. All she’d ever really explored of the tunnels beneath the city was the Great Dragon’s cave and those which led to it. “But they would make for a good hiding place as a start.” She added on. It wasn’t a solution to getting Uther out of the city entirely, but it was a way of buying time until they could find one.

And Arthur found himself nodding in agreement, seeing it much in the same way as she was. “I’ll see what can be done.” He announced, waiting a few extra seconds as Arwen tied a final knot on his bandages before he jumped to his feet, ready to head back out again.

“Alone?” Arwen couldn’t help but ask, signs of concern shining through on her face. In an attempt to reassure her, Arthur’s eyes glanced around in search of anyone he could take with him, but the only knights in their vicinity were those who were injured an incapable of fighting.

“Let’s go then, my lord.” Edmund’s voice had both their eyes snapping over to him as he drew his sword from its sheath for the second time that night. “You can complain about the whole knight of Camelot business, or you can take the offer and we can find a way to get your father out of here together.” The Warren offered, even though Uther wasn’t his main priority. By helping Arthur find a way to get the King out, he’d also find a way to get Arwen away from the castle before it was too late. That was Edmund’s true reason for volunteering.

“Alright.” Arthur didn’t protest the offer, not that he had any intention to at any point. And with a final nod of agreement passing between the two, they began heading for the door. And all Arwen could do was watch them go, hoping everything would turn out alright.

However, until they returned, there was no point in waiting around and doing nothing. She knew there was still plenty of work to do so, and even more began trickling in as the army of skeletons divided and stretched their manpower thin. She continued treating the injured alongside Gaius, both sticking close to the King as they waited for any sign of Arthur’s return.

“Look! Look!” Sudden calls from the other side of the room had Arwen’s attention snapping over to the source, noticing it as some of the people with smaller injuries who’d gathered at the windows to watch what was happening outside. “They’re crumbling! The skeletons are gone!”

The news had excited cheers spreading through the hospital, many finding waves of relief washing over them as the battle began to sway in their favour once again. And Arwen and Gaius found themselves just as relieved as anyone else.

“Thank God.” Gaius mumbled out.

“More along the lines of thank Merlin, I suspect.”

With morning came peace. Cenred’s armies had retreated in the night once it became clear that their advantage had been taken away. And with their disappearance, Camelot was allowed to return to its life. There would be rebuilding to be done. As there was after every battle. But many were ready to do whatever needed to be done. To take the chance that had been given to them despite all odds and continue on.

And many had now gathered in the castle’s throne room, awaiting a speech from their King whose health had returned to him in the face of battle. Or at least that’s the story Gaius and Arwen had ensured to spread. Only a few knew the real reasons and explanations behind all that had happened in the past days. And everyone else was none the wiser, not ever sparing it a second thought as they could now see Uther standing at the front of the room as he spoke with Morgana while they all continued to wait only on Arthur.

And it wasn’t long before he appeared, walking through to the front of the room to join his father before the two men climbed up onto the raised dais which held their thrones while Merlin, who’d been walking alongside him until the last moment, came to stand beside his sister as Uther’s speech began. “In my time, we've won many battles, but none so important as this. Every man, every woman and child has performed their heroic best, and I thank you, and I salute you all.” Arwen didn’t miss the way in which the King’s eyes glanced towards them. Towards herself and Edmund, as he spoke those last words.

It was his way of expressing gratitude to them for what they’d done during the battle. For going out into the thick of it when it wasn’t their duty to get him to safety. And Arwen took it as a small victory. She knew the only reason Uther didn’t protest Edmund’s frequent presence at court as of late was because of his suspicions of Geoffrey, Edmund’s father. She hoped with what had happened during the battle, Edmund had earned the Warrens some favour with the King.

“Even before the battle, we knew there was a traitor in our midst, one who was almost the undoing of us. However, we have to thank the one person who outwitted them, and who - almost single-handedly - turned the battle.” Uther spoke, a proud smile coming over his face as he extended his hand to the woman now approaching him. “The Lady Morgana.”

As applause spread through the room, Arwen couldn’t help but send her brother a somewhat confused look. She hadn’t yet had a chance to get the full story from him on what had happened, but she’d been so sure it was him who’d thwarted whatever magic had caused the army of skeletons to rise up from their own crypts.

“I thought you’d done it?” Arwen whispered, leaning closer to him and using the sound of Uther’s own voice as the speech continued as a cover for their own conversation.

Merlin wasn’t sure what to say to his sister in response. Only, as he looked up at the royals and met Morgana’s eye, noticing the glare she was sending his way as she herself had noticed Arwen’s whispering, he knew he couldn’t tell her the truth. “I arrived just in time to see her break the staff which had been planted. It was all Morgana this time.” He said, looking down at Arwen with a small smile, hoping she wouldn’t see through his lies.

And she didn’t seem to, luckily for him. “It’s good to have her back.” Arwen said simply, repeating the words she’d been saying ever since Morgana’s return as she looked back to the front of the throne room just as Uther’s speech was brough to an end and followed with a new wave of clapping spectators among which she joined in.

And as she focused on the joy and celebration spreading throughout the room, even as the crowd began to disperse, she didn’t notice the look passing between Merlin and Edmund over her head, both knowing the truth that was being kept from her. But, for now, they had to remain quiet about it as the crowd began to make their way from the throne room.

The group of four walked out together, coming to a stop in the hallway just outside, however, before a conversation could even begin, the sound of Uther’s voice reached their ears. “Gaius, Arwen, if I may speak to you for a moment?” And, of course, the two physicians followed after the king almost instantly, leaving Merlin and Edmund now standing alone.

“I don’t think I ever got to thank you.” Merlin was the first to break the silence as the hallways around them cleared and a conversation was finally possible. “For going to look for me, and helping with the poison and… all of that.”

“You needn’t thank me for that, Merlin.” Edmund merely sent him a reassuring smile. “And, I know you saw me during the battle. I hope you know now that, while you and Morgana may not be the same, you’re not alone in this.” His words would have seemed vague to anyone else who might’ve overheard them, but Merlin knew very well what Edmund was referring to.

In reality, he didn’t know what to think of that. To think of the idea of having someone who would understand every little thing he couldn’t talk to his sister or Gaius about. He was sure it would take some getting used to. And, sadly, this was not the time and place for it. “So, what now?” He asked instead, unsure of what their next step would be or what they could even do about the threat Morgana continued to loom over them.

“Now I must go back home. Inform my father of all that’s happened and, I suspect, will continue to happen with Morgana and her plans.” Edmund said honestly, knowing the situation was one they needed to discuss and get a grip on before it spiralled out of their control.

“We still don’t know what those are. Or what she intends for Arwen.” Merlin heaved a sigh, knowing he was stating the obvious. In his mind, that was one of the priorities. Not only finding out what she intended for Camelot, but for his sister as well. He would be damned if he let anything happen to her.

“Prairene.” Edmund, however, sounded confident as he seemed to give an answer. Although, Merlin had a somewhat hard time catching on to what he meant by that. “She knows who Arwen is. Meaning she must also know what we’ve been doing, working towards. She wants a royal ally.”

“It would explain why she seems to need her oblivious and unaware. She knows Arwen would never agree to anything if she knew the methods Morgana was using to get there.” Merlin now found himself thinking Edmund might be right in his suspicions.

“This was about defeating Camelot. And once that is done, Arwen can take her place, her armies supporting whoever Morgana helps get on that throne once the Pendragons are gone.” Edmund pointed out the strategy behind it all. “The good news about that is, she needs her alive.”

“Arwen isn’t stupid. Even if we tell her nothing, it’s only a matter of time before she realizes it on her own. And then what will Morgana do?” Merlin couldn’t help but ask. Just in the span of the last couple of days, Arwen had clearly grown suspicious and began to think something was being hidden from her. He wasn’t sure how long he could keep it up when his sister was the one person in the world who could read him like a book.

“Hopefully, we have time to increase our presence in the city before having to worry about that.” Edmund tried to offer some reassurance, only to earn himself a confused look from the Ambrosius.

“Increase your presence?”

“You’ll be seeing a lot more of me Merlin.” Edmund announced with a small smile as he began to take a few departing steps. “I myself am looking forward to it.” And, as Merlin gave it some thought, he started to think he was too.

Chapter Text

Arwen walked alongside Guinevere through the halls of the castle as they headed for Morgana’s chambers. Utilizing an afternoon during which both women found themselves free, they’d made an excursion to the markets for what was supposed to be some browsing and looking but resulted in some new cloth for Guinevere which she intended to use to make a new dress, and a belt made of golden string for Arwen.

“You know, if I didn’t know any better, I’d think your favourite colour has changed as of late.” Gwen’s comment had Arwen sending her friend a somewhat confused look, unsure what she meant by that. “You’ve started wearing a lot more blue as of late.” Gwen pointed out, running her hand along the soft fabric in her basket, the cloth a rich blue itself which seemed part of the reason why Arwen was so intent on buying it for her when she made an off comment about wishing she could spare the golden coin which it cost.

In reality, her observations weren’t at all wrong. Arwen had somewhat changed up her wardrobe, exchanging some dresses so she could get new ones in various shades of blue. However, the idea that her favourite colour had changed was preposterous. She hadn’t parted with her two favourites; a green and a red one that she’d brought with her when they first left Ealdor.

“Nonsense, Guinevere. Green will aways have my heart.” Arwen said, acting as if the insinuation was insulting as she threw her nose up into the air. Although she was unable to keep the act up for long before Gwen’s burst of laughter brought out Arwen’s own. “I’ve simply been told blue suits me.”

“And who was it that told you that?” Guinevere asked, a suggestive smile on her face which Arwen easily read. Although, she couldn’t really tell Gwen the truth. Yes, she’d been told such a thing, but the true reason for the change was embracing a part of herself she had been unaware of for a long time. “Not that it doesn’t suit you. It does.”

“Thank you, Gwen.” The redhead smiled down at her friend before continuing on as she felt the need to clarify an important point. “And don’t let your imagination run too wild. It wasn’t anyone in particular, and I certainly wouldn’t change the way I dress for a man.”

“Yes, that I don’t doubt.” Gwen let out a small laugh as she and Arwen started to climb up the steps leading to Morgana’s chambers. She could only imagine what torment Arwen would unleash on a man if he tried to make her change for his sake or benefit. “But I couldn’t help but notice that you’ve-“

Gwen never got to finish her comment as she pushed open the door to her lady’s chambers only to find someone other than Morgana inside. Seemingly trying on her jewellery. The sight had Arwen letting out a sharp cough to get her brother’s attention, Merlin spinning around to face the two women, a necklace handing from the hand at his throat.

“I’m not sure it suits you, Merlin.” Gwen joked, unable to resist a small giggle at the sight of him as he rushed around to put all the jewellery back in its place.

“It’s not… Uh… I wasn’t… I’ll just be going!” He fumbled around, unsure how to explain what he’d been doing without sounding like a lunatic either way. So he simply close to escape it altogether as he rushed past Gwen and his sister and out the door.

“Gwen, I had a lovely time, but now I’m afraid I have idiocy to deal with.” Arwen sent her friend a small smile, noting the amusement on Gwen’s face, grateful that she knew Merlin well enough to not even entertain the thought that he might’ve been stealing. “We should do it again when you have the time.”

“I’ll hold you to that. And the next time, I’ll be the one buying something for you.” The maid said, her pointed tone making Arwen send her one last glance as she made her way to the door, clearly communicating that she would have no such thing. But she didn’t make a verbal comment and instead just slipped out into the hall, following after her brother.

“So… Care to explain what that was about?” She asked as she fell into step beside him, watching as his cheeks tinted red and he remained quiet. “You know, Merlin, you can tell me anything. And sibling share. So if you ever wish to borrow my necklaces, I know they’re not as lavish as Morgana’s, but-“

“Oh, it wasn’t about the jewellery!” Her brother finally interrupted for the sake of bringing her teasing to an end. It made Arwen unable to resist laughing as his face now seemed redder than her hair. “I was in the library, and well, something happened…”

“You found your true calling as an actor and were then testing to see if feminine roles would suit you?” Arwen made her guess, another joke, as his voice trailed off. It earned her a glare, but it was entirely worth it for her own amusement.

“I’ll explain when we get to the chambers, alright? It’s best if Gaius is there too.” He grumbled out, the tone of his voice making Arwen’s amusement begin to disappear as she grew more serious.

“What have you done this time?!”

“Are you sure it was green?” Arwen questioned as she continued to flip through one of Gaius’ books on magical creatures, none she found so far turning out to be whatever Merlin had released from the secret room in the library. Trust her brother to play around with things he didn’t understand and unleash some kind of menace on the castle.

“Yes, Arwen. I’m sure.” He said in an exasperated voice, earning himself a small glare. One that he paid no mind to as he glanced down at the book only to have his hand reach forward before she could flip to another page. “That! That’s what it looked like!”

The announcement had both Gaius and Arwen now focusing on the pages. While Arwen read through the words, Gaius was quick to understand and his eyes turned back to Merlin again. “Seems you've unleashed a goblin.” The older physician commented.

“I know that face. That's not good, is it?” Merlin, not even bothering to do the actual reading to understand the creature and how to take care of it, simply went off of the expression he could see on the man’s face.

“It says here goblins are extremely mischievous creatures who often rely on trickery and deceit.” Arwen read out loud from the pages in front of her, moving on to the next paragraph which covered a goblin’s transformative abilities.

“Mischievous and dangerous.” Gaius added on, recalling all of his own knowledge on the creatures without having to read about them.

“Didn't seem dangerous.” Merlin pointed out.

“Because in the time since you saw this picture and didn’t bother to read the words accompanying it, you’ve become an expert on goblins?” Arwen questioned, her voice highly sarcastic, but ultimately the point was a fair one, even Merlin had to admit as much.

“Believe me, Merlin, goblins will stop at nothing to get their hands on the one thing they value above all others: gold.” Gaius said in a knowing tone. In conclusion, it was quite disastrous that one had been unleased in a castle where there was plenty of it. Someone was bound to notice.

“So, how do we-“ Arwen began to question how they could trap it again, only her words were interrupted as the door to the physicians’ chambers swung open and Arthur walked inside.

“Arwen, Gaius, you’re needed for a matter of great urgency and extreme delicacy.” The Prince’s words had both physicians sharing a concerned look between themselves, unsure of what to make of it.

“What is it?” Gaius asked, after all, in the privacy of his chambers, there was no one to overhear whatever this matter might be.

And although Arthur still remained unwilling to openly share the entire situation, he still said enough to get both physicians to stand at alert. “It’s my father.” He announced, not wasting a moment longer before he turned on his heel and began heading out the door again, expecting them to follow.

And while Gaius and Merlin did, Arwen thought of something in the last second. “Give me a moment.” She announced, rushing back into her bedroom, grabbing what she intended before making her way back out to the two, Merlin sending her a confused look.

“Is that wise?” He couldn’t help but question the decision which seemed to come out of blue.

“Well, compared to leaving it here for a goblin to find and drag around the castle where it may fall into the wrong hands, yes, I’d say it’s wise.” Arwen announced as she clasped the golden pendant around her neck before slipping it beneath the collar of her dress as they began to make their way through the halls. “If you haven’t noticed, the castle where everyone thinks I’d never show my face, is quite a good place to hide.”

“That is a rather good point.” Gaius whispered out, nodding his head in approval. If the goblin got its hands on the pendant, lord knows what he might do with it. Yes, goblins were known to protect and hold on to their gold quite meticulously, but it could also use the pendant for one of his havoc-causing tricks once it realized what the item was.

Their conversation was soon brough to an end, debate on whether Arwen’s decision was a smart one or not shelved for a later time if anyone wanted to discuss it further since they couldn’t do so once they caught up with Arthur. However, instead of continuing on and walking through the doors of the King’s chambers, the Prince turned back to them with a stern expression and a threatening finger pointed right at Merlin’s face.

“I should warn you, if you value your lives, do not even think about laughing.”

Arwen did value her life on most occasions. However, there were an exempt few where she knew simply throwing caution to the wind was inevitable. This was one of those occasions. Because while she’d done quite well enduring in Arthur’s presence, as soon as the three of them were done examining Uther and away from the sights of both royals, neither she nor Merlin could keep it in any longer.

“Did you see Uther's face?” Merlin whispered to Gaius and Arwen as chuckles continued to make his shoulders shake, hand covering his mouth so he wouldn’t attract too much attention as they walked through the halls back to the physicians’ chambers.

“Only an enchantment could cause Uther to lose his hair like that. I've no doubt the goblin is to blame.” Gaius, the only one of the three who at all times managed to remain composed as if the situation wasn’t amusing in the slightest, spoke in a pointed tone. “We must catch it before it does any more damage.”

“Well, it’s not that bad. It’s just some hair loss.” Merlin pointed out, unsure if it could truly be classified as damage.

At least until Gaius spoke again. “Merlin, what do you think Uther will do to the person responsible for releasing the goblin?” This time, his words managed to sober up both Ambrosius siblings from their amusement.

“We need to catch it.” Merlin announced quickly, and then sent Gaius a more hesitant look. “How do we do that?” He didn’t even know where to begin looking for it, much less how to catch it again once he found it.

“We need to set a trap. And for that we need gold, and plenty of it.” Gaius said wisely, making Arwen sent him somewhat of a disappointed look.

“And where do we get plenty of gold?” She asked, tone making it clear that there was little chance of that happening. Or at least she thought there was.

“Leave the gold to me.” Merlin, on the other hand, already had an idea. And that idea was what had him rushing off down the hall ahead of them before either of the physicians were given a chance to even attempt discussing it.

“What is he-“

“Gaius.” Arwen interrupted him before he could finish the question. “I think it’s best if we don’t ask and don’t know.”

“Yes, yes, plausible deniability. You’re right.” The man nodded his head in agreement. Even though Merlin hadn’t shared his idea, it wasn’t hard to imagine it being something that could land him in trouble sooner or later. Arwen only hoped he’d be smart about it.

A trail of gold coins stretched throughout the hall, leading all the way into an abandoned storage room in which Gaius, Arwen, and Merlin had boarded up all the openings and smallest of holes through which the goblin would have a chance to escape. And as they heard it gleefully admiring its spoils, oblivious to their trap, all three of them got ready to spring into action as soon as the creature was in their sights.

Gaius was the first to act once the green menace jumped into the room, slamming the door shut in its wake while Merlin sprung forward, a big and heavy sheet in his hands as he jumped on top of the goblin in an attempt to wrap it up and trap it. However, before he had the time, the buzzing and screeching continued as the creature put up a fight, turning into a firefly like ball of light and escaping the sheet.

It continued to fly around the room, circling their heads and evading pots and pans which Gaius and Arwen used in an attempt to seal it while it was small. However, they all continued to fail, Arwen stumbling as the goblin made her nearly smash into a shelf before Merlin jumped again, falling to the floor as he seemingly managed to catch it, the incessant buzzing finally coming to a pause.

Only when Merlin remained still for a few moments longer did they realize his attempt had been a failure, leaving both siblings looking around as they tried to spot the source of light and find where the creature had hidden. “Gaius, did you see where it went?” Merlin asked in an aloof voice.

“You let it escape, you stupid boy!” It was Gaius’ annoyed yell that had both the siblings snapping their eyes over to him in surprise. It was unlike Gaius to so openly lose his temper. “And you,” He turned on Arwen as well. “Just standing there like a sack of potatoes. Go after it! Both of you! Go! Shoo! Shoo!”

Even though they shared confused looks between themselves, Arwen and Merlin still did as instructed, walking out of the room and starting to scan the halls for any sign of the goblin and the destruction it might’ve left in its wake. Whatever had come over Gaius and his nerves in the face of this situation, Arwen suspected it was perhaps better that he go and get some rest instead of joining them. Surely, she and Merlin could deal with the goblin on their own.

“What in the world happened in here?!” Arwen questioned, her feet finding themselves frozen as soon as she and Merlin stepped through the door of the physicians’ chambers after hours of futile searching for the goblin within the halls of the castle.

“It's that pesky goblin!” Gaius shrilled in exasperation as he waved his hands at the mess which had been created in the chambers during their absence. “You let it escape and it's ransacked my premises! You've got some cleaning up to do.” The physician announced as he moved past them and towards the door, only turning back once he realized neither of them were doing anything as they continued to look around in shock. “Clean! Clean!”

“Where are you going?” Merlin questioned.

“I'm going to the tavern.” The announcement had the sibling’s shock only increasing.

“You never go to the tavern?” Arwen pointed out, although in her surprise, it sounded more like a question.

“Then I shall see what I've been missing.” Offering them a smile which seemed so unlike Gaius, the man didn’t spare any more explanation for the confused duo as he walked out the door of their chambers.

“What in the world has gotten into him?” Arwen couldn’t stop herself from asking as her eyes kept jumping between the door through which he’d disappeared and the mess which was left in his wake.

“Old age?” Merlin suggested. “Realizing he hadn’t lived his life to its fullest potential and wanting to do it all before it’s too late.”

“Shut up, Merlin.”

By the time she woke up the next morning, Arwen was relieved to find Gaius had returned to their chambers sometimes in the night. She and Merlin had both stayed up for quite a while waiting to make sure he’d get back alright, but ultimately, they managed to succumb to their own tiredness.

“Oof, you look terrible. How much did you drink last night?” Was the first thing Merlin said as they exited their bedroom to the accompanying sound of Gaius’ belching.

“And smell like the bottom of a barrel.” Arwen added on, her nose scrunching up

“You don't look so good yourself. What's your excuse?” Gaius levelled Merlin with an unimpressed look before it turned into a sickly-sweet smile, one which was clearly meant to be mocking, as he focused on Arwen. “And that perfume isn’t magic, my dear. It doesn’t work as well as you wish.”

“The answer to Merlin’s question is a lot.” Arwen concluded.

“Shh. Too much talking. I have a head like the inside of a drum, and a mouth like a badger's armpit.” Gaius grumbled at them in displeasure.

“Uh, badger's armpit?” Merlin questioned in disgust.

“At least his comparisons are still true to character.” Arwen shrugged her shoulders, moving back to her working table with the intentions of making something to ease Gaius’ hangover and hopefully make him more alike his old self.

“Make yourself useful. Go to the market and fetch my breakfast. Away! Go!” Gaius demanded of Merlin, making the boy send his sister another surprised look. “And you? Don’t you have a job? Or did I make a mistake in choosing you as my apprentice?”

“I was just about to-“

“Go!” The volume of Gaius’ voice had both Arwen and Merlin scrambling around and rushing for the door. If he was going to be like that, Arwen would let him make his own hangover remedies.

“If it’s only the cough it should pass soon enough, but if any other symptoms arise, come and see me.” Arwen said to a woman who had called on her because of a small cold that had been bothering her throughout the day, wanting to make sure it was nothing too serious.

“Thank you, Arwen. And again, I’m sorry for troubling you for such a little thing.” Magda’s apologetic tone had the redhead shaking her head almost instantly in a sign of reassurance. “I do, however, have one more question to ask you.”

“Of course, I’m here to help.” Arwen said as she stopped walking towards the door to hang back and answer whatever else Magda seemed to be curious about.

“Well, some of the people have been talking. And… This couldn’t be the sickness Gaius has been talking about, could it?” The question already had Arwen growing confused, but as more came, she found herself entirely lost. “And even if it isn’t, do you have the medicine he’s been giving people to prevent it? I have the money. It’s two gold coins, right? Jonah said that’s how much he paid.”

“I’m sorry… What?” Arwen didn’t sound like much of a physician in that moment, but with her own surprise clouding her mind, she couldn’t come up with a much better response.

“The disease. According to Gaius it acts extremely fast and is terribly deadly. Everyone’s been buying the medicine for the fear of contracting it.” Again, the explanation did nothing to help Arwen get past her confusion. At least not for a few long moments longer.

“Wait… and he’s been charging you money for this medicine? Two gold coins?” She questioned, starting to connect some of the pieces together even if it did sound entirely preposterous.

“Yes. People were surprised at first, but apparently some of the ingredients are quite expensive and with such demand, he’d be unable to make any more of it.”

“Magda, I’m sorry, I have to go… buy those ingredients. I completely forgot about this.” Arwen said in a rushed voice, spinning on her heel and rushing for the door. However, she paused just in time as she remembered one more detail. “And no, uh, you can’t… Anyone who’s already sick with something else can’t catch it. That’s how this new sickness works. Bye now!”

Rushing through the halls of the castle, Arwen had her eyes out and searching for two people in particular, not caring much for who she saw first. She was determined to get to the bottom of what was going on and why Gaius was speaking of some disease that she doubted even existed, and she needed to tell Merlin all about it as she hoped it was just some kind of miscommunication and goblin possession wasn’t a real thing.

However, just as she was about to turn down yet another hall, a sudden call of her name had Arwen forced to pause as she turned back. Plastering a smile on her face and acting as if nothing was wrong, she greeted Morgana and Guinevere as they approached her.

“I’m sorry to bother you when I’m sure you’re terribly busy, but I was wondering if you had any more of the medicine Gaius had given Gwen. I think it should be distributed in the castle too. So we can avoid it getting out of hand.” Morgana suggested, making it nearly impossible for Arwen’s eyes not to bulge out of her head.

“He sold some to you too?” She questioned Gwen in surprise.

“I’m sure if you told Uther about the disease, the king would be more than happy to ensure you have enough supplies to make the cure for everyone without having to pay for it yourselves.” Morgana added on. That was how they usually handles a quickly spreading illness. Especially one as bad as this one seemed to be based on the rumours which have spread in Gaius’ wake.

“I’ll see what I can do.” Arwen said, now more certain than ever. And she knew she couldn’t just explain the situation to them, especially not in front of Morgana. It would be throwing Gaius to the wolves and getting him in trouble when he wasn’t actually responsible for his own actions. “I’m sorry, I really do have to go now. I’ll, uh, get you the medicine, alright?”

“Of course, take your time. We’ll be in my chambers; I suspect it’s safest.” Morgana said, reaching over to give Arwen’s hand a comforting squeeze, thinking her odd behaviour was simply due to stress.

“I’ll see you both later.” Arwen said with a final nod, turning around and then back to them again. “And, uh, I’ll be the one to get the medicine to you. Gaius is… Uh… I discovered we need to add one more ingredient for full effect. So… I’ll do that now. Bye!”

Watching her rush off and disappear from sight, Gwen and Morgana shared an odd look amongst themselves, Gwen being the first to speak up. “Sometimes she and Merlin can be frighteningly alike.”

It was a comment that Arwen was unable to overhear as she was long gone by that moment, scampering through the halls as she made her way to the physicians’ chambers. She’d given up on searching and decided something needed to be done about the latest development in their problem. So, it was quite good when she spotted her brother heading her way from the opposite direction of the hall.

“You seem to be- Careful! Careful!” Merlin grumbled and panicked as she pulled on his arm with so much force he nearly tripped over his own feet and slammed down to the ground as he was forced to follow after her instead of doing whatever he had originally intended to.

“Fun newly discovered information about goblins: they can possess people.” Arwen announced to her brother as she dragged him along. She didn’t catch, but was more than able to imagine the picture of Merlin’s face at the revelation. And if he needed any further proof the sight of Gaius licking a set of gold coins as they rushed into the physicians’ chambers without announcing themselves would certainly be enough to convince him.

“You're the goblin!” And her brother was convinced!

“Have you lost your mind?” Gaius questioned as if the accusation was preposterous and Merlin was completely crazy for even entertaining it. But neither of the siblings were about to be fooled.

“No, but you have! Or at least it's been taken over.” Merlin spoke for the both of them.

“Don't be ridiculous.” The goblin continued to try and convince them they were wrong, but after what they’d just seen, paired with all the information Arwen hadn’t yet had a chance to relay, she knew that would be impossible.

“We know Gaius as well as we know each other, and you are not him.” Arwen accused, walking forward to confront him face to face, determined to demand he leave Gaius alone. Sooner or later, people would catch on to what he’s been doing and then Gaius would be the one in trouble. She couldn’t have that.

“Ah, you've got me.” The creature controlling their friend finally relented, seeming entirely unbothered by the fact that it had been discovered. “How d'you like my new body? It's a bit old and creaky, but it's ever so much fun.” Every word out of his mouth sounded like mocking.

“It's not your body, it's Gaius's.” Merlin stepped up next to his sister, his voice forceful and demanding. “What have you done with him?”

“He's still in here somewhere.”

“Gaius has done you no harm. Leave him.” Arwen tried to reason with the creature, tried to make it see sense and do what was right. But she should have remembered what she was dealing with.

“All right. You've convinced me.” The goblin announced, but even then, it was clear to Arwen he was simply ridiculing them once again. “On second thought, I think I'll stay where I am. I like it in here. The freedom, the gold, the beer. Did I mention the gold?”

“If you hurt Gaius…” Merlin hesitated for just a moment, Gaius smirking back at him as he noticed it too. But ultimately he went through with what it was that he intended to say. “I will kill you.”

“You'll be killing him.” The goblin said proudly. “You see the problem? I'm him, he's me. We're all jumbled up in here.” Believing himself untouchable, the goblin patted Merlin’s cheek before pushing himself between the siblings and walking past them and out the door once again, off to do God knows what.

“We need to find a way to get rid of that damned goblin.”

“And soon.”

As Arwen suspected, word began to spread over the castle about all the things and chaos Gaius… the goblin… had been causing. And it had gotten so out of hand that an emergency meeting of the council had been convened with Arthur reporting on all the trouble to the King (even though, based on the hat he was wearing, Uther was more than aware). “There have been instances of vandalism around the palace, as well as a number of thefts. I, myself, was a victim. Unfortunately, the thief managed to elude me.”

As Arthur paused, trying to hide his own embarrassment, a sudden sound echoed through the chambers and had all eyes turning to Gwen from who it had come. The shame was clear on her face, but she didn’t remain alone in it for long as the rather loud sound of farting came from Morgana next, a mortified expression consuming her features as all heard it.

In the tense silence which spread over the room, Arwen and Merlin couldn’t help but share a knowing look. The goblin was the cause of this, and they both knew it. It wasn’t hard to guess. With all the medicine he’d been handing out and pushing into people’s hands, it was clear he’d put something into it. Arwen had been hoping he’d simply be selling people water, but this was much worse.

“Double the guard. I want the perpetrator found.” Uther said after a couple of long moments of silence during which everyone awkwardly stared at anything but the two farting women. But then in the next second, their eyes suddenly jumped to their king as the same sound came from him.

“Yes, my Lord…” Arthur muttered out, an awkward expression on his face as the transpiring scene was quite hard to pretend wasn’t happening or to ignore.

Luckily, Uther was the one with the power to end it. “The council is dismissed!” The King yelled out in a panicked voice as more farting sounds came from all three of them. “Now!” He yelled, his voice even louder this time as people didn’t move instantly after his first command. This time, they took the hint. Arwen turned around, ready to walk off with her brother when Uther’s voice sounded again, forcing her to stay back while Merlin left. “Gaius, Arwen, is there anything you can do to treat this?”

Arwen took in a small sigh as she moved through the halls of the castle. She’d been tasked with helping Morgana, and had chosen to do the same with Gwen, for their cases of flatulence while Gaius, or better said the goblin, insisted on being the one to personally treat Uther at the King’s demand.

She could only hope the creature controlling Gaius hadn’t taken things too far and caused even more trouble for the older physician than it already has. But she had to believe that along with all of its trickery and penchant for mischief, the goblin was also smart. It said it liked being in Gaius’ body, so surely it wouldn’t want something to happen to the body its inhabiting.

“Arwen!” The sound of Arthur’s voice calling out to her from the hall adjacent to the one she’d been walking through had the redhead pausing in her steps to turn to him, curious eyes silently asking what he needed her for. Hopefully, it wouldn’t be something goblin related. “I need to speak with you, now.” He said, taking gentle hold of one of her arms and leading her off into one of the hidden alcoves of the hall.

“What’s going on, Arthur? Are you feeling unwell?” She questioned, eyes already looking him over for any sign of injury or sickness. She was happy to see he still had all of his hair, at the very least. However, as she finished her superficial examination and found nothing wrong, she let her eyes return back to his, only to grow confused. “Why are you looking at me like that?”

“It’s Merlin.” Arthur said, and just those words already sparked Arwen’s worry once again, prompting him to explain further before she could pose what must be a thousand worries and questions running through her mind. “According to Gaius, he’s been the one causing all the chaos around the castle… by use of magic. He’s been arrested.”

For a few moments Arwen was stunned into silence, Arthur’s blue eyes watching her as he waited for a reaction. He couldn’t be sure what it would be as he watched all kinds of emotions pass across her face. Worry and panic being the first, and he was ready to provide as much comfort as he could. But they didn’t remain for long before they were replaced by another.

“That damned goblin!” The way in which Arthur jumped at the volume of her voice wasn’t very manly of him, not that his shock made it even possible to focus on that. “When I get my hands on that vile, little hell-beast I’m going to wring its green neck so hard-“

“Arwen!” His hands settling on her shoulders, Arthur finally managed to get the woman to snap out of her anger and focus on him again. “What are you talking about?” He couldn’t deny that her particular choice of words, goblin specifically, had managed to get his attention indeed.

“Gaius is not himself, he’s been possessed by a goblin. And I know it’s a bit of a shock but if you’d just… Why don’t you look surprised?” At first Arwen began to explain the situation which they’d thus far been hiding, however, the longer she went on, her eyes watching Arthur to see how he’d react, she noticed that there was rather a lack of reaction on his face.

“Merlin… Used the same argument.” Arthur gave out a small sigh. In that particular moment, the many times Arwen had scolded him in the past for not listening to what either she or Merlin were tyring to tell him ran through his mind as he realized he’d done it again. Arwen wasn’t present for Merlin’s accusations when he was brought before his father to be judged. There was no way for her to know which story he’d given as an excuse. And yet she was now giving the same one.

“Because it’s the truth… Please, Arthur, for the love of God, tell me you listened!”

“He… He made the claims but didn’t have any proof.” Arthur said, regret filling his voice. But even though she’d heard it, the anger she felt in that moment made Arwen aware only of the red filling her vision.

Because of it, she stepped out of his hold, turning her back to the Prince and briskly walking off without a word. She deemed it better than saying something she might come to regret at a later time. Even as she heard his calls of her name behind her and the steps with which he tried to follow before she disappeared.

It wasn’t hard, however, to guess where she was going, so it was somewhat lucky that Arthur didn’t. It left her to deal with the goblin all on her own as she stormed through the doors of the physicians’ chambers. She watched as Gaius’ face turned to look at her, a smile painted across his lips as he opened them to most likely let out a new mocking call. But she didn’t let him.

“You’re going to leave Gaius body, and then I’m going to kill you for what you’ve done.” She spat in anger, as she came to stand in front of the familiar man who was now someone entirely different.

“Ah, but you’re forgetting. You’d be killing Gaius too.” He pointed out, awfully pleased with himself. Only problem was that Arwen knew that and still made her threats.

“And you’re forgetting that if you insist on continuing to control him and never letting him go, then the person standing in front of me is not Gaius.” She said, her voice as cold as ice just like the glare in her eyes. “And I have no qualms about killing you if either way I’m never getting him back.” She was bluffing, absolutely and entirely bluffing, but by the paling of his skin, she had to assume it was still convincing enough.

“But how will you do that if you can’t find me?” The response was one she didn’t expect though, and it left her confused just long enough for the goblin to spring into action. His hands grabbed something from the table behind him, and before Arwen had any chance to stop him or duck out of the way, he threw some kind of powder right into her face, making her sputter and cough as she tried to catch her breath after inhaling it and feeling it sting in her lungs. And the goblin used that time to run past her and out into the halls.

Reaching for the pitcher of water, Arwen poured herself a glass as she regained her ability to inhale air properly without feeling the grains of whatever he’d thrown making their way through her system. But as she waited for a few more moments, and all effects passed, she was surprised to find it hadn’t actually done anything to her. Well… She wasn’t farting yet, at least.

“Damned goblin.” She grumbled out to herself as she moved further into the chambers. Instead of wasting time, which Merlin didn’t have much of left, chasing the goblin around the castle and trying to convince it with words to leave Gaius’ body, she began searching through all the books they’d been using before, trying to find anything she could about more efficient methods of forcing it to do so. Before it was too late.

It was long into the night as Arwen, having taken refuge in the library and away from the physicians’ chambers (allowed to be there even after closing for the price of helping treat Geoffrey’s ailing leg), continued to research goblins and methods of dealing with them.

It was just her luck that the book which seemingly held most information about them was written in a language which she couldn’t read or understand, leaving her with shorter and smaller bits of information continuously gathered from various different sources. And so far, she’d managed to find absolutely nothing.

And the fact that she could feel her eyes beginning to close on their own accord as a lack of sleep began to take its toll certainly wasn’t helping. However, what did help was the sound of warning bells suddenly ringing through the air, shattering the silence of the night around her.

Head snapping up from the hand which had been holding it up, she grew alert once more as she heard guards beginning to rush through the halls of the castle. Moving closer to the exit of the library, she didn’t make her presence known, but simply listened in as they called out to each other. At first the words were muffled until the men grew closer and rushed past the doors of the library, calling out the main message of why the bells were ringing.

“The prisoner’s escaped!”

“Well done, Merlin.” Arwen whispered to herself with a proud smile on her face. She knew he’d do it, of course. And it wasn’t the first time he had to. She knew he’d be able. But now she had to figure out where he’d gone to hide. He couldn’t go to the physicians’ chambers, the risk of Gaius/the goblin being there and simply turning him right back over to the guards was too high. And staying in the castle without help was much too risky.

Trying to think like her brother would, Arwen began to think of all the other places he might know as she snatched up her cloak and threw it around her shoulders before heading back to the door. Pulling the hood over her head, she’d made sure that the hall was clear before making her way outside. Walking as quickly as she could, she evaded guards and knights as she made her way through the corridors, her mind running a mile a minute until she ultimately decided what her first stop would be.

There was chance of Merlin hiding there, or at the very least it would be a useful place for Arwen to seek shelter as she knew it wouldn’t be long before guards came snooping around her, trying to discover if she’d helped her brother or knew where he was hiding. If she wanted the time and space to figure out how to help Gaius, her brother, and put an end to the menacing goblin, she couldn’t have knights shadowing her every move.

And so Arwen made her way out of the castle and towards the lower town, speedy steps making her journey to Guinevere’s house a rather quick one as she stuck to the shadows. She could see that the lights were off, but even then, the light of the moon made shadows evident through the window. And even if she didn’t light a candle, Arwen could see Gwen was awake.

Waiting until a new set of guards passed through the area, Arwen made sure they were gone before she rushed across the street and gave a sharp knock on Gwen’s door. “It’s Arwen.” She whispered out as loudly as she could, letting her friend know it was safe to open the door. Which Gwen did only seconds after her call came, ushering her inside. And once she found herself standing in Gwen’s house, Arwen let her eyes focus on the second person standing at the table. “Merlin, good to see you again.”

“How’d you know this is where I’d- Aaaah!” Merlin’s screech had Arwen pause the process of taking off her cloak to send him a confused look. She did the same with Gwen who, a second later, gave out a shocked gasp. “What happened to you?!”

“What are you prattling on about? I’m perfectly- Aaaah!” Arwen began dismissing the question, about to scold her brother for making childish jokes at a time like this. At least until Gwen pushed a small mirror into her hands. And even without the light of a candle Arwen could soon easily spot what had caused their reactions. “Is that… Blue? Did that atrocity turn my hair blue!?”

“Maybe it’s, uh… Maybe it’s black? And the night just makes it seem blue?” Merlin tried to offer a different possibility, even though her hair was now very clearly blue. Very, very blue.

“Fix it.” Arwen turned to her brother, a new sense of urgency in her eyes, but as his own glanced to Gwen she realized she’d have to endure it at least a little bit longer. Oh lord, had she gone to Geoffrey looking like that? Moved through the castle looking like that? No, no, Geoffrey would have said something, surely? But when did the goblin even… the powder. That was what the powder had done. It had to be. “We need to get rid of that goblin.”

As morning came, guards continued to patrol the lower town, searching every corner in an attempt to find Merlin while he and Arwen continued to hide away in Gwen’s house. While she herself had to go to work in the castle, Gwen had reassured them it was fine to stay there. If anything, it was better since most guards would know she wasn’t home, and with the door locked, they couldn’t search the home. As long as neither Arwen nor Merlin gave any indication someone was inside, it was the perfect place to hide.

“We need to force the goblin out of Gaius.” Merlin announced in a determined voice as he lifted the curtain to spare a glance out the window at the searching guards. Perhaps Gwen’s house was safe for now, but sooner or later, someone will come up with the idea to look here too.

“And how do we do that?” Arwen asked in a somewhat exasperated tone, indirectly reminding him of what she’d shared about all the research she’d done.

“I don't know. I'll try to sneak back to Gaius's chambers. Maybe I can find something in one of his books that you didn’t.” He suggested as he stepped away from the window again, coming to join her as they stood together at the table.

“Maybe it’s better I do that? After all, they’re not looking for me, I can move around the castle freely.” Arwen pointed out, as much as it pained her to do so and volunteer for the job.

“Well, you’ve been gone all night. I think, by now…” Merlin’s voice trailed off, but he’d said enough for Arwen to come to the same conclusion about her situation as he had.

“They think I’m involved in your escape.” She finished for him, giving out a small sigh before she ultimately saw a perk in that as well. “Well, I can’t lie and say I’m not happy to stay hidden away in here.”

“About that…” While he’d made it clear she was probably a target for the guards as much as he was, from the tone of his voice, it was clear that didn’t exclude Arwen from whatever plan he had on his mind. “We need to convince Arthur. Maybe if you speak to him, he might listen to you.”

“You expect me to go to Arthur? Looking like this?” Arwen questioned in disbelief, the idea clearly the last thing she wanted to do. “Merlin, my hair is blue. I can’t go anywhere near Arthur.”

“It’s not that bad.” He tried to reassure her only to be on the receiving end of a look that made it clear just how much she disagreed with that sentiment. “We’ll fix it. I’m sure once we get can go back to our chambers I’ll know what to do.” Since Gwen left, he’d tried a couple of spells but aside from one which only made the colour a darker shade of blue, nothing helped. Merlin needed his book on magic to be able to reverse this.

“Merlin, I can’t just… I look like a freak.”

“Oh, come on, it doesn’t matter how you look. Not to Arthur.” Merlin said with a small smile on his face that she’d come to grow familiar with as of late. And it only made Arwen roll her eyes at him.

“Don’t start with-“ She tried to put an end to the teasing, but he didn’t even let her finish.

“If Arthur likes you, he likes you for you.” Merlin said confidently. “Trust me, your looks aren’t spectacular enough to ignore your personality.”

“Maybe I’ll just wring your neck instead of the goblin’s.” Arwen pointed a threatening finger at her brother who couldn’t resist laughing at his own teasing.

But once he sobered up, he repeated the same words, showing that even despite the joking, he still meant them and believed them. “If Arthur likes you,” And he knew that he did. “He likes you. Hair or no hair.”

“Merlin, I’ve still got hair.” Arwen pointed out, lifting a strand of blue and dramatically waving it through the air around them before she let it drop again, her expression painted with revulsion as she spared a glance at it.

“Then you’ll talk to him?”

Arwen knew she couldn’t linger out in the halls for too long. But still, she couldn’t bring herself to knock on the door and go through it either. One moment she’d build up the courage and raise her hand, and then because of it her hood would shift, and she’d catch a glimpse of blue which made her instantly back down.

“Okay, you’re a princess for crying out loud. You’re leading a kingdom. You can face a man, even if it is the man you have feelings for, while having blue hair. At least it matches my dress.” Arwen ranted to herself in silent whispers, taking a few deep breaths before she forced herself to knock, knowing once it was done, there was no going back. “Arthur, may I come in?”

For a few long moments, her call was met only with silence, making her glance around in a confused manner. According to Merlin, he should be in his chambers at this time. But with all that was going on, Arwen realized there was a chance he was off somewhere else. And still, she called his name one last time, a little bit louder this time in case he hadn’t heard her. And again, she received no response. She turned away, about to walk off when a noise from the other side of the door made her pause.

“Arthur?” She questioned, knowing someone was surely inside and had heard her calling the Prince’s name as another sound reached her ears. It almost sounded like some kind of groaning, making her brows furrow as she pushed the door open and made her way inside to check on him, worried something might be wrong.

Her first sign of it was a broken pot lying in the centre of the room while Arthur himself was nowhere to be seen. Adjusting the hood on her head, Arwen continued to move further into the prince’s chambers, soon spotting a figure hiding on the other side of the bed as she made her way over.

Arwen was worried she might find him injured or sick. What she wasn’t expecting was the sight which had her letting out a shocked gasp, hand reaching up to cover her mouth in surprise as her eyes met his. But it was impossible to keep hold of them as she found herself glancing, and trying not to stare, at his… more prominent features.

“What’s happened to you?” She questioned in a stunned voice, eyes glued to the donkey ears adorning his head. She didn’t think it could get worse. And then it did. Arthur began to answer her question, only it wasn’t words, at least not human words, leaving his mouth. He brayed and he brayed, hands wildly gesturing to his head and ears before he too finally realized she couldn’t understand any of what he was saying. Not that she really needed to. “Did Gaius do this to you?”

Once again, Arthur gave out a short string of honks, a donkey-like confirmation that her suspicions were right. And if Arwen were to wager a guess, she assumed this happened because he’d finally tried to listen to what she and Merlin had told him. That’s why he couldn’t talk now. “He’s a goblin.” She noted, tone somewhat pointed and earning her another bray of exasperation.

He looked so miserable that she couldn’t stop herself from kneeling down on the floor beside him, hand reaching out and scratching behind his ear as one would a horse to comfort it. “You poor thing.” She sympathised watching as he seemed to relax, head leaning into her hand before he realized what he was doing and jumped back with an awfully loud exclamation.

The surprise of it had Arwen herself startling, nearly losing her footing as she swayed. But she’d managed to lean back, catching herself with her hand on the floor only to be shocked again as Arthur’s own shocked braying sounded. This time he wasn’t pointing at his own head but hers making Arwen realize that in all of the sharp movements the hood had managed to slip off her head.

“Yes, well, uh… Gaius.” She gave a short explanation, scrambling back up to her feet as she began to retreat as quickly as possible while adjusting her hood and hiding the hair beneath it again. “We’ll find a way to fix this, alright? Merlin’s working on a plan.” She announced, trying to offer some reassurance only to have the prince let out a doubtful honk as he glared at the floor. “I’ll… Be back.” And before he could let out another, Arwen was running out the door of the prince’s chambers, ready to let the ground swallow her whole.

Gwen’s house was entirely silent as Arwen finished telling both Merlin and Guinevere herself, who’d been released from her duties for the day as Morgana wished for some privacy, about what had happened when she went to speak with Arthur. It was safe to say neither were expecting the news with which she came back.

“Arthur's a donkey?”

“He has the ears of a donkey.” Arwen corrected her brother quickly. She could only imagine how much he’s going to tease the prince about it once all returned to normal again. “And when he speaks… Well… He's braying.”

“He's...braying?”

Arwen nodded her head in confirmation before another short silence lapsed over them. It was broken once Merlin burst out laughing, Gwen herself unable to hold back a few giggles at the picture in her head. “It’s not funny.” Arwen attempted to scold them, however, as soon as she stopped pressing her lips together to speak, a smile came over her own face.

“No. No, no, of course not.” Merlin pretended to agree, laughter still making his shoulders shake as he spoke. “Arthur with the ears of a donkey, what's funny about that?”

“He just looked so pitiful. I've never seen Arthur look like that.” Arwen said. Alright, so maybe it was just slightly funny, but she also had to feel for him. After all, she was running around the city with embarrassingly blue hair. And that wasn’t nearly as bad as donkey ears.

“Well, then you might be happy to know we’ve found something.” Gwen announced, and for a moment, Arwen was relieved with the news. But then she caught sight of the looks on both of their faces.

“It says here that…” Merlin finally turned serious once again, putting his hand on top of the book opened up in front of him that he’d snatched from the physicians’ chambers. “If the host body dies, the goblin dies with it. So, if Gaius is dying, the goblin will be forced to leave him.”

“You want to kill Gaius?” Arwen asked in surprise. This turned out to be the solution one too many times for her liking; killing someone they didn’t want to kill for the sake of fixing an entirely different problem.

“Just briefly.” Merlin tried to ease the severity of it all. “Once the goblin's out of Gaius, we have to trap it in a box lined with lead. It's the only container that will hold it.” He added on the next step, making Gwen and Arwen share dubious looks between themselves.

“Where do we get a box lined with lead?” Guinevere asked in a confused tone.

But while the two women seemed unsure of where such a thing could be found, Merlin was entirely confident. “Leave that to me.” In his eyes, that was the easiest part of their plan. “You just go to the physician’s chambers and deal with the poison and antidote.” He added on, both Arwen and Gwen nodding their heads in acceptance of the task, knowing Arwen was the best person for it. And so, with the plan made, all three of them began to gather their things and make their way out of Gwen’s house, ready to put it in motion and hope for the best.

“Hurry up!”

Gwen stood at the door of the physicians’ chambers, keeping watch of the outside halls while Merlin poured the poison over the goblin’s chest of gold and jewellery as Arwen corked the bottle of antidote once she finished making it. “It’s done.” She announced once she was sure it was done. “As soon as the goblin's out of Gaius, we must give him the antidote. We only have a few seconds or Gaius will, you know, die.”

“He's coming!” Gwen called out warningly, closing the door and rushing back into the chambers, following Arwen up the steps and into the bedroom while Merlin scurried to put the chest back in its place before joining them. All three hid behind the door, leaving it slightly ajar as they watched the goblin enter the chambers.

Not noticing their presence and thinking it was alone, the goblin instantly made its way to the chest of gold. Putting it on the table and lifting the lid, it began greedily grabbing and licking all the coins stored inside, making Arwen hold back a disgusted gag. That was one thing she had no intention of telling Gaius the goblin did while in his body. Just the thought of all the bacteria made her feel like she was getting sick and she wasn’t even the one licking them.

“Ugh, that's disgusting.” Gwen whispered in distaste, and while both Merlin and Arwen agreed with her, they also had to admit it was what they expected. Which is why it came as no surprise when the goblin suddenly stopped, a shocked expression coming over Gaius’ face as his legs began to give in and stumble.

“You've poisoned me. You poisoned Gaius!” The goblin called in surprise as the trio came out of their hiding spots, Merlin at the front with the box ready in his hands. They didn’t want to miss their opportunity to trap the creature once and for all before it got out again and possessed someone else.

“Leave his body while you still can!” The boy called a warning.

And, knowing it had no other choice, the goblin did exactly that. Arwen could clearly see as the familiar orb of golden light flew out of Gaius’ ear and the annoying buzzing and yipping of the goblin’s usual voice returned as it flew right for them, while behind him Gaius’ body fell to the floor.

“Give him the antidote!” Merlin called out to his sister while he opened the led lined box and began trying to grab the goblin inside of it. Arwen didn’t need to be told twice, her legs already carrying her towards Gaius’ unconscious body. However, she didn’t get far before the goblin flew into her face, evading Merlin and attacking her at the same time.

It made her stumble to the side, hip hitting the table and sending the vial of antidote flying from her hand along with all the bottles and potions which had been set out on the table already. “No, no, no.” She mumbled to herself, Gwen rushing over to kneel down with her as they searched for the right bottle while Merlin continued to deal with the goblin as it evaded and evaded him.

“Is it this one?” Gwen asked, lifting up a bottle of creamy white liquid to which Arwen shook her head.

“It’s white and clear, liquid like water.” Arwen described, fingers grabbing, picking and throwing bottles until she was distracted again as the goblin, in an attempt to stop them from helping Gaius buzzed around her. Only, Arwen didn’t have the patience for the creature. “Bugger off!” She yelled at the thing, grabbing hold of one of the books that had fallen from the table and smashing it into the golden orb, sending it spiralling through the air back to Merlin.

It wasn’t long after that she heard the creature’s muffled voice groaning and moaning from within the box. “Oh, no let me out, I promise I won't do it again.” She wasn’t sure whether it was her good aim or Merlin’s own doing that had managed to trap him again, but she didn’t care either.

“Merlin, we can’t find the antidote!” Gwen called out, her panic starting to consume her while Arwen looked through the bottles and even around the room, making sure to check beneath some of the cupboards in case the reason they couldn’t find it was because it had rolled beneath something when they weren’t looking.

Merlin rushed over, falling down on his knees beside Gwen and starting his own search until he plucked out one of the bottles. “I think it's this one.” He announced, Arwen turning to look at it and only shaking her head, making him go looking again. “This one!”

“No, wait!” His sister called out instantly, not wanting Merlin to rush off and give Gaius the wrong thing as she finally spotted the bottle they needed. The reason she’d been unable to find it because, as she suspected, it wasn’t among all the others but had slid and hid in a different place. “Prop his head up.” She instructed instantly.

And as Merlin and Gwen did as told, moving over to know kneel beside Gaius, Arwen stuck her hand under the closet, fishing and digging for a few moments before her fingers finally grazed the bottle she’d seen and she rolled it out towards her. Once it was finally in her grasp, she ran over to Gaius, uncorking it along the way and beginning to pour the contents down his throat as soon as she was close enough.

However, even then, nothing seemed to happen. Gaius eyes remained closed as the bottle ran out, and all the three of them could do was wait and hope. “Are you sure that was the antidote?” Gwen couldn’t help but ask in a desperate tone.

“I’m sure.” Arwen nodded her head, beginning to fear they’d administered it too late. “Come on, Gaius, please, just wake up!” She called out, trying to reach him and shaking his shoulder in an attempt to garner a reaction.

“Come on, you stubborn old goat!” Merlin pleaded as well.

However, the longer nothing happened, the more hope was lost. Arwen’s eyes began to pool with tears, thinking they’d failed to save him. But then, finally, Gaius’ voice sounded, so quiet that she’d nearly missed it. “Who are you calling an old goat?” The question had all of them letting out relieved laughs as they crowded around him.

“We nearly killed you and that is what you choose to focus on?”

As soon as Gaius was well enough and the antidote had cleared up any symptoms of the poison, he himself insisted on requesting a meeting with the king so they could quickly clear up the last of the goblin-caused trouble, although much of it had already disappeared on its own once the goblin was trapped in the box again. Arwen’s, hair being one of them, thank heavens.

“You mean to tell me it was you who was responsible for the, er...baldness, the flatulence, the boils, and Arthur's donkey ears?” Uther questioned in surprise as Gaius stood before him, having owned up to all the things the goblin had done while in control of his body.

Standing by her brother, Arwen reached over and lightly smacked his chest when he let out a small chuckle once Uther’s list finished. She didn’t miss the way Arthur, who’d so far been scratching at his own ear, stopped himself in surprise at the mention of his own infliction. But now was not the time to laugh about it.

“I fear I was, My Lord. Or at least the goblin was while I was possessed by it.” Gaius said honestly.

“Magic has the power to corrupt even the most honourable of men.” Uther nodded his head, seeming to understand. Or rather accept the explanation of his physician even though, based on the look on his face, he understood none of it.

“Indeed. Though, I must assure you that Merlin was entirely innocent.” Gaius added on. “He and Arwen simply discovered what was happening, and the goblin tried to frame them for it.”

“Then he is pardoned.” Uther’s announcement had Arwen letting out a small breath of relief, happy to find that Uther would be punishing no one for what had happened. “However, next time something like this happens,” The king added on, his eyes turning to the two siblings. “I expect to be informed immediately.”

“Of course, Sire. We were merely trying to protect Gaius from getting blamed.” Arwen spoke in an apologetic voice, Uther once again nodding his head in acceptance. She was happy he didn’t hold it against them too badly.

And if he had any intentions of saying anything else on the matter, he didn’t get the chance before a loud grumble from the shaking box made everyone’s eyes turn to it where it stood at Gaius’ feet. “May I suggest it is kept where no one will ever open it?” The older of the two physicians spoke.

And Uther wasn’t going to put up any protest to that. “See that it's placed in the vaults.” He instructed his son eagerly, Arthur nodding his head in understanding. “Gaius...do you know who was responsible for releasing the goblin in the first place?” The King’s question had the two physicians and Merlin sharing a small look between themselves. Of course, they knew.

But Uther didn’t have to. “I'm afraid I've no idea, My Lord.” Gaius said innocently. And luckily, maybe the goblin was useful for something after all, because just as his words finished, the creature rumbled and grumbled again, providing them ample distraction for Uther to entirely let the matter go.

“Now! Secure it now!”

Everything was finally back to normal. The knights were free of their boils. Arthur no longer brayed or had donkey ears. The king’s baldness was cured. No one was farting up a storm. And Arwen’s hair was back to its usual red colour which she’d missed so much. Although, she still found herself checking just in case as she moved through the halls of the castle.

It was because of that, distracted as she pulled up a strand of her own hair as if she were a vain courtier, she nearly ran straight into the chest of the prince who’d been walking through the hall from the opposite direction. “Apologies, my Lord.” She said quickly, eyes wide as she stared up at him.

“It’s quite alright.” He said in the same awkward tone as she, neither of them clearly sure on what to do or how to act after everything. And so, Arthur suggested the best solution he could think of. “The, er...events of the last few days, I, er...I think it would be best if we...never spoke of them.”

“What events?” Arwen asked almost instantly, pretending as if she hadn’t a clue what he meant by that. For a moment, the prince sent her a confused look before he realized what she was doing.

“Exactly. It's...it's been entirely uneventful.” Arthur nodded his head with a small smile on his face, happy to have the matter resolved and forgotten.

“Boring even, some might say.” Arwen agreed. But once it was clear they were on the same page about that, a new silence fell over them as they continued to look at each other.

And while at first he’d been focused on her eyes, Arthur couldn’t stop his eyes from drifting to her hair, despite their agreement to act as if the incidents caused by the goblin never happened. That fiery red colour he liked so much. In truth, it was one of his favourite things about her.

Because it made it possible for him to easily find her in any crowd. Even when his eyes weren't supposed to be seeking her out, but he couldn't resist as he hoped to catch but a glimpse of her smile at least from a distance. He knew the bright blue shade would have perhaps made finding her even easier, but it didn't suit her. Arwen's red hair was like her personality, bright and blazing. And he wouldn't have it any other way.

“Arthur.” Arwen’s silent grumble managed to get him to snap out of his thoughts, his eyes finally returning to meet hers and realizing he’d clearly been caught staring.

“I’m simply admiring how lovely you look.” He said gently, the awkwardness now gone from his voice as he watched a small smile spread over her face. Knowing things would be fine and forgotten, he gave her a final nod. “I should get to training.” With that announcement, the prince began walking off. And as he did, Arwen found her eyes still glancing towards him as she herself began to move. As he did to her, their eyes meeting with one final smile before both disappeared from each other’s sights.

Chapter Text

Arwen liked all aspects of her job really, but depending on the time and place, she often had some which she preferred. When she was in need of a distraction, tending to patients and helping others was the perfect choice. But at times when she needed to think, brewing and mixing remedies in the peace and quiet of the physicians’ chambers was always her preferred task.

A week ago, Arwen had organised another raid of Uther’s tax wagons, and based on the council meeting they’d had yesterday, it had gone of without a hitch. And yet, in the latest message passed along by Cassian, Edmund had insisted on coming to deliver an update in person. It wouldn’t be too suspicious as he claimed he was coming for the mêlée. And still, Arwen couldn’t help but note his visits would usually have more time between them.

It made her worry that something might’ve happened. But with her position on the council, she would know by now. Even if it was as simple as a single casualty, it would have been discussed. And yet, according to the report which the knights had delivered, the ‘bandits’ which stole the taxes all got away having rendered the knights unconscious.

There were barely even any injuries on other side. The only somewhat concerning bit was the information that one of the bandits seemed to have been using magic. Something Arwen didn’t find too surprising considering more and more sorcerers had been coming to Lord Warren to offer help and join the cause.

“Arwen!” Gaius’ call had the woman snapping out of her thoughts, eyes jumping over to him to see the expectant look on his face. This wasn’t the first time he’d tried to get her attention, that much was clear.

“Sorry, Gaius, I just got distracted for a bit. What do you need?”

“Simply to point out that if you were to stir that paste any more you’ll make it a liquid.” The older physician pointed out, making Arwen give out a small laugh as she realized he was right. Any lumps of ingredients had certainly been smoothed out by now. “Your thoughts, anything you wish to talk about?”

“Oh, it’s alright. I’m just wondering what Edmund-“

“Gaius! Arwen!” The sudden call of Arthur’s voice as the door to the physicians’ chambers sprung open had the both of them turning instantly, watching as he and Merlin carried in an unconscious man. “We need your help.”

“Take him in there. Go on, go on.” Gaius quickly instructed, grabbing his medical bag off of the table as he ushered the two into Merlin and Arwen’s bedroom. “What happened to him?” He questioned as the physicians followed after them.

“He’s been stabbed in the leg.” Merlin explained as he and Arthur set the man down on Merlin’s bed. “And he fell too, hit his head pretty hard.” He added, Gaius and Arwen sharing a look between themselves as they silently listed all the things that needed to be done.

“You check the head injury, I’ll treat the leg.” Gaius instructed, Arwen nodding her head as she moved past Arthur and to the man’s side. “Merlin, fetch me some fresh water, towels, a needle, and silk thread.”

“And honey?” Merlin asked.

“You're learning.” Gaius marvelled, while Arwen could only fix her brother with an impressed look. To think, he usually constantly whined and refused to listen whenever they tried to talk to him about science.

“It helps fight the infection.” Arwen explained to Arthur as she caught sight of his confused face when Merlin ran out into the main chambers. Reaching for her medical bag which hung by her own bed, Arwen turned to finally get to work. “Could you help me move him a bit to the side. Careful with the leg.”

Arthur did as she asked, doing the job himself before stepping away again and letting Arwen sit down on the edge of the bed, her hand reaching out to brush away some of the man’s long hair out of his face so she could properly see the injury by his hairline. “Oh…” She muttered out, surprise slightly taking over her expression as she finally got a good look at the man’s face.

“What’s the matter?” Arthur asked instantly, making Arwen notice that both he and Gaius, as well as Merlin who’d just walked back into the bedroom, now had their eyes focused on her because of the reaction she let slip out.

“It’s… Nothing. It’s nothing.” Arwen shook her head dismissively, ignoring all the questions in her mind as she got to work on cleaning the small gash at the top of his head. It wasn’t too bad or deep, she suspected the worst consequence would be a minor concussion if not only a wound which would heal in short time.

“Will he be alright?” Arthur questioned, clearly worried about the patient for whatever reason.

“Providing he's strong.” Gaius said as he cleaned the leg wound.

“He's that, alright.” Arthur announced, neither he nor Gaius noticing the way Arwen nodded her head in agreement. Her brother, however, did. And couldn’t help but wonder why she was acting as if she knew the stranger. “The man saved my life, Gaius. He's to be given anything he needs.” With that, Arthur turned back and walked out of the chambers, leaving the physicians to their jobs.

And once the prince was gone, Arwen didn’t hesitate in turning to her brother. “So, care to explain what fresh hell you three got up to?”

By the time the next morning rolled around, Arwen found herself in the main chamber, sitting at the table as she ate breakfast while watching her brother pile food onto the tray in front of him. “Do you think he’ll be awake by now?” He asked her curiously, Arwen nodding her head as to avoid speaking with her mouth full.

“If he isn’t, do try to wake him.” She said, knowing it would be best to see what the patient himself would say about how he was feeling. It would best help her judge his state aside from what she and Gaius had been able to deduce on their own in the night before. “Gently, Merlin!”

Although, as her brother eagerly opened the door, Arwen could hear the sounds of stirring not long followed by a familiar voice which let her know that there would be no need for Merlin’s cheery wake-up calls. “What am I doing in this bed?”

“You were wounded. Arthur wanted to make sure you were treated by his physician.” Merlin explained as he set the breakfast tray down on the nightstand beside his bed.

“Arthur?” Gwaine asked in a confused voice, not remembering the name or the man.

“Prince Arthur. You saved his life.”

The announcement had the patient letting out a small scoff as he adjusted the pillow behind him. “If I'd known who he was, I probably wouldn't have.” He said, explaining further once he saw the confused look on Merlin’s face. “He's a noble. There’s only ever been one noble I liked, and let me tell you, she’s much prettier than your prince of… Camelot.” Gwaine trailed off for a moment, mind starting to think of something else Merlin had said. “You said it was Arthur’s physician I was treated by?”

“Yes, and don’t worry. Your leg will be perfectly alright soon enough. Gaius is one of the best. He knows what he’s doing.” Merlin reassured him, the happy and friendly smile back on his face.

“He…” Gwaine muttered out, brows furrowed as he gave it some more thought. Not that he had to do so for long.

Not when a familiar voice spoke up from the door to the room and had both men turning to look at the redhead standing there. “Careful there Gwaine, one might suspect you got hurt simply for the chance to see me again.” Arwen teased with a smirk on her face.

“It is certainly a price worth paying.” The man smirked back, propping his head up against the wall with an arm to support it.

“I knew it! You know each other!” Merlin exclaimed suddenly, quite proud of himself for guessing it on his own simply from Arwen’s reactions when they’d brought Gwaine to Camelot.

“It is good to see you again, Arwen.” The man said with a smile, the sentiment clearly a genuine one making Merlin grow somewhat more curious.

“You too, Gwaine.” And his sister seemed to share it as she moved over to sit on the edge of her own bed. “Although I would have liked it to be on better circumstances.” She added, a pointed look sent to the patient.

“He will be fine, though, won’t he?” Merlin couldn’t help but ask, knowing Arthur was hoping they’d be able to save the man who saved him.

“Yes, he’ll make a full recovery.” Arwen nodded her head. Observing him as they spoke let her see that, aside from some discomfort and pain, the man was clearly in good spirits and quickly regaining his strength. She too was happy to see it.

“Good. You're a hero, you know? The King wants to thank you in person.” Merlin continued on, expecting Gwaine to show the same excitement on such a matter as he only to have the man choke on the water he had begun to drink moments before.

“Please, no. I've met a few kings. Once you've met one, you've...you've met them all.” He said in a dismissive tone, returning the cup to the tray as he shook his head. Until his eyes turned to Arwen and felt the need to add more. “Queens though… they’re a different story.”

Merlin prescribed it as a line, Gwaine seeming to be full of them, and didn’t notice the amused glare his sister sent to the man as he tried to convince him. “He'll probably give you a reward.”

“I'm not interested. Besides,” Gwaine continued to be stubborn on the matter as he popped a piece of bread into his mouth. “I've got everything I need right here.” He said, tapping his bag and sword which hung by the bed.

It all made Merlin a bit confused. If he didn’t know who Arthur was, and now wanted no reward… “Why did you help us?” He couldn’t stop himself from asking.

“Your chances looked between slim and none. I, er...I guess I just kind of like the look of those odds.” Gwaine said with a large smile on his face as he stretched his arms behind his head and leaned back again.

“Those odds will one day get you killed.” Arwen pointed out in a scolding tone.

“Now how could I ever die when I have you to heal me?” The man, as cavalier as he seem to be about everything, sent her a smile that had the woman shaking her head at him, unable to resist one of her own when his seemed so infectious.

However, before she could respond or scold him again, Merlin jumped in again. “How exactly do you two know each other?” He asked, suspicious eyes continuously jumping between the two. They were awfully friendly, he noticed.

“Remember that sickness caused by the philosopher’s stone that I had to go treat?” Arwen asked. While at the time she hadn’t mentioned anything about Gwaine since she didn’t want anyone to worry about someone out there knowing her identity, now seemed like a rather good time to come clean. So, once Merlin nodded after a few thoughtful moments, she continued. “Well, Gwaine here helped me escape the attack on the village.”

“And we enjoyed a lovely day of hiding and evading storms together.” Gwaine said in a fond voice as he reminisced on the memories, making Arwen shake her head. He was subtle while at the same time, kept making references only she would understand.

“Oh, well that’s…” Merlin, pleased with the answer nodded his head in acceptance. Until he thought better of it. “Hiding where?” He rushed out with the question. He knew perfectly well where Arwen herself had hidden. But he didn’t know that someone had been with her.

“Yes, Merlin. He knows.”

Arwen’s confirmation had her brother’s eyes now jumping back to Gwaine instantly, the panic clear in them as he spoke at a fast pace. “You can’t tell anyone. You can’t even act like you know. Or make jokes or call her by some noble title.” He ushered out the instructions.

“Oh, come on Merlin. Men constantly do that in an attempt to charm me.” Arwen pointed out. “And with the way Gwaine is, I think it’d be even more suspicious if he didn’t.” She joked, both of them giving out small laughs because they knew she was quite right.

Only Merlin didn’t share in the amusement. “Not here. And not around the king or prince.” He finished what he’d been saying before, eyes still fixed on the man who for all intents and purposes was a complete stranger. He didn’t seem like he’d cause trouble, but they didn’t know him. They couldn’t be sure if they could trust him. Merlin didn’t like that. He didn’t like it one bit.

“Worry not, Merlin. If all goes according to plan, I won’t even be near them.” Gwaine reassured him with ease.

But the statement had Arwen letting out a small laugh as she patted his healthy leg in a sympathetic manner. “Well, one thing you should know about this city is that things never go according to plan.” She joked before rising to her feet. “Now, if you’ll excuse me gentlemen, Edmund should be here any moment now and I have business to tend to.”

“Edmund? Is coming? Again?” Merlin turned to her in surprise, the look on his face making Arwen let out a small groan.

“Why are you looking at me like that? I thought after last time you two had grown closer. Do you still not like him?” She questioned her brother in a disappointed tone, Gwaine simply staying silent as he observed the interaction. He didn’t have a hard time coming to the conclusion that the brother Arwen had mentioned when they first met was Merlin himself. They acted the part of siblings.

“Don’t like him? I… I like him. I like him like… like I like anyone else.” Merlin continued to mutter and stutter, making Arwen give out a small sigh as she thought he was trying to reassure her while hiding the truth. “Now go, you have business as you said.” He ushered her off with a wave of his hand, not wanting to dwell on this any further. And for now, but only for now, Arwen relented.

Arwen stood in the castle courtyard with a smile on her face. Around her, knights continued to stream in, all here to take part in the festivities and events happening in the following days. But she was focused on one horse in particular as it drew closer, its rider dismounting with ease before he made his way over.

“Arwen, it’s good to see you again.” Edmund sent her a large smile as he made his way over, taking only a pause to thank one of the stableboys as he took the reins of his horse.

“You as well, especially so soon after your last visit.” Arwen’s pointed tone as he came to stand before her made Edmund give out a small chuckle.

“You’re not letting me have a single moment, are you?” He questioned. As he had told Merlin the last time he was in Camelot, his father agreed to the idea of Edmund spending more time in the castle with the threat of Morgana looming over. Were things different, he had no doubt she’d be able to take care of herself, but with the obstacles standing in the way of telling her, Geoffrey had nearly decided to send more than Edmund on this little visit.

“When you break pattern, right after one of your… tasks away, I can’t help but grow worried something might be wrong.” Arwen explained her thoughts, leading him through the halls and towards the physicians’ chambers. During the day, the library wasn’t a good hiding place, but she knew the chambers would be, as long as they remained aware of people coming and going through the door.

“Nothing went wrong. I can assure you of that.” Edmund said. “I was simply bored sitting still and decided to do some more travelling.” He said simply, and while there was more to the reasons for his visit than that, it wasn’t a lie either.

“So, what did you have to tell me then?” Arwen questioned curiously, happy and relieved to know it wasn’t bad news. Walking through the doors of the physicians’ chambers, she let him follow her inside as she called out. “Is anyone here? Merlin? Gwaine?” When no response came, and Gaius clearly absent as she knew he’d taken the morning to tend to patients, she turned to her friend, prompting him to go on with his answer.

“Gwaine?” Although, Edmund did take a moment to question the unfamiliar name and wonder why someone new would be staying with them.

“A patient brought to Camelot by Arthur and Merlin last night.” Arwen waved a dismissive hand through the air as she poured them both cups of water before taking a seat at the table.

“And to answer your question, it’s news my father thought you might want to know. About a recent increase in numbers.” Whenever Edmund mentioned numbers, Arwen knew it was referring to their armies which she’d tasked Geoffrey with growing. “A camp of Druids has come to us offering their services. With their additions, we’ve managed to organise a separate training group so those with magic have their own troupes now.”

While his father had been rather proud of his ideas on structuring and organisation, drawing on the way things had been for as long as Prairene had had armies, something on her face told Edmund Arwen was more hesitant on the idea. “So, they’re separate entities?” She questioned in a dubious tone.

“Members of the same army, but yes. We both know training for ordinary soldiers isn’t the same as that for sorcerers.” Edmund pointed out in a knowing tone. “They’re also trained in battle skills, of course. So they can defend themselves in both ways.”

“I’m not sure it’s the wisest idea. They all need to be able to work together, separate training makes it less… cohesive.” Arwen tried to describe what she was thinking, struggling to find the right wording. “And while anyone coming to Prairene probably knows what to expect, many of these people have been living in kingdoms and cities where magic is frowned upon for a long time. Perhaps training together, fighting together as one, would help erase any possible subconscious fears of it some might have.”

“So, what would you suggest?” Edmund asked curiously, finding himself listening with interest as she continued to make a variety of good points. He’d seen nothing wrong with his father’s approach, but she clearly had ideas to make it better.

“Pairs.” Arwen said after a few long moments of silence as she thought of what would be the best solution. “Think about it. It worked for us during Cenred’s attack. It works for Merlin and Arthur, even though Arthur is unaware.” She spoke in an eager tone. “Train them together by creating pairs of one soldier and one sorcerer. Together they can amplify each other’s strengths while protecting each other’s weaknesses.”

“Not a unit of individuals, each soldier a man of his own, but a company of pairs, all working together.” Edmund mussed over the thought, soon enough beginning to nod his head in agreement. “Fighting together they make the ultimate soldier.”

“Exactly.” Arwen nodded, happy he seemed to find the idea one which could work in their favour.

“Like I already am.” The addition however had her letting out a mix of something between a groan and a laugh as he grinned widely. But it didn’t remain on his face long before he turned serious again and continued. “There is one more thing I’m afraid.”

The way in which he’d said it and the tone he used made Arwen realize he didn’t come bearing only good news. “Something has gone wrong, hasn’t it?” She asked worriedly, thinking he’d just chosen to deliver the good news before the bad news. And that was such a stupid way of doing things. Everyone knows you start with the bad to then proceed and lift spirits by following it up with good news after.

“It’s nothing too terrible, only a small problem that my father and I are beginning to worry might have the potential to grow into more. But it also might not.” Edmund reassured her quickly. It was more of pre-emptive information, a promise they were keeping an eye on it and doing their best should things escalate so they don’t surprise her. “It’s about Lord…”

Edmund was forced to trail off at the sound of voices coming from the other side of the door which soon opened to reveal Gaius and Merlin making their way inside. “Ah Edmund, could you please take this to the table.” Gaius, perking up at the sight of the man sitting at his table, asked for help carrying the basket in his hands to which Edmund instantly responded.

“Arwen, carry this.” Merlin announced authoritatively, head nodding down to the pot of stew in his hands.

“Gaius has the excuse of being old, what’s yours?” Arwen questioned, remaining firmly seated in her spot at the table and leaving her brother to continue moaning and groaning as he carried the pot over himself.

“I had to carry a very heavy chest. And then lift it. And then lower it. And then carry it again. And then lift it again. Or was it carry some more? I lost track, honestly.” Merlin explained in a ranting mess as he slumped down on the bench next to her. “It was a very heavy chest.”

“You poor baby.” Arwen cooed, more mockingly than sympathetically as she helped Gaius set out the plates on the table. “Edmund, will you be joining us?”

“Don’t mind if I do.”

“Where’s Gwaine?” Merlin asked curiously, eyes glancing towards the bedroom door which had been left slightly ajar.

“He wasn’t here when we returned to the chambers. Must’ve gone out exploring.” Arwen explained with a shrug of her shoulders. Knowing him, he was more than eager to do so and get out of bed. It was quite lucky for them that he hadn’t been put on bed rest because of his leg.

“Oh, well we’ll just leave him some then.” Merlin announced before beginning to dig into his own bowl of soup before Arwen had even managed to hand anyone else their own.

“If there’s anything left once you’re done.” She commented, her nose scrunching up at the sounds of his eating. Honestly, it was as if he’d been raised in a barn. And perhaps their hut as children hadn’t been far off, but their mother had always ensured to instil manners in them. Evidently, those had evaporated from her brother’s memory.

“It's very hard to work out whether you are eating or inhaling that soup.” Gaius added on as he sat opposite to Merlin, taking the bowl Arwen extended to him before she continued to fill Edmund’s and then her own.

Merlin took a few more large gulps before finally realizing he also had to breathe and decided to answer while doing so. “I haven't had anything all day. Sir Oswald had me at his beck and call.” He explained, nodding back to Arwen as a silent sign that was a part of the whole ‘very large and heavy chest’ story.

“How is he?” Gaius asked curiously.

“Awful. He treats me like dirt.” Merlin gave a simple answer before returning to his soup eagerly.

“That doesn't sound like the young man I knew. He always struck me as a rather kind and thoughtful soul.” Gaius’ brows furrowed in confusion.

“I met him a couple of times when we were young. He’d always been kind to the staff.” Edmund pointed out his own knowledge of the knight, although he didn’t know him nearly as well as Arthur. While they were boys, many were eager to befriend the prince, but not so much the son of a man who’d served on the enemy’s council.

“He must have changed.” Merlin shrugged his shoulders.

“You must remember that not all masters are as good to their servants as Arthur.” Gaius reminded the Ambrosius, only to find it was an entirely wrong thing to say at a time when Merlin’s mouth was full.

Arwen nearly choked on her own food as laughter almost burst out from her lips at the sight of Merlin spitting out his food right into Gaius’ face. While she recovered from her own childish reaction, Edmund was the only one who managed to stay composed. At least long enough to grab a napkin and hand it to Gaius before a few snickers escaped him too.

“Thank you, Merlin.” Gaius grumbled out after a few moments, thanking Edmund for the napkin as he started to clean his face.

“Sorry.” Merlin sent him a sheepish smile.

Luckily, the situation was soon interrupted as the door to the physicians’ chambers opened up once more, this time Gwen standing on the other side. For a moment, she fixed Gaius with a confused look before catching the way Arwen was shaking her head at her, a silent message of ‘Don’t ask.’

And so, she didn’t, but instead focused on the reason she’d come to the physicians’ chambers in the first place. “Arwen, Merlin, I think you need to come with me.”

“There she is! The loveliest physician of all!”

Arwen couldn’t hold back a small sigh as she stood in the highly crowded tavern where Gwen had led them. She wasn’t sure what she was expecting to see. But the explanation was easy to guess as they walked inside to find one man holding up a highly intoxicated Gwaine while the barkeep smashed a piece of paper into Merlin’s chest.

“You drank all of this?” Merlin asked in a shocked voice as he read over the tab written out on it, Arwen leaning over his shoulder curiously, eyes widening solely at the number of listed items alone.

“With some help from my new friends!” Gwaine announced, the patrons of the tavern cheering for him loudly.

“Four dozen pickled eggs?! Who eats four dozen pickled eggs?! Who eats one pickled egg?” Arwen questioned in disgust.

“Don’t let Arthur hear you say that.” Merlin mumbled out a warning, making the redhead roll her eyes before she looked back to Gwaine as he continued to drunkenly laugh at everything around him.

“He says that he hasn't got any money. So,” The barkeep grumbled out, all of his focus on Merlin as he proceeded to pick him up by the collar of his jacket. “It looks like you'll have to pay.”

“But… I can't afford this.” Merlin stuttered out in a panic, Arwen quickly stepping to his aid.

“I’m sorry, excuse me. Could you please put my brother down so we can discuss this civilly?” She questioned in her politest tone, earning herself a sharp glare from the man that almost made her back down. “Not to say that you aren’t civil in general. I’m sure you are but… is Cassian around? Perhaps we could discuss this with him?” She asked hopefully, knowing that if she were dealing with him she could get this problem done and dusted in no time.

“Cassian’s not here.” The grumpy man growled out impatiently. “So you either find someone who can pay, or I’ll need to find other ways to get reimbursed.” He turned his glare back on Merlin again.

“Okay, okay. We’ll pay.” Arwen said, having no idea how to actually get the money. She didn’t feel right going to Edmund and asking him, but for a moment she couldn’t think of any other solution. Only for a moment. “You can send the bill to the palace. To Prince Arthur precisely. He’ll pay. Gwaine is his guest here in Camelot.”

“Well, glad we got that sorted.” And suddenly, the man’s entire demeanour shifted as he lowered Merlin back down to the ground, plucked the bill from his hands and walked off, brushing past Gwaine who was swayed by the smallest gust of wind and lost his footing.

Falling to the ground, he simply burst out laughing making Arwen sigh as she moved over to his side to help him up now that he’d been abandoned by all his ‘new friends’. “Merlin, brother dearest, care to help me here?” She groaned out as she threw one of the man’s arms around her shoulders.

“Care to help me when Arthur sees that bill?” Merlin retorted.

“Not particularly. Now come on.” She continued to insist, Merlin letting out an annoyed groan as he ultimately did as he was told. Not that he already wasn’t devising a plan on how he’d throw her under the wagon tomorrow morning.

Arwen walked through the halls of the castle alongside Edmund, the man deciding to join her as she did some of her morning tasks and visited patients. “So you came under the pretence of coming for the mêlée, but you will not, in fact, be participating in the mêlée?” She questioned curiously after he’d announced he planned on being a spectator only.

“I’m a man, Arwen. I enjoy watching other men clobber each other.” Edmund said with an innocent shrug of his shoulders that made her shake her head in amusement. “But will I risk this face for the chance to do it myself? Of course not.”

The statement had a laugh bursting from the physicians’ lips. “One of my best knights, ladies and gentlemen. Doesn’t want to risk his perfect face in a fight.” She said teasingly, making him laugh as well. “So, you really only came to give me a report on how things are progressing? One you still haven’t finished, might I add.”

“Ah, forgive me. It slipped my mind.” Edmund said as they turned down yet another hallway. Arwen thought it over for a moment and decided that must be a good thing. If he’d forgotten it in the time since they last spoke, then the news itself couldn’t be too bad. “However, at the moment I don’t-“

“Four dozen pickled eggs?!”

“And we will be going down this hallway instead.” Arwen snickered at the sound of Arthur’s voice echoing through the halls as she pulled on Edmund’s arm to lead him in a different direction before his laughter could be heard and bring attention to them. “Now do continue.”

“I’ve left my visual aids back in my chambers.” Edmund announced, making Arwen raise an inquisitive eyebrow at him. What news did he have to give her that would need visual aids? “It’s a book detailing the Baudissan family line-“

“I already have one of those. All of the Kings and Queens who ruled before me.” Arwen pointed out. “And I’ve gone through it multiple times already.” She added on, thinking that if the visual aid was some information of that sort, she already knew it most likely. Meaning, he could simply tell her.

“This one’s different. It’s not just the rulers, but all descendants from the original founders of the Kingdom. Brothers, sisters, aunts, uncles, every Baudissan heir independent of if they were ever on the throne, in line for it or on the council.” Edmund said, and Arwen did have to admit that was much more than her own book held.

“And what’s in this book that-“ Before Arwen could finish her question, a voice calling her name had their conversation pausing as they turned to look at the lady approaching. Eyes focused on Morgana, Arwen entirely missed the way Edmund shifted at her side. “Morgana, Gwen, what can I do for you?” She asked with a friendly smile on her face.

“Lord Warren, if you’ll forgive us, but we were hoping to steal her away for a little?” Morgana asked Edmund who plastered on his best smile as he shook his head.

“It’s no trouble at all, my Lady.” He knew he couldn’t protest or give away any sign that would make her suspicious of him. While she knew that Merlin was already aware of her treachery, Morgana was entirely in the dark about Edmund’s own knowledge, and he deemed it best to remain that way.

“Are you sure? Our conversation…” Arwen turned to him with questioning eyes, hating that for the second time it was interrupted again.

“We can continue it later. Probably best to do it in the library since it is about books, after all.” Edmund said in a reassuring voice. And his words carried a thinly veiled message. He was asking that they have their third attempt at it in their usual hiding place. It was one where they hadn’t been interrupted before, so it was probably best.

“I’ll see you in the library then.” She gave him a small nod before turning to her two friends, intertwining her arm with Guinevere’s as they started to lead her away. “So, what is it that you wanted to steal me away for, ladies?” She asked curiously as they disappeared down the halls.

None of the women noticed the way Edmund’s eyes lingered, watching them go as he debated whether he should follow or not. But ultimately, he determined that, if he were caught, the explanations could have more consequences than letting it be would.

“Well, we have been hoping to get you to spend some time with us before you get too busy with the mêlée.” Morgana revealed, knowing that once the tournament took place and in the days after, Arwen would most likely be somewhat preoccupied with tending to injuries, cuts, and scrapes which the knights might sustain during it. “And we’ve been meaning to ask you a few questions.”

“A few questions? About what?” Arwen wondered curiously, eyes glancing between the sly smiles on both their faces.

“Well, it’s hard not to notice the way you’ve been spending quite a lot of your time in the company of Lord Warren whenever he comes for a visit?” Gwen spoke, the suggestive tone of her voice making Arwen give out a small groan as she realized what they meant by that. It was going to be that kind of conversation.

“Lord help me.”

Once Arwen had been released from her interrogating friends, both women finally choosing to relent even though they didn’t seem to be entirely convinced, she returned to the physicians’ chambers as the sun in the sky was beginning to set. Walking through the door, she found all three men already inside, Merlin and Gaius sitting on the table while the latter bandaged her brother’s injured finger.

“What did you do this time, Merlin?” Arwen asked curiously as she moved over to the table, setting down her bag as she gave him a questioning look.

“It was Sir Oswald and Sir Ethan.” Merlin stated to explain, watching as Arwen’s expression darkened thinking it was the men themselves who’d caused his injuries. “Well, their mêlée swords to be precise.”

“You cut yourself on a dull blade?” She asked incredulously. Sometimes, Arwen was amazed by just how far her brother’s clumsiness could reach.

“That’s the problem. To the eye the sword appeared blunt, but when I touched it…” Merlin trailed off nodding to his finger as he mimicked a grimace, silently saying that it was not blunt at all.

“You were lucky.” Gwaine’s voice had everyone’s eyes turning towards him curiously as he spoke. “I've seen those blades in action. They're forged using sorcery.” He announced, making the other three share confused looks between themselves.

“What would they want with such a blade?” Gaius wondered out loud even though none of them could truly be certain of the answer.

But they could guess and suspect. Which was exactly what Merlin did. “I think they mean to kill Arthur in the mêlée.”

“Why? I thought Sir Oswald was good friends with Arthur?” Arwen couldn’t help but ask, unable to find reason for which they’d want him dead.

“And in front of all those people?” Gaius added more to her string of spoken thought.

“It's the perfect cover.” A small smile came over Gwaine’s face as he connected the dots of it all. “If they succeed, nobody will suspect it was intentional.” He pointed out, the explanation a rather sensible one.

And it made Merlin want to spring into action instantly. “I need to warn Arthur.” He announced, already trying to rip his hand and finger free of Gaius’ hold so he could run off. Luckily, the physician didn’t let him, and his sister momentarily distracted him by smacking him on the head.

“Have you learned nothing yet? We can’t just go accusing a knight from a respected family without any proof.” She reminded him. It was a sure recipe for disaster. Arthur might believe him, and considering he deemed Oswald a friend, that was questionable too. But Uther most certainly wouldn’t.

“Then we need that blade.” Merlin pointed out, knowing that if he presented it to the King not even he could question the claim.

“I'll get it.” Gwaine was quick to volunteer.

“And what if you’re caught? What reason would you have to be in Sir Oswald’s chamber?” Arwen questioned in a pointed tone. It was brave of him to offer, but it could go terribly wrong. “I could go. Charm my way out if they see me. Physician just doing her job, came to see if they needed anything. Stupid woman got distracted by a pretty blade.” Sometimes men underestimating women did work in her favour, after all.

“No. I know where they keep it and how to get it. It's quicker safer if I do it.” Merlin refused both of their offers with a shake of his head as Gaius’ work on his finger was finally finished and he stood from his seat. “And I’ve been tasked with seeing to their needs. It’s not too surprising if I’m in there.”

“If they saw you get the cut, they might know you suspect them.” Arwen pointed out in a worried tone. In reality, it wasn’t safe for any of them to do it, but, as she saw the look her brother was giving her, she knew any argument was futile at this point. “Fine, but please be careful.”

It had been long, too long, since Merlin left to go get the blade from the knight’s chambers. By now, Arwen found herself pacing along the length of the physicians’ chambers, nervously nipping at her nail as she kept turning to the door, waiting for it to open.

“Merlin should be back by now.” Gwaine spoke up, breaking the silence which had fallen over them as he said exactly what Arwen herself was thinking.

“If they caught him, we’d have heard about it now, right? He’d have been taken to Uther?” Arwen suggested, hoping that the policy of no news is good news could be applied here. But as she thought of how the two knights had been treating him in the past days, she found even herself doubting it.

“I’m going to go see what’s going on.” Gwaine announced, already heading for the door when he noticed a figure following after him. “Stay here.” He added on, thinking it would be enough to make the redheaded woman relent in her pursuit. Clearly he didn’t know her well enough. Fortunately enough, once he realized how wrong he was, he didn’t put up much more of a fight as the two of them continued to speed through the halls of the castle.

And the closer they began to draw to the chambers in which Sir Oswald was staying, the more prominent sounds of a commotion became. By the time Gwaine walked through the door, Arwen following right behind him, she had just managed to catch sight of the dark haired knight swinging his sword at Merlin who just nearly managed to duck out of its path.

“Is there a problem here?” Gwaine questioned as their steps slowed once they were finally at their destination, the attacking knights pausing in their actions at the interruption as all eyes turned to the two newcomers. And Merlin used the chance to scamper away from Sir Oswald and over to his sister’s side.

“No. Now leave.” Sir Oswald brushed off the question coldly.

But even if they hadn’t caught him attacking Merlin, both Arwen and Gwaine knew the dismissive instruction wouldn’t have deterred them. “Are alright, Merlin?” Arwen asked her brother, a cold glare focused on the two men as she regretted not bringing her own sword when she and Gwaine rushed out of the physicians’ chambers. Merlin shook his head in denial, eyes still wide and fearful.

“I thought I told you to leave?” Sir Oswald demanded, already losing his patience as they remained standing in place and disobeying him.

“She wasn't talking to you.” Gwaine warned out in a brash tone, making both knights bristle in disbelief.

“How dare you speak to a knight like that?!” Sir Ethan demanded almost instantly, his reactions coming out in full force as he, with his own sword in hand, charged at Gwaine who’d been more than ready for the situation to escalate. In a swift and intricate move of his sword, he disarmed the knight before pushing him back with his foot.

“Careful!” Merlin called out a warning just as Arwen yelled his name, making Gwaine turn just in time to see as now Sir Oswald took over the attack of his friend. A blow which Gwaine luckily managed to deflect with ease.

“Don't worry. I can handle this thug.”

The fight continued on, clashing swords echoing against the stone walls and through the halls of the castle as Oswald and Gwaine faced against each other. And it wasn’t long before Sir Ethan was back on his feet again too, rushing at Gwaine while his back was turned. Reacting quickly, Arwen stepped forward, sticking her leg out and tripping the man, causing him to fall to the floor before he could do any damage.

And it allowed Gwaine to remain focused on Sir Oswald, using the force of his own blows to send the sword flying from the knight’s hands and to the floor. Gwaine poised his own at Oswald’s throat, forcing him to retreat. However, before anything further could happen, a handful of knights of Camelot rushed into the chambers with Sir Leon leading them.

“What's going on?” The sound of his questioning voice had Gwaine’s eyes turning to them and away from Oswald who used his momentary distraction to his advantage and backhanded him across the face, knocking Gwaine down to the floor.

“This man attacked me! I demand an audience with the King!”

And, of course, at the knight’s insistence, the audience was convened almost instantly despite the time of night. “Sire, this man attacked me, with a sword, tried to kill me.” Sir Oswald, who’d by now properly schooled his temper and seemed a picture of calmness, spoke as Gwaine was dragged before the king by a pair of knights.

“Is this true?” Uther asked in surprise, eyes glancing down to the man.

“I stepped in to protect Merlin.” Gwaine admitted honestly.

“I tried to talk to him. He was like a man possessed.” Sir Oswald said as if it were the most atrocious thing when he’d tried to be patient and kind. It made Arwen bristle as she glared at the back of his head. “I'm sure that Sir Ethan will back me up.”

And, of course, he did. “Indeed, I can vouch for his every word.”

While she had been through similar occasions enough times to know speaking out of turn and letting her anger show would yield no results, Gwaine didn’t have the same hold over his temper. “He's a liar!” The man jumped to his feet as he yelled, trying to charge at the two only to be restrained once more.

“I will have your tongue! How dare you speak to a knight in that way?!” Uther yelled out in anger, the surprised look gone from his face as he levelled Gwaine with a murderous look.

“Nobility is defined by what you do, and not by who you are. And these men are anything but.” Gwaine said, seeming calm for a few moments once again before his eyes turned to the two knights and the composure slipped once more. “They are arrogant thugs!”

“Well, you see, Sire, how he behaves.” Sir Oswald simply used his reactions to further prove his point, painting Gwaine as the aggressor in the entire ordeal and himself as a mere unwilling victim.

“I've heard enough. For a commoner to attack a nobleman is in violation of the Knight's Code.” Uther announced, making Arwen restrain herself from glaring at him. Knight’s code. Why in the world were commoners, if they were so beneath knights forced to obey by it? She knew it wasn’t the time to point out that particular question though.

“I couldn't agree with you more, Sire. He must be made an example of.” Sir Oswald seemed pleased with the King’s statement, ignoring as Arthur tried to reason with him before he continued. “Nothing less than his execution will give me satisfaction.”

“He was merely defending someone!” Arwen, momentarily losing her grip over her emotions, called out in disbelief. She had expected Uther to come up with some kind of punishment, the stocks or a few days in the cells. This did not call for an execution!

“Enough!” However, the King wouldn’t even entertain the thought of listening to her at the moment.

“Father, I understand how this must look, it's an embarrassing situation.” Arthur jumped in before voices could raise again and he lost all chance of regaining some semblance of control over the situation. “Sir Oswald is a dear friend, and our guest here in Camelot. But Gwaine is my guest here, too. And he may not be of noble birth, but I can vouch that he has a noble heart.”

“How can you say that when you see the way he behaves?” Uther questioned his son in disbelief.

“Gwaine risked his life to save mine.” The Prince reminded, hoping that would make his father less inclined to accept Oswald’s demands. They did owe Gwaine a debt for that at least. “I beg you, please, if a knight's word is his bond, then I give you my word Gwaine is a good man. He deserves clemency.”

For a few moments, Uther remained silent, eyes glancing around the room. From the faces of the two knights demanding Gwaine’s death to the man himself and those who seemed to stand on his side in the matter. “You are banished from Camelot.” He finally spoke, his decision made. “If you ever return, you will pay for it with your life. You have until dawn to leave the city.”

With nothing else left to be said, the King was turning before he even fully finished giving his declaration, walking from the chambers and leaving the knights to drag Gwaine out into the hall as well. And his friends weren’t far behind him, but not before Arwen managed to catch the eye of Sir Oswald as he watched them all go, the glare she sent him one that seemed it might have the power to kill.

Neither Sir Oswald nor Sir Ethan missed it. But it didn’t go unnoticed by Arthur either. He suspected that if Gwaine’s claim that he’d attacked the men only to defend Merlin made the prince note that the knights were quite fortunate that Arwen hadn’t been armed with her own sword at the time. Or they’d have been holding a very different audience that night. Although, knowing her, he suspected this might not yet be over.

In all the chaos that had transpired throughout the night, Arwen had entirely forgotten about her meeting with Edmund in the library. She remembered only once the audience with the king had ended, but by the time she arrived, the Warren seemed to have retired for the night already. It left the redhead walking through the halls back to the physicians’ chambers in the night, already thinking of her apology for the next morning.

However, she put a slight pause to her thinking as her eyes caught sight of someone heading towards her from the other side of the hallway. “You better not be thinking of leaving without saying goodbye.” She spoke up, making his eyes glance up from his own two feet as a smile came over his face.

“Wouldn’t dream of it.” Gwaine said with a laugh as the two came to stand in front of each other in the middle of the hall. “Care to join me?” He asked, reminding her of the offer he’d made to run away together when they first met. It made Arwen laugh in amusement, albeit it was short-lived.

“I’m sorry for what happened.” Arwen’s smile slowly slipped from her face as she spoke, a sigh escaping her. “But thank you for what you did for Merlin. It was brave.”

“Lot of good it did me.” Gwaine gave a small shrug of his shoulders, trying to act unbothered by the entire ordeal. But the woman standing across from him wasn’t so easily fooled.

“I know Arthur, he’s not like his father. One day, he’ll repay you for saving his life. I’m sure of it.” Arwen tried to lift his spirits, knowing that what happened here today wouldn’t be something hanging over them forever. She was sure of it.

“He did try to speak up for me.” Gwaine nodded in agreement, despite his initial judgements now more open to admitting that Arthur may not fit into the exact mould of nobles he’d devised in his own head.

“He’s fair, and loyal.” Arwen nodded her head, a new smile starting to spread over her lips as she spoke now. “He’ll make a great king one day.”

“Clearly.” Gwaine’s voice had Arwen jumping out of her own thoughts as her eyes snapped back over to his. “If he makes everyone feel the way that you do.” The smile on his face made Arwen quickly start shaking her head in an attempt to deny it.

“A lot of people would say that about him, not just me.” She tried to point out, but if the knowing smile on Gwaine’s face was anything to go by, he wasn’t truly believing her.

“At least now I know why you wouldn’t run away with me.” Still, he let it go, for now, and instead quipped with another joking retort which Arwen couldn’t help but laugh at. Of course he’d find a way to use it to soften the blow to his ego. “I hope to see you again, someday, my lady.” With a small nod of his head, Gwaine soon pushed past her and continued on his way.

But he didn’t get far before Arwen called him back. “If you ever change your mind about being a knight. I know a noble who’d be happy to have you.” She said in a firm tone, letting him know that Prairene’s doors were always open to him.

“One day, I might take you up on that.” Gwaine said openly, because if he’d realized one thing during his short stay in Camelot it was that some nobles truly were worth dying for.

Arwen paced up and down in front of the physicians’ tent at the tournament grounds, eyes scanning the moving crowd in search of a few faces. Either her brother, or Arthur (although she hoped Merlin might have some luck in convincing the prince not to compete today), or Edmund who she had yet to see since the day before.

It was him that she saw first out of the three, already making his way over to where he knew she’d be. “There you are, I’ve been looking for you.” She said in a relieved tone once he neared close enough. “I want to apologise for last night. So much was going on that-“

“It’s alright, Arwen. I head what happened, I understand.” Edmund was quick to reassure her. “Is Merlin okay?”

His reassurances along with the concern he showed for her brother’s wellbeing made Arwen give a slight smile as she nodded her head. “He’s fine now. It was good we came when we did, though.” She revealed honestly.

“And Gwaine?”

“He left last night.” The smile was replaced with a look of residual anger as she glanced to the thrones in which the King sat alongside Morgana, observing the gathering knights as the mêlée neared its beginnings, trumpets echoing their celebratory tune through the air around them.

“What exactly did happen? And is happening?” Edmund asked. He’d heard the main story of a confrontation between the guests which happened in the night, however, he knew there had to be more to it than the simple whispers which had spread through the castle.

“Sir Oswald and Sir Ethan have magical blades. They intend to kill Arthur during the mêlée.” It wasn’t Arwen who answered the question, but her brother as he came to stand on Edmund’s other side, eyes glue to the tournament grounds.

“Why would they want to kill him?” Edmund asked much the same question as Arwen had when the suspicion first arose. By now, it was more fact than anything else at this point.

“Because they’re not Sir Oswald and Sir Ethan at all.” Arwen said, remembering the additional information Merlin had shared the night before about what he’d discovered during his snooping through Sir Oswald’s chambers before he was caught. A part of her wished he’d said it sooner, if she’d known she wouldn’t have hesitated to march up to them both and rip those necklaces off their necks right in front of the king. Then the audience would have gone quite differently, she suspected.

“And what is it that we’re doing to stop them from succeeding?” Edmund asked as knights rode out into the tournament grounds on their horses, stopping in two opposite lines, swords drawn and helms lowered as they all awaited the King’s signal.

“Hoping that they’re beaten out of the mêlée before they have a chance to reach for Arthur.” Gaius joined in on their conversation once he stepped out of the tent, deeming everything inside ready for the influx of patients which would be brough to them once the fight was over. And just as he did, Uther waved his hand through the air, allowing the knights to begin their charge.

Arwen watched; eyes continuously focused on Arthur who she could easily recognize even with a helmet on. He held his own against each opponent as the numbers began to dwindle down rather quickly. But it was impossible to miss as every now and again, men fell from their horses, heavily injured after going up against Sirs Ethan and Oswald.

Arwen watched as the latter of the two injured yet another knight with his blade, the man falling from his horse much in the same manner as Sir Ethan did moments later during his charge for Arthur. It made Arwen give out a small sigh of relief until he got back to his feet and tried again.

“Arthur’s in trouble.” Merlin muttered out worriedly as Ethan attempted to drag Arthur down from his saddle, and managed to succeed after a few sharp tugs. Arwen gasped as Arthur lay on the ground and Ethan’s sword rose above him, ready to smash down and deliver the final blow.

Luckily, the prince rolled out of the way just in the nick of time. But still, he wasn’t out of danger’s path as, when he rose back to his feet, eyes focused on the man who’d just attacked him, he didn’t even see as Sir Oswald’s horse charged towards him, sword poised to strike.

“We need to do something.” Arwen muttered out in a panic, only to hear her brother’s whispering voice and find he was already taking care of matters as suddenly, the straps of Sir Oswald’s saddle snapped apart and he was sent flying to the ground. It made Arwen give out a relieved breath.

“It's two against one.” Her brother grumbled out as they watched the scene continue. Every time they were thrown, both Oswald and Ethan continued to get up, determined in their mission to kill the prince. And now, it was only them and Arthur left.

Or at least so it seemed until one of the knights who’d previously fallen got back to his feet and joined the fray, fighting alongside Arthur against the bloodthirsty duo. “Who is that helping Arthur?” Edmund couldn’t help but ask curiously, Arwen shrugging her shoulders as she too had little clue as to the man’s identity.

“I don't know, but I think we should be thankful he is.” Gaius pointed out.

The group of four continued to watch the pairs fight, soon catching sight as the unfamiliar knight disarmed Sir Ethan with a move that was, in fact, quite familiar. “There's only one person I know who can do that.” Merlin announced, sharing a pleased smile with his sister as they finally guessed the man’s identity.

And while Gaius and Edmund sent them confused looks, neither got an answer as the sound of the gasping crowd had their eyes turning back to the scene of Arthur’s partner stabbing Sir Ethan with his own blade. With his own opponent dead and neutralized, Gwaine could now focus on the remaining Sir Oswald who had just knocked Arthur down to the ground.

But before his sharp blade could meet its mark, Gwaine intervened, blocking the blow with one sword while he used the other which he’d gotten from Sir Ethan to stab Sir Oswald in the stomach. The crowd gasped in shock again, Uther going as far as rising from his chair in surprise as he watched the scene unfold.

And then, only two men were left standing. Arthur and Gwaine turned to face each other, swords still drawn, but there came a pause between their attacks. Arwen soon realized they were saying something, or at the very least Arthur was. But she couldn’t be sure of what it was until the prince removed his helmet and threw it to the ground along with his sword. “You fought bravely. The field is yours!” He said, loud enough for the whole crowd to hear.

Just like that, the mêlée was now over. And the knight who’d helped the prince stabbed his sword into the ground before lifting his own visor and revealing himself to the crowd. Arwen watched as Arthur chuckled in amusement once Gwaine’s identity was revealed. However, unlike him, Uther did not take the sight with an equally light approach. “Guards! Seize him!”

The King’s call made Arwen let out a string of un-ladylike grumbles, ignoring the way Edmund chuckled beside her. She wanted to rush off onto the tournament grounds and question the king on whether he’d lost his vision the night before. Certainly he hadn’t been blind to Sir Oswald and Ethan’s attacks against Arthur. It was clear to all by now what they were intending to do. And yet still, he held on to his grudge against Gwaine despite him risking his life to save Arthur’s, again.

“Come along. Perhaps we can remedy this by showing the truth to Uther when he comes demanding for answers.” Gaius suggested as the bodies of the two dead men were carried past them and into the tent. And Arwen didn’t protest. Bidding farewell to Edmund and Merlin, she followed the older man into the tent.

Inside, they didn’t have to wait long before both Uther and Arthur came rushing in. “Is there nothing you can do for them?” Uther questioned the two physicians as he saw them simply kneeling down by the two fallen men without even attempting to do something to help them.

“I'm sorry, it's too late for them.” Gaius announced firmly, showing there was no debate or doubt to be had on the matter. Gwaine’s blows were deadly, and there was nothing that could remedy that now.

And Uther quickly came to the same conclusion for himself. “The prisoner is responsible for their deaths. I want him executed immediately.” He turned to Arthur, speaking in a demanding and unbudging voice, his mind determined. At least until Gaius spoke up again.

“You might want to wait before you pass judgement. I fear that,” Pulling the crystal from Sir Ethan’s neck, Arwen followed his lead and did the same with the one hanging around Sir Oswald’s, unable to deny it brought her quite a bit of satisfaction to do so. “Sir Ethan, and Sir Oswald are not all that they seem.”

With the crystals gone, both helmets were removed next, revealing the faces underneath now morphed and changed into two entirely different people. “They weren’t knights, but simple thugs here to kill the prince, my lord.” Arwen did her best to hold the bite from her tone. The Knight’s Code be damned now.

“And once again, I owe Gwaine my life.” Arthur told his father in a pointed tone, Uther rendered silent by the revelations and leaving his son to share a hopeful look with Arwen, both wishing that it would be enough to change the King’s mind about Gwaine. It was not.

Knowing she couldn’t do what she intended within the castle, Arwen stood leaning against the wall of the drawbridge, patiently waiting as she saw the man she was there for making his way towards her through the crowd. “I thought we’d already said our goodbyes?” Gwaine questioned in a teasing voice once he was close enough, having already seen her from afar. After all, she was hard to miss even in a crowd.

“We did, but they were so sudden I had no time to give you this.” Arwen said, hand extending towards him and making him look down to the folded up piece of parchment she was giving him. The questioning look he sent her next had Arwen elaborating further. “It’s a map. If you ever find yourself in trouble, go there and tell them I sent you. They’ll help.”

“Thank you.” Gwaine said, sounding entirely serious which was highly unusual for him as he put the map away in his bag, safely storing it so he knew it couldn’t fall out and be lost. Once he was finished, he let his eyes turn back to her, the look in them making Arwen raise an inquisitive eyebrow. “You spoke of how good a King Arthur will make one day… You’ll make a terrific queen.” He said quietly, giving a small tap to the bag in a silent way of telling her it wasn’t a teasing jab but a serious comment.

“Thank you, Gwaine.” Arwen’s lips stretched into a wide smile as she stepped forward, rising on her toes to give him a short kiss on the cheek. “Until the next time I see you.” She didn’t go down the route of saying she hoped she would, because something told her it was inevitable.

“I’ll be counting down the days, my lady.”

“Alright, if your book has more information than mine, then why’d you ask me to bring it?” Arwen questioned in a quiet voice as she and Edmund found themselves sitting at their usual table in the library.

She watched as Edmund flipped through the pages of the one she’d brought, his own already open on whatever he needed to show her. She waited patiently as a short silence stretched on, giving him the time to do what he needed before he finally turned it towards her, finger pointed at one specific name.

“Queen Elara, what of her?” Arwen read through the information written out, her decades long reign and the children she had with her husband King Fabian who’d been a knight before their marriage. She read the name of her council members and their duties, who her predecessor was and who took the throne after her, but still nothing stood out to her.

“With just what’s written in there? Nothing.” Edmund said mysteriously before proceeding to turn the book he’d brought with him so Arwen could see the words written out within it to. “But with this…”

Again, Arwen focused on the reading, this time about King Gerald, the ruler before Elara and at first, Arwen assumed Elara’s father. However, the more she read about him and the entries which followed about Elara herself, the more she grew confused. “But that… It’s not possible.” She pointed out, eyes finally looking back up to Edmund, brows furrowed as she wondered if she might’ve missed something. “There had to have been, I don’t know, an illegitimate child or an affair or something.”

Reading through Edmund’s book made one thing abundantly clear, Queen Elara was in no way, at least not one that had been recorder, related to anyone within the Baudissan line. She’d been Gerald’s ward, her parents listed as entirely different people from an entirely different noble family. And yet, after King Gerald died without any heirs, she took the throne. And she ruled for decades, the kingdom prospering during that time just as it did under any other ruler.

“It is possible, of course, but… It doesn’t seem like it.” Edmund admitted. “And if not, the reasons to keep it hidden…” Edmund trailed off, both of them knowing that they were more than fair reasons if their suspicions were true. “That’s why I brought it to you, so you can decide what should be done with it.”

Arwen gave it some serious thought for a few long moments. The most reasonable explanation was that one of Gerald’s ancestors had had a child no one knew about. That somehow, Elara was related to the Baudissan line even if it wasn’t recorded in any books. But the possibility that a dying King had found a way to establish his connection which kept the land alive in someone new to protect his kingdom from perishing…

“If she wasn’t a Baudissan, it would have taken a great deal of magic to make it possible for her to be queen.” Arwen began to speak finally. “And when I think of powerful magic in Prairene, I can’t help but think of your family.”

“You think there might be something in our records about it.” Edmund nodded his head in understanding, the words coming out as a statement and not a question as he neared the same conclusion. “Are you sure you want me looking into this?” He still had to ask, tone somewhat hesitant as he looked up from the books and back to her.

“Yes, but only you and you alone.” Arwen instructed. If he was right, and there was a way to ensure Prairene’s survival should something happen to her, then she needed to know. “We mustn’t let anyone else learn of this, not even as a rumour.”

She knew it was a double edged sword. Right now, as the only one with a connection to the land, she was irreplaceable. But if someone found out that might not be the case… Edmund was right. It wasn’t a problem yet. But it could certainly become a big one.

Chapter Text

Returning to the physicians’ chambers after a long day of work, having just finished delivering some medicine to one of the courtiers in the palace, Arwen’s eyes were quick to do a scan of the chambers as she walked through the door, searching for one person in particular.

“I’m afraid they’re not back yet.” Gaius, standing at his table as he read over the pages of a book, informed her in a knowing tone. It wasn’t hard to guess who it was that she was looking for. And once he gave her the update, Arwen couldn’t help but give out a small sigh.

“It’s been too long.” She pointed out even though they were both aware of it. What should have been a short ride out beyond the city walls for Arthur and Merlin had stretched on through time. And by now, she wasn’t the only one worried. Even the King had started questioning the patrols if they’d seen his son out in the forest throughout the day.

“Both Merlin and Arthur are quite capable of taking care of themselves. And each other.” Gaius reassured her gently. “I’m sure wherever they are, their delay is nothing to be concerned about.” Of course, there wasn’t really a way to be sure of anything, but it was what they had to hope for.

“I hope they return sooner rather than later. It would be quite unfortunate if Arthur were absent for Morgana’s first birthday since her return.” Arwen mussed over the thought. The castle had been a frenzy of preparations for the last few days, all anticipating the upcoming celebration with excitement. “It’s supposed to be a joyful day. I wouldn’t want her to have it ruined.”

“Does she still insist on monopolising your time?” Gaius questioned curiously, making Arwen let out a small laugh as she remembered Morgana’s insistence that she spend her day surrounded by people she wanted there the most, namely Guinevere and Arwen.

“She is. That’s why I’ve been out so much today; tending to the things I will be unable to do tomorrow. Don’t worry, I managed all of it.” Arwen said in a reassuring voice, Gaius silently waving a dismissive hand to let her know it didn’t matter even if she hadn’t. They’d manage. “And I’m supposed to help her pick out a dress tonight, I just simply wanted to come and see if Merlin’s returned before I go.”

“Well, you wouldn’t want to keep her waiting.” Gaius pointed out, making some amusement show on the redhead’s face as she shook her head in denial. “I’ll send for you if they return while you’re gone.”

“Thank you, Gaius. I appreciate it.” Arwen sent the older physician a small smile as she abandoned her bag at the bench, starting to head for the door to continue on with her plans for the evening. “Do you want me to bring you some dinner when I come back.”

“Oh, no need. I’m all set for the night.”

“I’ll see you later then.” Arwen said with a final nod before walking out of the door of the chambers and beginning her journey through the halls towards Morgana’s chambers where she knew the Lady and Gwen would be waiting for her.

She didn’t intend to make any pauses along the way, however, the universe had different plans as the sound footsteps in her path had her eyes glancing up and relief flooding over her as she caught sight of her brother and Arthur walking through the halls, clearly having just returned.

“Thank heavens, people were beginning to worry.” She said, offering them both a happy smile as they came to stand in the middle of the hallway. “Is everything alright?” She couldn’t help but ask, quickly noticing the way her brother’s greeting didn’t quite depict the amount of joy he was clearly trying to convey.

“Yes, yes. We ran into a little trouble, some bandits and their arrows, but nothing we couldn’t handle.” Arthur spoke first, quick to reassure her. “I got shot in the back and knocked out, that’s why it took longer to-“

“Shot? Why did you not send for Gaius or me instantly? Let me see!” Arwen didn’t even let him finish his reassurances before she was reaching for him and trying to get him to turn around so she could examine the wound, worry taking over her.

“Arwen, Arwen, I’m perfectly fine.” Arthur tried to convince her, putting up a small amount of resistance until he realized she wouldn’t be satisfied until she could see it for herself. And so, he turned around, showing her his back and thinking it would give her some peace of mind. Although, if Arthur had to ability to see his own back, he’d have known it had an entirely different effect. So, it was rather good he spoke before she could. “It didn’t even pierce my armour.”

The words had Arwen’s brows furrowing for a moment as she could very clearly see a hole in the armour, the chainmail around it splattered with blood. However, as her eyes glanced to her brother over the prince’s shoulder, she caught Merlin giving her a slight shake of his head. And then she understood. The wound had been much worse than Arthur let on, but Merlin took care of it. In ways that Arwen wouldn’t have been able to. That was why he was perfectly fine now.

“Alright, alright. But I would still like to be sure when you have the time.” Arwen relented in her demands, finally releasing the prince’s shoulders, and allowing him to turn back to look at her.

“Come, I’ve already sent ahead for a meeting of the council to be convened.” The prince announced, starting to walk off and leaving the pair of siblings to follow after him as Arwen realized her promises to Morgana would have to wait at least a little bit longer.

Turning to look at her brother as they walked through the halls, Arwen noticed the distant and aloof look on his face as he stared down at his own moving feet. “Merlin, are you alright?” She questioned, voice quieter this time and going on unnoticed by Arthur.

It seemed enough to get him to snap out of his thoughts, wide eyes turning to look at her as if he’d forgotten she was there. But once his initial surprise left him, he was quick to nod his head. “I’m fine.” He said simply.

“Really? Because you-“

“Just tired from the journey, Arwen, that’s all.” Merlin interrupted her before she could prod at him further, knowing he couldn’t tell her about what else had happened during it. If he mentioned the caves, then she’d want to know what he’d seen in the crystals. And he couldn’t tell her that. He couldn’t tell her about Morgana and what she was foreseen to do.

Luckily, she wasn’t given a chance to question him further, even though, by the look on her face, it was clear she wanted to as they came into the council chambers. Everyone else had already gathered inside, leaving them to scurry to Gaius’ side while Arthur came to stand in front of his father.

“Arthur, I’m pleased you’ve returned. We were beginning to wonder what was taking so long?” Uther questioned, much in the same way Arwen had when she first spotted the duo out in the halls.

“We were intercepted by a group of bandits that stalled our journey. I apologise for the delay.” Arthur said, Uther’s curious look making him go on and elaborate, knowing his father would want to know about the people who’d attacked them. “The bandits probably have a stronghold somewhere in the White Mountains. How we escaped, I'll never know. Although, some credit must go to my servant, Merlin.”

Arthur’s words had many eyes turning to Merlin, Arwen even gently nudging his shoulder with her own as a smile spread over her lips. It was quite nice to hear Merlin get some credit for his help for once. She couldn’t even imagine how much it must’ve meant to him. However, one glance at his expression made Arwen think he wasn’t nearly as happy with it as she thought he’d be.

“Dispatch a patrol. I want these men caught and brought to justice.” Uther instructed immediately, Arthur accepting the command with a nod of his head. It was clear that, with the topic of bandits put to rest for now at least, the council meeting was adjourned as the King began to rise form his throne. “For a moment, we feared you might miss Lady Morgana's birthday.”

Uther spoke as he started to lead his son out of the room, the Lady in question who’d thus far been silently sitting at the King’s side following closely after them and laughing at the comment as well as Arthur’s response to it. “It'd take more than a bunch of thieves to keep me from such a feast.”

Arwen waited politely as the royals passed by where she was standing, thinking she’d follow after Morgana once all the nobles clamouring for the door cleared out. However, what she wasn’t expecting was for the woman to grab hold of her hand as she passed by, pulling her along with her as Gwen too joined them.

“Gaius, if you don’t mind, I intend to steal this one away for the rest of the evening. As well as tomorrow morning.” Morgana said with a sweet smile directed at the older physician. “We have quite the day planned before everyone begins vying for my attention and dragging me away.” She did her best to hold back a small smirk as she noticed Merlin, standing by Gaius’ side, frown at her words.

“Of course, my lady. Your birthday wishes are all our commands.” Gaius, unlike the boy, had a much easier time pretending her was entirely fine with the request and that there was no reason for concern. He didn’t deem there to be much, doubting Morgana had any nefarious intentions for Arwen during her birthday, but it didn’t make it any less unsettling; knowing the hold she had over Arwen’s friendship and affections.

Just as they’d planned, the next morning Arwen found herself away from the castle, the city, and all of the duties of a physician. Instead, she sat on a soft blanket, surrounded by flowers and grass, with Morgana and Gwen at her sides as the three women enjoyed some time away from the bustling castle. A few knights stood at a distance, riding out with them as protection sent by the king, but aside form that, the morning was entirely their own.

“I hope you like it. It’s nothing lavish or grand-“ Gwen started to speak as she pulled out some fruit and drinks from the basket they’d brought with them to the small picnic which she and Arwen planned together after Morgana had complained about how tiring it would be to have everyone trying to grab her attention and talk to her and fawn over her for an entire day without any pause.

“Gwen, please, it’s lovely. I’m so grateful that you did this, both of you.” Morgana smiled widely at her two friends, reaching to take some of the plates from Gwen’s hands and help her unpack the basket.

“Well, there’s one more thing.” Arwen announced, Morgana’s eyes jumping between the two in disbelief, unable to even think of what else they may have done or planned. However, there was clearly something, if the looks passing between the two were any indication.

Without any words spoken, Gwen proceeded to pull out two more boxes from the basket she’d brought along, Morgana’s brows furrowing at the sight of them. “Birthday gifts, of course.” Guinevere explained with ease, making the dark-haired lady shake her head at them.

“You really didn’t have to get me anything.”

“Nonsense, it’s your birthday.” Arwen waved a dismissive hand at Morgana before motioning on to Gwen to go first while she takes the smaller of the two boxes into her own hands, waiting her turn.

“I made it myself, I hope you like it.” Gwen shares as he hands the box to Morgana, the woman eagerly opening it up with a smile on her face before pulling out a dark green handkerchief with intricate white flowers and designs sewn into it.

“Gwen, it’s beautiful. Thank you, so much.” Morgana smiled happily, putting the piece back into its box so she could reach over and pull Guinevere into a tight hug.

“Alright, now it’s my turn.” Arwen announced after the two women separated, extending the box in her own hands to the lady who took it without so much of a fuss this time around. “I know you will be getting plenty of jewellery later tonight, but I saw it in the markets, and I thought of how well it would go with the purple and blue dress you love.”

Morgana opened the box and looked inside, smiling at the sight of a beautiful golden bracelet with a multitude of blue stones decorating it. She, of course, noted the importance of the colours and looked up at Arwen with an equally grateful smile as she had sent to Gwen. “It’s so beautiful, Arwen.” Morgana beamed happily before pulling it out of the box and stretching out her hand to Arwen. “Now help me put it on.”

“I don’t think it goes well with the green though.” Arwen pointed out with a small laugh, but did as Morgana asked, helping clasp the chain around her wrist.

“Nonsense, you gave it to me, so it’ll fit with everything. I’ll force it if I must.” Morgana announced dismissively as Arwen was about to pull back but didn’t quite let her before pulling the redhead into a hug of her own. “Thank you.”

“Anything for you, my Lady.”

That evening, the castle was lively with the sounds of music, celebration, and joy as everyone gathered in the banquet hall to celebrate Morgana and her special day. As expected, she was constantly showered with gifts and well-wishes while Arwen and Guinevere lingered on the sides of the room, standing together and allowing Morgana some respite from the courtiers every so often when she sought them out.

“It’s good to see her so happy. After everything.” Gwen said as she and Arwen stood alone for a short moment, the two sharing a happy smile between themselves as the redhead entirely agreed.

“It really is the perfect day, isn’t it?” She asked, a content sigh leaving her. Their entire day had gone according to plan and now the feast was turning out as a rather splendid event. She was thrilled that Morgana’s birthday was turning out so lovely. It was what she deserved.

However, for a moment, Arwen worried she might’ve spoken too soon as her eyes caught sight of her brother and Gaius, sneaking their way out of the banquet hall as they shared hushed whispers between themselves. Worried some new trouble might be on the horizon, Arwen was ready to follow after them and get to the bottom of it.

However, before she could, Morgana stepped up to her two friends, this time with Arthur at her side. “Have you seen how beautiful Arthur’s present is? And here I was expecting it to be something that will simply get stuck in the bottom of some drawer somewhere.” Morgana teased him as she showed off the intricate dagger to her two friends.

“Are you saying I lack taste, Morgana?” Arthur questioned, pretending to be offended and making the women around him laugh in amusement.

“Your last present was that godawful necklace, my lord.” Arwen pointed out, remembering Morgana’s last birthday during which from Arthur she received a gaudy piece of jewellery Arwen was pretty sure she’d sold and gave the money away to the children’s orphanage in the lower town.

“Well, perhaps you three should teach me on what, aside from a dagger, suffices as a suitable present so I may be prepared for a few years to come?” Arthur, swallowing his pride for the sake of his idea, questioned with a raised eyebrow.

“Certainly not hairbrushes, by the amount sitting on that table I think I may have enough to brush my hair out of its roots.” Morgana said with a small laugh as she looked over to the table where her gifts were amassing.

“Or mirrors, for that matter.” Gwen added on as they watched yet another courtier place a small handheld mirror onto the table. Her comment made all four of them laugh again.

“Arwen, any helpful insight which might include what to actually get? What would you want?” Arthur questioned the woman intentionally. Yes, perhaps this was a good topic to bring out to be able to guess what to get Morgana in a year’s time, but there was also the memory of Arwen’s last birthday for which he hadn’t managed to get her anything.

“Oh, I think my birthday wishes pale in comparison to the things Morgana gets.” Arwen shook her head in a dismissive manner. “I’m a simple girl, just flowers are enough to make me happy. It’s the thought that counts, not how expensive or lavish the present itself is.” She said with a small smile on her face, thinking back to some of her birthdays from the past, all including lovely memories independent of whether gifts were involved or not.

“Well, for the next one I intend to make it up to you for missing the last.” Morgana announced, entertwining her arm with Arwen’s as the redhead laughed, quick to start saying Morgana didn’t need to do anything while the Lady continued to pull her away, already starting up a conversation with Gwen about all kinds of things they could do any plans. Arthur could only watch them go, wishing he were in a position to do the same, plan and enjoy the thought of spendingher birthday with her.

Arwen couldn’t help but breathe a small sigh of relief as she and Gwen walked through the doors of Morgana’s chambers for one last time after many trips back and forth. Knowing the amount of presents Morgana received, Arwen had offered to help her friend carry them all back to the Lady’s chambers while Morgana prepared herself for bed. And once their job was finished, they found her already finished, sitting at the dressing table as she examined the dagger Arthur had gifted her.

“You got some lovely presents.” Gwen said as she set the last of the items down on the table for Morgana to see and explore before bed if she wished to. “Mainly hairbrushes.”

“As we suspected.” Arwen added on with a knowing look, making both women laugh as she joined them at the table, carefully placing down her own load so no to break or damage anything that might be fragile.

“Who's King Gromause?” Gwen asked curiously, holding a small mirror in her hands as she read over the note tied to it. Arwen tried to think of a kingdom to connect to the name, but grew confused as she found herself unable to recognize it. And she had become quite familiar with kingdoms and their rulers as of late since she’s had her men seeking out allies with other nobles across the land.

“At least he doesn't think my hair needs brushing.” Morgana, seemingly just as unsure as the rest of them, simply smiled in amusement and brushed the name away as if it was of no importance.

“It's so pretty.” Gwen complimented, both she and Arwen missing the small flash of displeasure on Morgana’s face as her friends seemed to remain focused on the mirror much too long for her liking. However, the Lady quickly came up with a distraction, eyes looking around for a few moments before her hands were reaching over for two items.

“Here, I want you to have this.” She said, head turning up towards her maid as she smiled kindly, offering her a piece of cloth with intricate gold embroidery and details.

However, Gwen was quick to start protesting. “Me?! No…” Although, she didn’t get too far with it before Morgana was interrupting her.

“It's a thank you.” The dark haired woman said, taking the mirror from Gwen’s hands and placing the cloth into them instead, the maid giving out a happy sigh as she thanked her friend. Morgana put away the mirror, disregarding it as unimportant as she turned to Arwen next. “And I want you to take this. It’s blue, so it’ll go beautifully with some of your dresses.”

“Morgana, I couldn’t possibly-”

“You could, because I want you to.” Once again, Morgana was ready for the protests of her friend. “And you wouldn’t want to hurt my feelings by refusing? On my birthday, no less.” The small trick had Arwen laughing once again as she relented and took the necklace into her own hand, admiring the shimmering blue stones adorning the golden chain.

“Thank you, Morgana. It’s beautiful.”

Arwen’s heart hammered in her chest, the wild beating filling her ears as they rushed through the halls of the castle. When she’d returned to the physician’s chambers after Morgana had sent her and Gwen away, she thought the Lady had gone to bed. It was late, and after an eventful night they were all tired. She herself was about to get some sleep when the knight had rushed into the physicians’ chambers, claiming both she and Gaius were needed for a great emergency.

She didn’t know what to expect at the time, but it certainly wasn’t what they’d discovered. Or the gravity of it. In a way, it hadn’t even settled in yet. Not even as she rushed through the doors of the chambers after Gaius who was already calling out instructions to the rest of them while Arthur carried an unconscious Morgana into the room.

“I need water and bandages.” Gaius announced, Gwen already moving to get the items for him while Arwen herself headed off in a different direction towards another one of the shelves.

“I’ll get the yarrow for the bleeding.” She said in an urgent tone, knowing there was no time to waste as Gaius cleaned up the table so Morgana could be laid on it and they could get to work.

“She's having problems breathing.” Gaius called out as he began to examine her, most of the people in the room understanding what that meant. Even Merlin was quick to guess what it was Gaius would need.

“Yes,” The older physician agreed with Merlin’s offer of dianthus before adding on more. “And a preparation of pulmonaria.” That, however, had Merlin pausing with a confused look on his face.

“Here, take this. I’ll get the rest.” Arwen instructed her brother, placing the yarrow and dianthus into his hands so he could get them to Gaius while she walked back to the shelves. “It’s lungwort.” She began to explain so Merlin would know in the future. “Quarter of an ounce, ground fine, and mixed with violet.”

“How could this have happened?” Arthur questioned, his eyes glancing between Gaius and Arwen as if looking for answers even though he knew they’d have just as many as he himself.

“Arthur, we need room here.” Gaius pointed out as patiently as he could, the prince finally coming to realize there was nothing else he could do to help. And from the look on his face, it was clear he hated the thought of it.

“We’ll do whatever we can, I promise.” Arwen said in a gentle voice, the feeling of her hand settling on his shoulder making the Prince snap out of his thoughts.

“Yes. Of course. Erm…” Arthur said, giving a reluctant nod of his head as he began to step away. “Anything you need, just tell me.” He added on in a determined tone, knowing they would do everything in their power to save her and wanting to ensure it to be possible. With that, he left the room, leaving the physicians to work in peace.

Which they did, as quickly and efficiently as they could. However, as they’d finally stopped the bleeding, and Arwen found herself standing by Gaius’ side as she watched him stitch up the wound on Morgana’s forehead, her heart felt heavy in her chest as the realization finally began to dawn on her.

“Will she be alright?” Gwen asked in a quiet voice as she watched the older physician tie away the last of the thread. Her question had both Gaius and Arwen sharing a wary look between themselves, both knowing the true answer to it.

“We’ve… We’ve done all we can.” Arwen began to said, her voice full of sadness as the thought of even saying the state of things out loud brought tears to her eyes.

“I can heal her skin, Gwen, but the skull…” Taking over, Gaius continued to explain, knowing Gwen wouldn’t miss the dread in their voices or on their faces. “The cranium is broken. She's bleeding inside.”

Hearing the words out loud brought Gwen to tears just as much as it did Arwen. Merlin going as far as feeling the need to leave the room. At first, Arwen thought to follow him, but feeling Gaius’ hand on her shoulder, he silently motioned for her to go to Gwen while he himself intended to comfort her brother. With a small nod of her head, Arwen rounded the table and took Gwen’s hand into her own, holding on tightly as they found themselves alone standing by Morgana’s side.

“There’s a chance she’ll be fine, though? Right?” Gwen asked, trying as hard as she could to hold on to hope. “I mean, this is Morgana. She’s been through so much already. She can come back from this. She can heal.” But as she asked her questions and looked at Arwen, the expression on her face made the answer clear even if she didn’t say it. Hope wasn’t enough in this moment. Rest and healing wouldn’t help. They needed a miracle.

As the next morning rolled around, Arwen found herself gathering things in Morgana’s chambers, doing her best to keep calm as she thought of all the possible items she’d need. With so much focus placed on her task, she didn’t even hear as someone stepped into the room, his blue eyes watching her for a few moments before he finally spoke up and made his presence known. “What are you doing? What’s going on?”

“Arthur. I, uh…” Arwen jumped in slight surprise as she spun on her heel to look at him. “I thought I’d take some of her things to her. Maybe… Maybe if she has them, if she feels more comfortable…” Arwen stumbled around with her words, not even sure herself what it was that she was doing as Arthur came to stand at her side.

“It’s a good idea.” He tried to reassure her only to have Arwen let out a broken laugh, the tears she’d been trying to keep away all this time making it to the surface and clouding her vision. “Arwen?”

“It’s not a good idea.” She said in a small whisper as she shook her head in denial. “I should know better, I’m a physician, I know how these things go… But I can’t just…” As he voice cracked, Arthur didn’t spare a moment before turning her towards him, letting his arms wrap around her in a comforting hug as she cried while he held on to her as tightly as he could.

But he knew, they both knew, that there was nothing they could do to fix this, nothing that could make them feel better. Their grief was here to stay. Or so they thought, neither of them catching sight of Merlin as he stood in the hall beyond the door, watching them with sad eyes and regret. His mind slowly coming to the conclusion he couldn’t just sit by and let this happen.

Sitting in the candle-light, Arwen, Gwen, and Merlin all watched as Gaius examined Morgana once more, all three holding their breath with hope for a different outcome, for him to have good news instead of the bad that they knew deep down would come as he slumped back into his chair. “Her breath is leaving her. She'll be gone by morning.” He said in a defeated tone.

Arwen couldn’t hold back the sob which escaped her, tears spilling out as she continued to hold on to her friend’s hand. They’d just gotten her back and everything was going so well. She couldn’t believe they had to lose her all over again. That there was nothing they could do to stop it. Beside her, Gwen was quick to stand to her feet, rushing out of the chambers before anyone could stop her. Arwen only watched as Merlin followed after her.

“I’ll go inform the king.” Gaius said in a sad tone, giving Arwen’s shoulder a small squeeze as he passed by her and made his way out of the physicians’ chambers.

Arwen couldn’t be sure how much time had passed as she sat by Morgana’s side, tears streaming down her face as she never let go of her hand. Eyes focused on her friend she wished and hoped and prayed there was something that could be done. Some kind of miracle that might come to pass.

“I know we haven’t spoken much about… me and what I’ve been doing since your return.” She began to talk, choosing not to say goodbye but to give hope. Because maybe… Maybe science wasn’t all that mattered. Maybe sometimes, hope was enough. It was foolish and stupid, but she couldn’t just give up.

“But recently, Edmund told me I should perhaps start thinking of names, of people I want to be on my council one day soon. I’ve been putting names on a list and erasing them and going back and forth unsure about so many choices, but… your name’s on it.” She said in a soft whisper. “And I haven’t erased it once since you came back. I want you by my side for it. So, you’re not allowed to die, you hear me? You have a job to do, Lady Morgana.”

The sound of the door bursting open again had the redhead jumping in surprise as she turned to look at her brother, curious eyes sending him silent questions as she watched him rush over with determined steps. “I have a way to save her.” Merlin’s announcement had Arwen’s eyes widening in surprise. At first, she was ready to usher him to do it, but as she gave it a split second’s thought, Arwen started to understand more.

“Merlin, the last time you did something like this it put a lot of people in danger.” She pointed out in a hesitant tone. “You know how much I want her to recover, but the risk…” She trailed off. A part of her was willing to take it, for just a moment she wondered whether it would be worth it. But she knew they couldn’t. Not when it was so unpredictable.

Only, this time, Merlin knew it wouldn’t be. “It won’t happen this time. I know of a different way.” He reassured his sister, watching the surprise pass over her face before she gave a eager nod, stepping aside and giving him the space he needed as she ushered him to do it.

And he did. Placing his hand on her forehead, Merlin said the words of the spell and felt the magic work. Together, the siblings watched as Morgana took in a deep breath and as each one after it started to become more normal and easier, as the colour began to return to her face and the spell did its work. And once she was sure it worked, Arwen couldn’t hold back a small laugh, throwing her arms around her brother in glee.

However, as she hugged him, Arwen missed the dubious look colouring Merlin’s face as he glanced back at Morgana, wondering about what he’d just done. There may not be the cost of someone else’s life that they’d have to pay, but once it was done, Merlin couldn’t help but wonder what other prices might come along solely because of the Lady’s survival.

That morning, when Arwen had rushed through the doors of his chambers without even a knock, Arthur had feared the worst. He thought it was over, and that Morgana was dead. But only when he saw the glee on the physician’s face did he realize how wrong she was. Only then did he follow after her as quickly as he could, both making their way to the physicians’ chambers where she’d said Morgana was asking for him. Asking because she was awake and would be fine.

When he heard it, he couldn’t believe it. He had to be sure for himself. And so, when he walked through the doors of the physicians’ chambers, sparing but a nod at his father and Gaius as they passed them in the halls, Arthur could finally make sure for himself. He could finally be certain it wasn’t a mistake as he saw Morgana herself, sitting up in the bed in the chambers and smiling over at the two of them happily.

“Morgana, thank heavens.” The prince breathed out a heavy sigh of relief as he rushed over to her side, quickly pulling her into a tight embrace full of joy as she hugged him back. “Don’t ever scare us like that again.”

“I promise, me and my clumsy footing will try.” Morgana gave out a small laugh, arms wrapping around Arthur’s shoulders again. However, Arwen didn’t miss the way her friend’s smile didn’t quite reach her eyes. Not that she could blame her. After all that had happened, she knew it would take time for the woman to fully recover, not only physically.

What Arwen couldn’t have know was that her assumptions for the distant look in her friend’s eyes were entirely incorrect. She couldn’t have begun to imagine the thoughts going through the Lady’s mind as she hugged the Prince. And only later, once she did know them, would she come to regret that night.

For less than a day, Arwen basked in the relief and joy of thinking all would be well again. Morgana would recover and be healthy, she’d stay with them and all would be well. However, such thoughts were quickly interrupted that same night as the sound of the warning bells disrupted the otherwise calm evening. And with them came the summons that Gaius and Arwen were once again needed for their services.

This time, there was nothing they could do by the time they’d been brought to the servant’s body, left bleeding in the halls for all to find. And everyone knew it. “We need to seal the drawbridge, search the grounds. I'll inform the King.” Arthur announced as Gaius made it know that the man was dead. However, before the Prince walked off again, he turned to them one last time, eyes focused on Arwen as he spoke. “You should go back to the physicians’ chambers. The intruder might still be in the halls.”

Arwen gave him a small nod of understanding, finding herself agreeing with the thought. She didn’t want anyone else’s lives at risk again so soon after the last ordeal. However, she still spared a short moment to kneel down by the dead servant, hand grasping his wrist as she intended to make sure there was no pulse and no hope for him.

And she focused on her work, Arwen didn’t hear the small conversation going on behind her. She didn’t hear her brother’s panicked voice as he spoke to Gaius, as he realized that every glimpse of the future that he’d seen in the cave would still come to pass. That it was all still happening. So, when she stood up, ready to go back to their chambers, she wa surprised to find him rushing off in a different direction.

“Merlin? Where are you going?” She called out after him in a confused voice.

“I have to be with Arthur.” The boy said quickly, not sparing another second to eplanations as he rounded a corner and left Arwen and Gaius standing alone once again. Arwen knew it was his duty and job, but still, she found herself worried again.

“Come along, dear. Arthur was right, the halls might not be safe.” Gaius instructed, gently starting to lead her away from the body and back in the direction from which they’d come in the first place.

And as they walked, Arwen couldn’t help but worry about a thought as it entered her mind. “Gaius, you don’t think this is all connected, do you?” She asked in a worried tone, watching as he paused for a moment, sending her a surprised look which made her explain exactly what she meant before he came to the wrong conclusion. “I just mean, what if Morgana didn’t trip and fall? What if she was pushed? And whoever’s broken in tonight again has something to do with it.”

For some reason, the further explanation brought a look of relief to Gaius face. “Whatever’s going on, the knights and Arthur have it handled. And Morgana is safe in her chambers, I’m sure of it.” Gaius reassured Arwen with ease, the two continuing on their way through the halls as she chose to believe him and stop herself from quickly imagining the worst.

Gaius himself couldn’t help but be relieved, his initial concern being that Arwen had begun to connect the secret that they’d been keeping from her since Morgana’s return. He was glad to know that she hadn’t yet made those conclusions. Because, for as long as she didn’t, she would be safe.

While the night had gone on in anxious anticipation, whoever had broken into the castle had never been found. Although, Arwen suspected that, at the very least, they should be grateful that there were no more casualties either. Perhaps they’d gotten spooked by the warning bell or something else entirely. Whatever it was, Arwen was simply grateful it was over and passed.

And that she was, once again, free to roam the halls as she wished. The ability to do so was what had carried her over to Morgana’s chambers. Even though she wasn’t due another check-up from a physician, the redhead still wanted to see her friend and ensure her recovery was going smoothly. No matter how much Morgana might mind it.

“I mean it, Arwen. I’m alright.” The lady reassured her firend with a small laugh.

“I know, I know.” Arwen heaved out a sigh, finally relenting as she took a seat in the chair next to Morgana at the table in her chambers. “I’m just worried. We nearly lost you and, well… I’ll be hovering for a bit until I’m absolutely sure.

“Fine, I suppose I can handle a little hovering.” Morgana rolled her eyes in a joking manner. For now, the hovering was of no consequence, so she supposed she could let it go until it proved a problem.

After a few moments passed in silence, Arwen found herself speaking up as a question circled around her mind and it wasn’t the first time. “Can I ask you something? About… while you were asleep?” She waited until Morgana nodded, only then continuing on with saying what she had to. “Did you hear anything? During that time.”

“Why?” Morgana asked before she could stop herself, mind starting to cloud with suspicion as she began to think of a specific thing, wondering if Arwen herself had heard it. From what she knew, it was only Gaius Uther had revealed his secret to, but if Arwen knew…

“Well, I said something.” Arwen began to explain before Morgana could spiral any further. “Made a bit of a demand. And I was just wondering whether you heard it or remember it.”

“I, uh, I don’t. I didn’t hear anything.” Morgana revealed, and while it was somewhat a lie, there were thing she heard, she truly didn’t know what Arwen was talking about in this instance. She hadn’t heard her making any demands or requests.

“Good, because I wanted to do it a bit more officially. Properly.” Arwen said, a smile spreading over her face which only made Morgana grow more confused, wondering what this could possibly be about.

“What is it?”

“Morgana le Fay, would you do me the honour of being on my council?” Arwen asked in her best regal tone, watching the surprise spread over Morgana’s face. “Once I actually assemble an official one that is. Once I’m on the throne.” Arwen quickly added. “I know Camelot is your home, but of all the people and possible candidates, you’re one of the few that I’m sure I’d want by my side. And that way you-”

While Arwen continued to grow nervous as she filled the silence left with the lack of Morgana’s answer, it didn’t take too long before the dark haired lady finally brought herself to answer. “I’d be honoured to.” Morgana said firmly. And she didn’t lie. There were details to it, but details could be worked out. Because, in that moment, Morgana realized Morgause was right.

They needed to wait and bide their time. Because once everything was in place, it wouldn’t be Cenred or Morgause on the throne of Camelot. It would be her. And that only increased her chances of getting Prairene’s support. Of getting Arwen’s support. They could both be queens, both rule, and both get what they want. Morgana was sure of it.

Chapter Text

It was rather curious, and everyone in the castle thought the same if the whispers spreading around even amidst the frenzy of planning and preparation, were anything to go by. After all, it wasn’t every day that a king and princess from the neighbouring kingdom came for what was presented as a mere friendly visit.

Either way, nobles from all over both kingdoms had been invited by the two kings, and because of that, Arwen had timed her day perfectly. She didn’t want to appear as if she were waiting in the courtyard for a specific group of people to arrive. Instead, she’d ensured she would be in the area, tending to her daily duties, as they came.

And she was happy to know her plans had worked once she spotted a large group making their way through the gates of the courtyard. The familiar faces of men and knights as they dismounted their horses began to look around curiously while behind them, two carriages stopped, a handful of women coming out and joining their sides as Arwen approached.

She caught small bits of the ending conversation from the two men nearest to her as she came over. “And what do I tell her about the other part?” Whatever Edmund was whispering about with his father, Arwen knew she’d learn about sooner or later, so for now, she placed a welcoming smile on her face as she spoke up and made her presence known.

“My lords, welcome back to Camelot.” The sound of her voice had the men and women turning towards her, some of the women quick to begin whispering among themselves. And while they lacked a good amount of subtlety, Arwen had plenty of experience dealing with the women of a court, even if she didn’t have one of her own yet.

“Arwen, it’s a pleasure to see you.” Edmund greeted her with a  happy smile and a small bow of his head, one which was mirrored among the people surrounding him.

“It’s good to see you in fine health, my lady.” Lord Warren spoke after his son, smiling down at the redhaired woman. While anxiety over being in Camelot was present whenever they ventured into Uther’s territory, he was pleased to have her greeting them and surely easing some of it for many of his party.

“Please,” Arwen started quickly after the man’s slip, eyes turning to take each one of the faces, both familiar and unfamiliar. “While we’re here, in this castle and city, it’s just Arwen.” She watched as they all nodded in understanding. Arwen had given her instructions just in time because it wasn’t long before a voice spoke up behind them, bringing to an end any further conversation which could have been had.

“Geoffrey, it’s good to see you old friend.” Uther’s words had many among the group sharing surprised looks between themselves, most unable to hide them even if they’d attempted to do so. Especially as the King of Camelot clasped Geoffrey’s hand within his own, the big and friendly smile never leaving his face.

“We’re pleased you could make the journey.” Arthur said as well, greeting the group in his best princely manner before his father continued.

“Come, let us have you settled.” With Uther as eager as he was, not many could find it within themselves to offen the king by refusing the offer. And so, much of the group ended up following after Lord Warren and the king as he led them all into the castle, giving out a few instruction as he passed by servants and knights along the way.

Unlike the rest, Edmund remained at Arwen’s side, eyes glued to his father’s retreating form and the confused look never really leaving them. Especially not as Uther seemed to bark out a laugh at something his father said.

“I told you, saving his life during Cenred’s attack... It changed things.” Arwen pointed out what she’d already made note of in the past. With Edmund risking his own life for the safety of the King, he’d proven the Warrens’ ‘loyalty’ to Camelot.

“You’ll forgive me for taking it with a grain of salt when it comes to that man.” Edmund pointed out in a knowing tone, and Arwen simply shrugged her shoulder. Knowing Uther, it was a wise choice with how fickle his trust could be.

“This is a larger group than usual.” Merlin’s voice had both Arwen and Edmund turning in his direction with curious looks, noticing the somewhat concerned expression on his face as he watched the staff gather and carry the belongings of the people who’d just arrived.

“Don’t worry, my father wouldn’t have brought anyone he had the slightest doubt about.” Edmund reassured him. However, while they all placed their trust in Geoffrey, not even he was allknowing. Every man could be tricked. It only mattered if he discovered it too late.

It wasn’t long after the arrival of Lord Warren and his party that the entirety of the court had been summoned to the throne room, knights and nobles gathering together to form a proper greeting for the King and Princess of Gwant as they joined them.

Arwen found herself standing among the crowd, Edmund and Warren on either side of her along with some knights of Camelot who surrounded them as they waited. She felt her eyes drifting to the front of the room, watching as Arthur and Uther stood on the raised dais, seeming to bicker about something in hushed whispers.

Whatever it was, it seemed important enough to Arthur to continue speaking in a voice too quiet for Arwen to hear, even as Lord Godwyn and Princess Elena were let into the room and began walking towards the king and prince. However, unlike his son, Uther seemed eager to put their conversation to an end, and used his opportunity to do so.

“Godwyn!” He greeted with a smile, walking forward and meeting with the other king in the middle, the two embracing in a friendly hug.

“It’s been too long.” Lord Godwyn announced in a pleased voice, clearly thrilled with the reunion.

“Princess Elena,” Uther turned to the frazzled blonde woman standing by her father’s side as he greeted her. “You are most welcome.”

With an awkward smile on her face, the princess attempted to step forward in a curtsey only to trip over her own feet and fall flat on her face. Many around the room continued to look on in silent surprise, wondering just how this little visit was bound to turn out. And Arwen couldn’t help but do the same.

Arthur knew it was only a matter of time before his father continued their conversation from that same morning. One that was interrupted by the arrival of the royals from Gwant. However, he intended to do it on his own terms, as he always did. So the prince couldn’t be too surprised as his father appeared at the door of his chambers late in the evening, sending Merlin away as he requested a private moment.

“I need to talk to you about Elena.” Arthur wasn’t surprised in the slightest by that announcement. And because of that, he was more than prepared for his own side of this conversation. “I realise that this is a delicate situation.”

Turning away from his father, Arthur walked to the bench at the base of his bed and took a seat, letting out a small sigh before he finally spoke. “There’s nothing delicate about it.” He pointed out determinedly.

“Lord Godwyn, as you know, is not only a very good friend of mine, but a longstanding ally of Camelot.” Uther pointed out, trying to remain calm as he attempted to reason with his son.

“I have nothing against Lord Godwyn. I've nothing against Elena.” Arthur reassured him. “Except marriage.” And that something was the red haired beauty who entered his mind every time he thought of his father’s suggestion.

Arthur’s continuous refusal wasn’t helping Uther maintain his patience. If anything, the king was rather quick to lose his temper, voice rising as he spoke again. “When we talk about your future, Arthur, we're not just talking about your happiness, but the safety and security of the whole of Camelot.” He pointed out in an irate tone. “There are rumours Lord Godwyn’s been meeting with envojy of the Prairene queen, talking about alliance. This is the way to ensure that doesn’t happen. This is the way to ensure the safety of the kindom.” He said, infuriated by the fact that his son couldn’t see that. “You may one day be a husband, but more importantly, you will one day be King.”

Arthur felt a heavy feeling settle over him. Knowing that, on one hand, his father did have a fair point. And yet still, he couldn’t help but speak his mind. “But I have no feelings for her whatsoever.” He said. The Prince knew his father was right, Prairene was a threat he should not so lightly dismiss. He wanted to do what he could to protect their kingdom from it. But whenever he thought of marrying Elena, his mind wandered to Arwen. To the thought of losing her in that way. A thought which seemed ot hurt even more if that were possible.

However, his father didn’t care for his feelings. Especially as Arthur couldn’t possibly begin to explain them to the man so set in his ways. Ways which had been made up and decided. “Then I would encourage you to find some.” Uther announced, his tone final and determined, leaving no room for argument as he spun on his heel and walked out of the prince’s chambers without allowing Arthur to even say another word.

In his aggitated state, the king entirely missed the sight of a figure slipping into the shadows as quickly as possible as he appeared in the halls and rushed through them. He walked right by her and her hiding place, and once he was sure he hadn’t spotted her, Arwen couldn’t help but let out a small sigh of relief. With the threat of the king catching her sneaking around the castle late at night passed, Arwen was allowed to continue on her way as she had been until that moment.

A part of her did wonder of what could possibly be going on between Arthur and his father. But for now, she pushed those thoughts into the back of her mind, deciding that she’d ask Merlin in the morning to make sure everything was alright. Right now, however, she focused on other things as it didn’t take her much longer to get to the library where her companion was already waiting.

“Trouble getting here?” Edmund asked, slightly concerned as she’d clearly taken longer than he’d expected her to. To reassure him, Arwen simply shook her head, knowing it didn’t matter enough to mention now that it had passed.

“I’m surprised we’re not having a big meeting out in the woods again.” Arwen commented curiously. She expected the lords, and perhaps even the ladies, would be requesting their own chances to speak and see her just as they did during their last visit to the city.

“If it were up to Montague, we would be.” Edmund revealed honestly. “But we had private matters to discuss.” He added on, making it clear there was multiple things they needed to cover. And one of them, Arwen was sure she could foresee.

“How is it going with the other Lords? Montague specifically?” She asked. Knowing of the knight’s hatered of Camelot and Pendragons alike, Arwen couldn’t help but be wary of ho whe might be handling being in their presence again.

“Just some grumbling and complaining, but only in private.” Edmund explained with a small shake of his head, clearly not too concerned about it just yet. “My father and I were quite unsure about bringing him this time around, but-”

“He’s a proud man, and also an angry one. Adding feelings of alienation by my side… I suspect it wouldn’t do us any good.” Arwen finished for him, understanding perfectly why Geoffrey had made the choice he did. And she agreed with it. If anything… “As a matter of fact, I believe it would be wise to hold a larger meeting nonetheless at some point during your stay. The men might grow suspicious if the only one I deal with is you.”

“I’ll mention it to my father so we can organize something.” Edmund nodded his head in agreement, making a note to do it once he returned from their current meeting. And his father from his own. “From what I understand, he should be meeting with Lord Godwyn sometime soon.”

“Is he sure it’s safe?” Arwen couldn’t help but ask in a slightly worried voice. While they’d been in talks over peace and alliances with Gwant, she didn’t know how this visit might change things between their kingdoms. She was sure part of the reason behind Uther’s invitation were rumours or whispers which might’ve spread by now.

“With Uther’s newfound trust, it’ll merely look like a pair of friends sharing a late night drink to discuss something other than politics.” Edmund reassured her, knowing that Edmund and Godwyn had once been good friends too. They all doubted it would appear as any reason for concern. After all, both men were invited by the king and here as his guests, showing a level of trust that hadn’t been there before for one of the sides.

“Good. We need to know where Lord Godwyn stands.”

“Last we spoke with him, he wishes for an alliance with both kingdoms.” Edmund revealed, the latest meeting with the king having happened during the time he’d been away and unable to update her on any developments. “Although, if rumours are to be believed…” He trailed off before he could finish, realizing what he’d nearly said. The exact thing he didn’t want to bring up.

“Rumours?” Still, he’d said too much for Arwen to simply let it go now. “What have you heard?”

“Perhaps it’s not I who should speak of it.” He tried to dissuade her from pursuing this course of conversation, but Arwen’s curiosities and worries about his words got the best of her and ensured she persisted.

“Edmund, say it.” She instructed with furrowed brows. “What do you know?”

“Gwant’s alliance with Camelot might be of a, uh… one of a… stronger nature?” He said, words coming out in an uncertain and hesitant tone that made the statement sound more alike to a question.

“Stronger nature?” She asked, unable to catch on to what he might mean by that. Not yet, at least.

The question had Edmund giving out a heavy sigh, clearly not wanting to be the one to tell her or explain. But as he realized she hadn’t yet heard anything about it, it became apparent he would have to. “There’s been talk of marriage.” He announced. “Between Elena and Arthur.”

“Marriage?” The redhead couldn’t hold back the surprise from appearing both in her voice and on her face, eyes widening in shock in the initial few moments as she processed the information. “Oh…” She mumbled out, unsure of what to even say to the news.

 “It’s just a rumour. Nothing is for certain. Arthur might not even agree or do it.” Edmund rushed out, hoping to put some light on it. After all, nothing was set in stone. “I’m just-”

“It’s fine, Edmund.” Arwen cut him off before he could continue his nervous rambling. “The only thing that should concern me about that is how it affects our kingdom.” She said, schooling her expression back to a neutral one as if it didn’t bother her in the slightest.

However, from the look on his face it was rather clear he didn’t believe it for a second that that was the only thing she was thinking of. And it wasn’t. But she always knew this might happen one day. And she always knew that whatever feelings she and Arthur may have for one another wouldn’t matter in the long run. Not when the truth was bound to come out. “Which I am sure we will know by the morning, once your father’s meeting with Lord Godwyn is finished. If that was all-”

“There was one more matter, actually.” Edmund announced, happy to have a chance to change the subject. Especially as he deemed it rather important. “One for which I insisted this meeting be private.”

From the tone of his voice it didn’t take long for Arwen to gather what he wished to discuss. “You’ve found something?” She asked, curiosity bubbling within her again, eager to learn whatever it was.

“Not much. Traces. But it would seem our suspicions were correct.” Edmund revealed. “Queen Elara wasn’t a Baudissan heir.”

“And yet she became queen. With an established connection to the land.” Arwen breathed out in a thoughtful voice. This had to mean there was some way to change the line of succession. Something out there to ensure the land continued even if the original bloodline didn’t.

“I scanned through my family’s spellbooks but aside from small mentions of a ritual or a spell, it would seem whatever it is has been wiped from history.” Edmund explained as much as he could, watching as she nodded her head in understanding.

“Safety.” She muttered out. And it made sense. Keeping a ritual like that written down for anyone to find could carry an enormous amount of risk.

“Yes. But… I did speak to my mother.” The statement had her eyes snapping back over to him as she waited for more information, wondering what Ayana might’ve said or known. “She was rather clear that she wouldn’t discuss it with anyone but you. Not even me. Not until I’m officially taking her place, at least.”

“So she might know.”

“Safety.” Edmund repeated her own statement. And he too was right. Because while it was unsafe to leave such information readily available, it was still needed and necessary. It was what could determine the future of the kingdom.

“Good.” Arwen announced, making the man across her repeat the word in a questioning manner. “I have no heirs, Edmund. And, we must be honest with ourselves, my choice of hiding place isn’t the safest I could have made. Knowing that there is a chance even if something should happen to me-”

“Knowing is enough.” Edmund was quick to interrupt her before she could go on. “Because we certainly won’t be sparing it much thought unless it is necessary. Which it is not.” He announced, not wanting to tempt fate by already preparing for the worst. Not when they didn’t need to.

“I know that. You needn’t worry.” Arwen reassured him. It wasn’t like she was expecting to die any moment now. “It’s just a relief. Knowing there’s a chance.”

And she knew that, even though it meant havingto find a reason or excuse to leave Camelot and journey to Prairene herself, Arwen knew that if Ayana was willing to speak of this ritual only with her, she had to go. It was the only way to get the information she needed.

Edmund was right, in this moment, they didn’t need to concern themselves with it, but it would be unwise to leave it to chance. Returning to the topic only when it might already be too late could have disastrous results. And to know the wisest choice, Arwen knew she needed all the details she could get. To be ready. Just in case…

The next morning, Arwen found herself walking through the halls of the castle. And as she did, her eyes spared a glance through the windows and out into the courtyard. She wasn’t sure what prompted her to do it, however, as she did she was met with a sight that had her pausing in her steps.

She watched as Arthur rode away on his horse, following after Elena who’d taken off shortly before him. And it seemed only Merlin was accompanying them as they ventured beyond the city walls. Heaving a small sigh, Arwen began to suspect Edmund’s rumours might hold some truth after all. However, she was quick to remind herself it wasn’t her place. That she’d always known it would come to this.

Because of that, she gathered her bearings and continued on towards the physicians’ chambers where she’d been headed in the first place. With a list of duties that was still rather long, she hoped to finish them before that evening’s feast. However, once she came to the already open door of the chambers, she realized all that might have to wait a bit longer.

She wasn’t sure whether she first caught sight of them or heard them, but either way, catching a woman attempting to comfort a small child with reassurances that the physician would make it all better, had Arwen quickly sprining into action. “My lady, what’s happened? How can I help?”

The sound of her voice had the brown haired woman quickly turning to look at her. “Oh, I was hoping to find Gaius.” She announced in a hesitant voice and Arwen was quick to assume what she meant by that. After all, it wasn’t the first time someone thought Gaius might be the better option of the two physicians.

“He’s tending to some patients in the lower town, but I assure you, he’s taught me everything he knows and I can-” She begun to reassure the noblewoman who was quick to jump in once she realized what Arwen had thought.

“Oh, no, no. I didn’t mean any offence, your… Arwen.” The way the lady paused to correct herself had Arwen’s mind quickly connecting the dots. “It’s just, well… It doesn’t seem right, you having to tend to us.”

It wasn’t long before realization dawned on the redhead, making her give a small nod of understanding. “I remember you from the courtyard.” She said then. “I’m sorry. There’s been little time for porper introductions.”

“It’s quite alright. I’m Lady Agnes Montague.” The woman introduced herself. And while the name came as a slight surprise to Arwen, she did well in masking it.

“It’s a pleasure to meet you, my lady.”

“And you, your grace. It’s an honour.”

“Mummy, it hurts.” Their introductions were soon interrupted by the little blonde haired boy who seemed to be shrinking away behind his mother’s skirts.

“Illyan.” Lady Montague whispered in a slightly scolding tone, but Arwen on the other hand held no importance to propriety in such a moment. Especially not from a child that could be no older than eight.

“It’s quite alright.” She reassured with a smile as she knelt down on the floor in front of the boy. “Want to tell me what happened Illyan? How did you hurt your hand?” She asked in a gentle voice.

“It’s my fault. I spilled the hot water.” He cried miserably.

“Oh don’t worry, it happens to the best of us.” She said in an attempt to comfort him before rising back up, extending her hand to him and waiting until he used the uninjured one to take it. “Come along.” She said walking him over to the table and picking him up so she could have him sitting on top of it. As soon as his hand was out of hers, he’d used it to cover other as he’d done before. “Do you want to show me your hand?”

Hesitantly, the boy shook his head with teary eyes. “Illyan, let her help.” His mother tried to instruct, but he continued to be scared and unwilling to cooperate.

“You know I got sick once. And I was little, just about your age.” Arwen spoke up, hoping that her methods might yield better results. “So I was scared of physicians too.”

“But you’re a physician.” The boy pointed out in a confused tone, making both his mother and Arwen give out a small laugh.

“I am. It’s funny, isn’t it?” She joked, watching as a small smile now appeared on his face as he nodded. “Well, the way my physician helped me not be scared is by explaining everything she was going to do. Would that make it better for you? If I explained?”

Once again, Illyan gave a shy nod of his head, but otherwise said nothing, leaving Arwen to continue on as she stepped away from him and made her way over to some of the shelves where she knew the supplies would be. “Well, first I’d apply a salve to your burn. It would make that annyoing pain go away. Not fully, but I’m sure you’d be able to play again and forget all about it.” She started as she gathered things into her hands before walking back to the table where she opened up the jar of salve. “And it smells really nice too. Here, try.”

She waited as the boy leaned closer, bringing his nose to the jar and taking a small whiff of the scent. “Nice.” He mumbled with a small smile, one that Arwen happily returned.

“And then, once that is done, I’ll wrap your hand in bandages so you can’t hurt it again.” She continued on. “I’ll have to change them again in a few days, see how your burn is healing, but in just a little time, it’ll be like nothing happened at all.”

“Are you sure?” Still the boy held a little bit of doubt, but nothing Arwen couldn’t get him past.

“I’m sure.” She said in a soft voice, offering him one more smile as she brushed some of the tears away from his cheek from where they’d remained even though his crying had by now stopped. “So can I? Help you with your hand?” And this time, when he nodded in acceptance, he seemed even just a little bit eager to see her do it.

Even with the small interruption to her schedule, Arwen had managed to finish all of her tasks for the day and she did so in time to make it to that evening’s feast in celebration of Camelot’s guests. Although, while she’d been looking forward to it throughout the day, now that she found herself sitting at one of the tables, she couldn’t help but wonder if it were a mistake coming at all.

Every few minutes, she found herself unable to hold back her eyes from glancing to the table occupied by the royals and watching the prince. A few times their eyes met, but whenever that happened, Arwen found herself looking away just as quickly, not wanting him to read on her face all the conflict going on within her as her mind kept returning to the rumours which were now circling so widely that even she’d heard them.

“He looks miserable.” Edmund’s voice whispered as he leaned over from his seat next to her once he caught her taking another glance. This time, the Prince’s eyes didn’t meet hers as he was much too busy looking at Elena with surprise colouring his features as he watched the Princess pluck a piece of food that had fallen on her dress and proceed to eat it without a care.

“You do realize his misery doesn’t help, right?” She pointed out. “I don’t want him to be miserable.”

“I mean to say, he’s done nothing about the rumours thus far.” Edmund explained the true meaning of his observation. “Maybe he won’t at all. He certainly doesn’t seem to like her.” He tried to lift her spirity only to have Arwen give out a small sigh.

“This is Uther.” She reminded the man next to her. “What Uther wants, Uther gets.” Her dejected tone made it clear she wasn’t holding on to hope too much. She hadn’t been ever since she first heard the suspicions of the upcoming proposal and marriage.

She felt the knight sitting on her side shift in his seat, leaning closer as he himself spoke now. “Maybe thinking of Gaius’ romantic life instea might cheer you up.” Leon suggested. He was sitting close enough to hear the words exchanged between her and Edmund, and while they came as no surprise, he disliked seeing her upset over the fact. So he hoped to try and help Edmund in lifting her spirits.

This line of conversation seemed to do the trick as she quickly turned to him, eyes wide in surprise as her questions poured out. “Gaius’ what? What have you heard? You must tell me, Leon.” She requested eagerly, making both men laugh in amusement.

Instead of answering, though, Leon nodded his head towards the other side of the room. And while her eyes had to scan for a couple of moments, it wasn’t long before Arwen found Gaius sitting in his own seat, the one next to him occupied by Princess Elena’s nursemaid, Grunhilda. A woman who so very clearly vyed for Gaius’ attention.

“Oh heavens.” Arwen muttered out as she did her best to contain her laughter. But still a few giggles managed to slip out as her amusement over Gaius’ awkward predicament overpowered her restraint.

“He looks miserable too.” Edmund’s comment now had all three of them bursting into laughter, Leon’s distraction doing the trick it intended to and also ensuring Arwen missed the longing look a pair of blue eyes focused on her as her laughter reached the man’s ears.

While somewhat tired from staying up so late the night before, a result of both Edmund and Leon managing to ensure she had fun at the feast and enjoyed herself, Arwen still had her duties to tend to the next day. Which was why she now found herself walking through the square after seeing some of the patients outside of the castle.

However, while her intentions were to simply head back to the physicians’ chambers and continue on with her day, the sound of someone calling out her name had Arwen not only pausing, but also changing direction, not wanting to be disrespectful by seeming as if she were ignoring the man or unwilling to speak with him.

“Good morning, Sir Cole. Are you enjoying your stay in Camelot?” She asked the man with a friendly smile, eyes turning to the horse which stood at his side as it tried to nudge her arm with its head, making her reach out to pet him as they stood.

“It’s been fine.” Cole said with a small nod of his head. And Arwen hadn’t been expecting him to praise it or enjoy too much, she didn’t expect that of any of her men. But she was glad to know that there seemed to be no trouble during it. “I do, however, need a break from the bustle of city life. I was wondering if you’d do me the honour of joining me for a ride? If you aren’t too busy, that is.”

“Oh, well I believe I could-”

Whatever Arwen’s answer to the proposal would have been, she never had a chance to properly give it as a third voice interviened in the conversation. “I was actually hoping Arwen might spare me a moment of her time as there are things we must discuss.” Arthur’s claim as he stepped up next to her had both the physician and the knight sending him curious looks. “Council business, I’m afriad. Not something we should discuss around those not on it.”

“If it is council business, then why isn’t the entire council summoned for it?” Cole raised an eyebrow at the prince, seeing through the rather vague excuse which he had a hard time believing. Arwen watched as, for a few moments, the two men seemed caught in a stare off, clearly the decision falling to her on what she chose to do.

So, she was rather grateful as, for just a moment, she looked away from their faces and caught sight of a blur rushing through the square in a frenzied manner. “My lords, if you’ll excuse me, I seem to have a family matter I must deal with.” She announced, already starting to walk off before she even finished speaking.

“Will you-”

“I suspect it’ll keep me rather busy, knowing Merlin.” She called back before any question of her willingness to do it later could rise. And fortunately, it was enough to get both men to quiet down, leaving her to disappear past the doors of the castle.

Only, once she did, she didn’t get too far before noticing a man standing at the windows, fixing her with an amused look which made it clear he’d seen the entire scene. “That was most entertaining, I must admit.” His comment had Arwen rolling her eyes in his direction.

“Edmund,” She said in a pointed tone. “Shut up.” The instruction only made the man’s laughter echo through the halls as Arwen shook her head and turned away from him, ready to walk off once more only to find herself nearly crashing into a blonde haired woman. “Princess Elena, I’m terribly sorry. I wasn’t looking.”

“Oh, it’s fine.” The woman shook her head dismissively, letting out a small snort in the process before continuing on her way and letting Arwen do the same.

As Merlin had a head start on her, she made her way to the physicians’ chambers as quickly as possible, arriving just in time to hear her brother and Gaius discussing a topic she certainly wasn’t expecting. “I've seen some strange tongues in my time.” Gaius’ words had her brows furrowing as she put her bag down on the table.

“Tongues?”

“Grunhilda.” Merlin said simply, although it didn’t provide much of an answer in Arwen’s opinion.

“Maybe she is suffering from an infection.” Gaius suggested, still pondering over the news Merlin had shared with him. “Was it discoloured?”

“Discoloured? Yes.” The older sibling nodded his head vehemently, absolutely certain in the answer.

“Brown?”

“Perhaps we could ask her.” Arwen suggestd. “I mean, if she needs treatment, surely we can help her.” She pointed out. When she’d first seen her brother running around like a headless chicken, she’d expected much graver concerns than a sick nursemaid. Although, with Merlin’s knowledge of infections, perhaps he’d worried it might spread.

“Purple.” That had the redhaired physician pausing in her optimistic thoughts. “And...long. Like…” Both Gaius and Arwen watched in surprise as Merlin looked around before plucking a rather large stick, almost the length of Arwen’s arm, off the table and holding it up to his mouth as a demonstration. “This long.”

“That's not an infection.” The younger of the two physicians concluded with ease.

“No. It's magic.” Merlin agreed as he put down the stick. “Some sort of magical creature has infiltrated Lord Godwyn's household. The question is: why?”

“I don't know. But I have a feeling we should probably find out.” Gaius concluded what all three of them already knew even if it hadn’t yet been said out loud.

“Lovely.” Arwen grumbled.

“Will you say that every time?” Merlin asked, unable to miss the pattern which seemed to be appearing whenever they discovered some new threat or trouble.

“Every time you bring news of a royal in trouble, yes.” Arwen announced wihtout hesitation. She didn’t intend to make it a pattern, but when the situation called for commentary…

“Well, maybe you should say it for yourself. You are getting a bit annoying.” He quipped with a teasing smile only to be on the receiving end of a look he was rather familiar with.

“Don’t make me say it for a manservant, brother dear.”

“Pixie dust?” Merlin’s surprise was undeniable as it seeped through his voice.

They’d carefully planned out how they’d check on what Merlin had seen and attempt to get some answers. And unlike usual, this time it was Gaius who’d been tasked with snooping around Elena and Grunhilda’s chambers. And once he became back, he quickly told them what he’d discovered.

“Did she steal it? Buy it? Make it with magic?” Arwen questioned curiously. “How does one get pixie dust?” She wondered out loud, legs already carrying her towards the shelves in hopes of finding some answers within their books.

“From pixies.” Gaius said simply. “And there is no mistaking it now. Grunhilda is a pixie.” He announced. “It would explain a thing or two. Pixies have one weakness, which is for...more...distinguished gentlemen.”

Hearing the last part, Arwen was quick to remember scenes of Grunhilda trying to get awfully cosy with Gaius during last night’s feast. The memory and information paired together could lead to only one thing. Seconds later, her burst of laughter was echoing around the physicians’ chambers.

“What are you trying to say? What’s so funny?” Merlin, who remained unaware of the entire thing, looked between his sister and the man who was fixing her with an unamused stare.

With Arwen still too occupied by her amusement, it was Gaius who explained. “Grunhilda has shown a certain interest toward me.”

However, unlike his sister, Merlin felt disgust rather than amusement. “She likes you?” Gaius could only nod in response. “Oh, that is disgusting. Imagine...imagine if she kissed you?” Merlin’s words made him give out a small shiver while Arwen, who’d just been reigning her laughter in, simply burst out with it again.

“Merlin! Arwen that is enough of that.” The older man scolded the siblings impatiently. “Pixies are the servants of the Sidhe. To them Elena could be very valuable. I think Elena may be a changeling.” He continued on, hoping that getting back to the problem at hand would divert their minds from Grunhilda’s… romantic interests.

And luckily it did, the words allowing Arwen to sober enough to be able to focus again and ask. “Changeling?”

“Inhabited by a fairy at birth. It would explain the clumsiness.”

“And Elena has no idea this thing's inside of her?” Merlin questioned in disbelief, Gaius shaking his head in denial.

“And when the time comes, it will possess her entirely.” He added on.

“You think that time is now.” Merlin muttered out, starting to connect the pieces of information they had and tying it all together.

And Arwen found herself agreeing with her brother’s assumption. “Of course it is.” She sighed, turning to him with a pointed look as she continued to remind him of one more detail. “We’ve dealt with the Sidhe before, remember?”

“The Sidhe live for more than a thousand years. They're a patient people.” Gaius shared what he already knew of the creatures. “It may be that they have created this changeling knowing that Lord Godwyn and the House of Pendragon would one day seek unity through marriage.”

“And once that happens, they get what they’ve wanted for so long.” Arwen concluded. “A Sidhe as Queen of Camelot.”

“We need to be sure before we do anything else.” Merlin announced in a determined tone, already jumping to his feet as he got ready to head out.

Still, Gaius felt the need to know what exactly the boy intended to do. “Were are you going?”

“To see what I can discover.” Merlin said as if it were the most obvious thing. And in way, it was. After all, this is what always happened. “If I can prove she’s a changeling, then we can do something about it.”

“It is the next best step.” Arwen nodded along. “If we’re wrong then we need to know what really is going on, because it’s certainly something.” She pointed out in a knowing tone. If their intial theory was wrong, then any method they may find to solve it wouldn’t be applicable. And considering they were dealing with a Princess here, they needed to be absolutely sure.

“You’re coming with me?” Merlin asked in surprise as he watched his sister rise from her own seat. He was ready to suggest it might not be the best idea, however, the sight of her shaking her head made him pause.

“Oh no, I will leave spying on a Princess to you. I have a meeting I have to get to.”

“Any lurkers in the woods we should be aware of, my lady?” While she had her reservations about the man, Lord Montague’s question still had Arwen letting out a small laugh of amusement as she shook her head in response.

“Not this time, my lord.” She announced. “My brother has other duties occupying his time tonight.” She said simply, not willing to go into too much detail as to what those duties might be.

“I can confirm that.” The sound of Sir Cole’s voice had Arwen turning around to watch as he stepped out from the woods, coming from the same direction as she had only minutes before. It wasn’t hard to conclude that, just like the last time, they’d sent someone to ensure she wasn’t followed.

“Good, good, then we can get to the topics at hand.” Cole’s father, Lord Willmont, said in a pleased tone, clearly eager to get to business. “I myself have a rather… Large concern.”

His words were enough to get all of Arwen’s focus to turn on him. “What is it?”

“Well, perhaps I misspoke.” The man nervously began to correct himself. “It is large or rather the thing causing concern is large not the conern itself. Although the conern might become large. Even though it isn’t yet.”

“Lord Willmont,” Calling out his name again, Arwen put a stop to the overexplaining. “What is the concern itself?”

It was Cole who got to sharing the main point instead of his father. “It would appear that the dragon has decided to make the forest near our family lands its new home.” He shared openly.

“Is he causing trouble?” Arwen asked in an attempt to understand the situation as best as possible. If he was, then she suspectes she could easily ask Merlin to get him to stop whatever he was doing.

“Not really, he’s actually quite peaceful. It’s just… after everything…” Lord Willmont shared in an uncertain tone, Arwen beginning to realize why this concern was being brought to her in the first place.

“Kilgharrah is welcome to Prairene at any time. I was the one who told him it is where he should go.” She reassured the lords. “And since the Pendragons are under the impression that he is dead and his kind wiped from existence, perhaps the best place for him is where neither king nor prince would dare step foot.”

“Good idea.” Edmund muttered out his agreement with a small nod. It was quite fortunate that she’d come up with it considering none of the rest of them considered the detail of where exactly to hide a supposedly dead dragon.

“I’m full of them.” She said in a joking tone, making him chuckle in amusement while she turned to address his father next. “Lord Warren, I was hoping to hear how your meeting with Lord Godwyn went?”

“Well, my lady.” The lord announced with a pleased look on his face. “He assures me that independed of what may happen between Camelot and Gwant, he intends to support your claim to the throne once it is made public.”

“Good, I’m glad to hear it.”

“Maybe we should put conditions.” Lord Montague piped up, eyes turning to him as silence allowed him to elaborate what he meant by that. “This marriage between the Pendragon and the princess isn’t good after all.”

“I do agree to a certain extend.” Lord Grafham spoke next, nodding his head although somewhat thoughtfully, clearly having his own opinions on the matter. One Arwen was willing to listen to for now. “Marriage is a union of kingdoms your grace. Should Camelot not accept your offers of peace, the Pendragons will have not only their own armies but also Gwant’s at their disposal.”

“Lord Godwyn’s assured us nothing like that will happen.” Lord Warren relayed what he’d discussed with the other king. “By having Elena at Arthur’s side she will even help ensure a smooth transition.”

“That’s good to know.” Arwen said with a small nod of her head, glad to know he’d thought to cover such topics already. Not that she doubted he would think of all the important factors. It was, after all, why she’d charged him with the main work of making and forming alliances.

“So we just sit back and let it happen because of a promise of a man who might die before he has a chance to keep it?” And still, even with the reassurances, Montague continued to be displeased. “I mean, what is the time estimation on this entire thing, your grace?”

“I don’t believe there’s any rush to reveal her grace’s identity.” This time it was Lord Bothwell who jumped in with his own arguments. “The people know she is out there as long as the land blossoms. And they know she is taking care of them, even from a distance.” He pointed out before fully turning to her as he spoke again. “You’ll be pleased to know that many are happy with their homes and their lives since returning, your grace.”

And he was right in his assumption, the smile Arwen sent his way doing much to show it. “Thank you, my lord. You are right, that news brings me great joy.” She said happily before letting the smile dim as she turned to the other outspoken lord. “As for you, Lord Montague, I will point out I’m not too pleased by your tone.”

“Well, I’m not too pleased by the fact that it is just Warrens whispering in your ear while the rest of us sit on the sidenlines with our opinions not being heard or considered.”

Even in the darkness, it was hard to miss the way Arwen’s face hardened or the glare she seemed to be sending the man. And yet, it seemed that Lord Willmont had, in fact, missed it since it was him who spoke next to voice his agreement in a slightly more diplomatic manner.

“While Lord Montague’s words may not be the best presentation, he does make a fair point, your grace.” Willmont began to try and reason. “A good rule is established with the help of diverse council. Perhaps two liasons are better than one. My son would surely-”

“Oh here we go again.” Lord Grafham’s annoyed grumbles interrupted the man before he could go on his spiel which, it seemed, many of the men were already familiar with. “You do realize there are more important matters to deal with than marriage? Some of our queens have been known to rule for decades without husbands at their sides.”

“And if it hasn’t worked by now, maybe it’s time you stop putting Cole forward like a prized goat, Fredrick.” Montague tutted at the man, ignoring the way Cole sighed as he stared down at his feet in embarassment over the entire matter.

“You are being highly improper! I was merely suggesting-”

“My lords!” Arwen called out, her voice rising above their squabbling and its volume putting an end to it, thankfully, as their attention finally turned back to her. “I’ve already discussed this with Lord Warren, although I didn’t think it needed to be a message for passing on. It would appear I was wrong.” She said, tone pointed and determined.

“Once time comes for me to choose a husband, I will choose one myself. Once time comes for me to choose members of my concil, those too I will choose myself.” She made the decisions clear with a sharp tone before continuing on in a gentler one. “Advice and guidance are appreciated, certainly. However, you lot making decisions and squabbling over them when they’re not even yours to make, is one way to ensure you don’t end up being a choice for either.”

“My apologies, your grace.” It was Grafham who apologized first, making Arwen turn to him with a small smile of reassurance.

“It’s alright. Especially as your point was the one I actually agree with.” Her comment made the man chuckle while she herself made a note in her mind. Perhaps Grafham was one of the names she should actually consider for roles on her council. But now was not the time for that.

“Our alliance with King Godwyn and Gwant stands,” She spoke again, addressing all of the men gathered before her at once as she listed out all the things that did matter. “Our people are safe and they are happy, our armies continue to grow with each day as I’ve been informed, and our raids have not once ended badly. For now, those are the important things.”

“Of course.” By how silently it came out, it was clear Lord Montague’s grumbles weren’t meant to be overheard by Arwen. And yet, they were. However, for now, she let go of them. Knowing it wasn’t something to deal with in such a public manner and at this moment.

“I did have one more question.” She announced. “Not really related to Prairene itself, but I was hoping, as some of you understand magic better than I, that you could help me learn how to dispose of a fairy that’s inside of a person? A changeling? Without hurting the person, that is?” She questioned, eyes glancing from face to face as she hoped someone might know something.

“Why would you need to know that?” Edmund asked in a confused tone.

“Perhaps because I discovered a changeling?” Arwen pointed out.

“Ah, so that is what Merlin was running around for this morning.” Edmund concluded with ease, Arwen nodding in confirmation.

“There’s a changeling in Camelot? Who?” Cole proceeded to ask curiously.

“That doesn’t matter.” Arwen decided, knowing it would be best if the gossip didn’t spread too far if she could keep it from happening. “What matters is fixing the situation before she is entirely possessed by it.”

“She?” Still, curiosity was a powerful thing, and even Lord Warren didn’t seem to be able to restrain it entirely. “Changelins are hard to miss since they often… Oh dear.” He trailed off as he was about to list the signs of a changeling, thinking of them making him realize where he’d already seen them.

“You can see why it’s a matter of pertinence.”

“Well… It is a solution to what I think is a problem.” Unlike the last time when she’d let Montague’s quips slide off her back, this time Arwen let her glare turn to him.

“Well, I disgaree with your evaluation, therefore, if you know of a way, I’d be pleased if you could share it.” She said in a sharp tone, making it clear just how little patience she had for his insubortination.

“I’m afraid I do not, my lady.” As she listened to his response, Arwen realized that she couldn’t even be sure if he was sincere and telling the truth or lying simply to serve his own wishes.

“Witches of Meredor, your grace.” Luckily, Lord Grafham chose to prove useful yet again as he spoke up and interrupted the tense silence. “They had recipies for such things. I myself don’t know any. But it was Uther who, after the Great Purge, took possession of many of their books.”

“Thank you, my lord. I’ll be sure to look into it.” She said with a kind smile. “But now I should be getting back to the castle, as should all of you. Before any of our absence is noted.” Her words had many of them agreeing and nodding along.

And as they did, Arwen let her eyes focus on the two Warrens standing closest to her. “My lords, may I speak with you for a moment?” She asked, eyes pointing off to the side, a little ways away and less likely to be overheard. And only once she deemed them far enough did she speak again. “I think it might be time for Lord Montague to take his leave sooner than intended.” She announced.

“You’re sure? What about alienating him?” Edmund couldn’t help but ask as he remembered their previous conversation on the matter.

“It was one thing when he was grumbling about the Pendragons and Camelot.” Arwen noted with a small sigh. “It is another when he’s doing it about me. I don’t want him planting seeds of doubt.” She explained, eyes glancing to the men who clearly loitered in an attempt to overhear, the Willmonts being the least subtle about it.

“She is right, Edmund. He’s grown much too bold as of late.” Geoffrey agreed, his head shaking in annoyance.

“If you must, keep a close eye during the remainder of your stay.” She said openly. She knew that there was a good chance they couldn’t make the man leave without causing too much of a scene. And a scene was something they needed to avoid.

“Shold keep it up even when we go back.” Edmund pointed out, both his father and Arwen nodding in agreement.

However, as she spared yet another glance at the men, an idea sparked in her mind. “Throw the Willmonts a bone.” She instructed. “Task them with it, but don’t count on them entirely.” She explained, eyes going back to the two Warrens again. “If they’re as loyal as they wish to appear then they’ll do a good job of it. And if not-”

“Two birds with one stone.”

“Let’s hope it’ll be just one bird.” If she didn’t know better, Arwen would have been hoping for no birds at all, but after tonight, she was starting to suspect that Lord Montague might be too far gone in his anger and hatred to be of any service to her and what she is trying to build. And it was a problem that couldn’t be avoided for much longer.

Arwen walked through the halls the next morning, this one much busier than the one before as she’d picked up both her own duties as well as Gaius’. Considering the fact that the older physician was too occupied with searching through books for a way to free Elena of the fairy, it was the least she could do. Especially as the task itself was one that they have, thus far, had no luck with. Even with the suggestions from Lord Grafham which Arwen had passed on.

Her peaceful walk was suddenly interrupted as she felt a hand wrap around her arm out of nowhere, gently pulling her to the side until she was out of the hall and through the door of a chamber which she easily recognized. “Arthur? What are you doing?” She questioned the prince now standing in front of her in a confused tone.

“I was serious yesterday.” Arthur pointed out, Arwen’s brows furrowing as she didn’t remember what it was he was referring to for just a moment. “When I said I needed to speak with you.”

Considering all that had happened in the time since, Arwen realized she’d entirely forgotten about the request. “I’m sorry, things have been quite busy the past couple of days. What did you want to talk about?” She asked, even if she was rather sure she already knew. And still, she found herself unable to bring up the topic on her own.

“My father… He’s insisting I marry Elena.”

Arwen couldn’t hold back the solemn look which appeared on her face at his words, even if she did try to. “I suspected he would.” She said honestly, a small nod of her head paired with it. After all, she’d said exactly that to Edmund during the feast, hadn’t she?

“But you…” Arthur’s brows furrowed in a confused manner as he looked down at her. “You haven’t said anything?”

Now her eyes turned up to him again, a questioning look clear within them. “What am I supposed to say, Arthur?”

“Tell me not to.”

At that, a humourless laugh escaped the physician. “You know I can’t do that. It is not my place.” She reminded him once she realized it wasn’t actually some kind of joke or attempt to lift the mood which had fallen over them.

“I don’t care about your place-” Arthur tried to reassure her, but she couldn’t let him. Not when she knew hearing whatever sweet thing he intended to say would only make it all hurt more in the end.

“You should.” She cut him off. “You’re the Prince of Camelot and I’m… Me.” She said firmly, neither lying but also not telling the truth either. Who she was was enough. Even if Arthur had a different assumption of why it mattered. “It was never meant to be and we both know it.”

“Is it so insane? Is what I want so insane?” Arthur questioned in disbelief as he stared down at her, trying to keep the sad look off his face but still failing entirely. Because he’d expected others, his father, members of the court or council to deem it so. He did. But he hadn’t expected it of her.

“Yes, Arthur.” And yet that is exactly what she was now claiming. In Arwen’s mind, he didn’t even know just how insane it even really was. “I’m sorry. But we knew this wouldn’t…” She couldn’t bring herself to say it outright. “We knew.”

“You’re…” As he listened to her words, Arthur struggled to understand what she meant by them. Or rather, he didn’t want to understand. He wanted to be wrong about what he was realizing. “You want me to marry Elena?”

Arwen didn’t want that. It was the last thing she wanted. And it took great strength to keep those words from spilling right out into the open. To keep the truth in. She knew it wouldn’t yield anything. It couldn’t. So instead of saying what she wanted, she said what he needed to hear.

“Yes.”

For a few long moments Arthur could only stare down at her. Stare as she refused to meet his eyes, as she let herself focus on anything but him in that momend. “And if I do marry her?” He couldn’t help but ask, his voice growing colder as suspicion started to cloud his judgement. “What will you do?”

“I’ll watch you become the great king you’re meant to be. As I am supposed to.” Arwen said in an awfully quiet voice, that being the only way to keep it from cracking under the pressure of the lump which was forming in her throat. For a moment, she spared another look at him, at the heartbroken look on his face which seemed to only cause her more pain. And she knew she had to leave.

“Goodbye, my lord.”

The decision had been made. And with it, the council summoned. Guests and nobles gathered in the council chambers. And as she walked into the chamber, Arwen knew what it was about. What the summons was in regards to. She knew what was about to happen and what she was about to witness. And it made her heart weigh heavy in her chest. But she knew it had to happen. And she knew she had to let it happen.

Walking through the people gathered together, Arwen made her way to where she’d spotted Gaius and Merlin standing together, Edmund at their sides as the three men whispered about something in hushed tones. As she approached, she managed to overhear words such as potion and witches, letting her know it was the changeling they were discussing.

“How is it coming along?” She asked as she found herself close enough, the sound of her voice making all three of them turn to her insurprise. In truth, neither one of them was really expecting her to make an appearance during this event. “Did you find a solution?”

Sharing a debating look with Edmund, Merlin finally answered after a few more moments passed in a deceptively long silence. “We did, but it’s tricky.” He revealed honestly, regretting the words as they made his sister give out a heavy sigh just as the door of the chambers opened behind her.

All of them now turned to watch as Princess Elena akwardlymade her way down the aisle created by people who’d gathered on all sides of the room, all there to be part of the joyous occasion. “Merlin,” Arwen whispered so only those closest to her could hear. “I need you to promise me this will work.”

“Well, I-”

“Promise me I did not just push the man I love towards another woman only for it to result in nothing.” Her interruption rendered Merlin silent for a moment as a sad look took over his own expression before he ultimately nodded his head, speaking up just as Arthur began his own speech.

“I promise.”

With that, the two siblings fell silent as they turned to the front of the room, watching and listening as the prince turned to address Elena with his speech and her alone.

“It is my sincerest hope that you, Princess Elena, share my dreams. With this in mind…” Arwen’s breath hitched in her throat as she watched him kneel down in front of the princess. “I would like to ask you to do me the honour of being my… wife.”

Arwen could feel her eyes fill with tears as she listened to the blonde woman accept the proposal. As the decision was made and fate struck. She barely noticed it at first, as a hand tightly wrapped around her own in a comforting manner. But, even if she couldn’t bring herself to look up at him, she squeezed back, hoping Edmund could understand the small sign of gratitude. Because, in truth, she needed it in that moment.

“I am not sleeping in the same chamber as you tonight.” Arwen announced almost instantly as Merlin walked through the doors of the physicians’ chambers. Her nose scrunched up in disgust as she waved a hand in front of her face as to get rid of the smell which followed after him as he passed by her on his way over to Gaius.

“Well, at least I got it!” He announced proudly, holding up a small white flower in the air as if it were a trophy. By the looks of him, perhaps it even was.

“Grown in boggy and marshy terrain?” Gaius questioned to make sure. It only had Arwen waving her hands in Merlin’s general direction. If not, then how the hell did he get himself into such a state?

“In the middle of boggy, marshy terrain. Right in the middle.” Merlin said in a prickly voice, looking at the flower in his hand with a glare. As if it was the flower’s fault, and it had grown where it did solely with the purpose of making his task more difficult.

“You did a good job.” Gaius said with an approving nod, taking the flower from Merlin’s hands before continuing to work on the potion. “This'll sort things out. Hopefully before tomorrow's wedding.”

“Will it hurt her?” Arwen asked as she stood from where she was sitting at the table, walking over to take a look at the potion Gaius was preparing. “When the fairy leaves?”

“She'll feel like a new person.” Gaius said honestly. “She probably doesn't realise how much trouble it's been causing her.”

“Good, that’s good.” Arwen nodded her head in approval, but the distant look in her eyes made Merlin suspect she hadn’t even heard what Gaius said in the first place. “I’m going to get some rest. Tomorrow will be a busy day.” She announced, retreating into her and Merlin’s room before either of the men could even wish her a good night.

“I hate this.” Merlin grumbled out to Gaius once she could no longer hear him. He hated seeing her so upset. And it wasn’t as if Arthur was fairing any better. Both of them were miserable. And Elena was a nervous wreck. He couldn’t understand how this could be deemed good for anyone. “We should be putting a stop to this wedding, not making sure it happens.”

“Sometimes, Merlin, matters of the heart just aren’t strong enough to overcome the obstacles.” At Gaius’ words, Merlin found himself wondering if that were true. If Arwen and Arthur truly couldn’t covercome this. If this was really how it was meant to happen. He couldn’t find himself able to believe it. It just didn’t feel right. None of it.

It wasn’t often that Arwen had the pleasure of being startled awake. Although, since their arrival to Camelot, she had to admit, it happened more often than ever before. Nonetheless, when it happened on that particular night, Arwen still found herself so startled that she clumsily jumped out of her bed, feet tangling in the blanket she’d pulled down with her. Although, it was perhaps fortunate, that she was already in the process of falling. It made ducking down and away from whatever she’d seen flying in her direction that much easier.

“Merlin?!”

“I’m fine! Are you?” She was releaved to hear her brother’s voice calling out to her from where he too had hid by his own bed.

“Fine, just get rid of whatever this is!”

“Trying!”

Peaking her head above the edge of the bed, Arwen watched as her brother rushed out of the room and into the main chamber. And she was quick to rise to her feet as the little blue ball of light seemed to follow after him. She reached the door of the room just in time to see Merlin shooting a ball of energy from the Sidhe staff, and missing whatever creature had attacked them. Instead, contents littered throughout the shelf smashed to the floor as it tipped over.

Luckily enough, the intial failure made sure Merlin knew what to do next time. Using his magic, he ensured that the attacking creature slowed down despite its unwillingness, and in a split moment, using his chance, Merlin directed another blast at it. This time, the energy hit its target, the tiny Sidhe exploding into a burst of blue sparks which littered to the floor and disappeared soon after.

“I really hate those things.” Arwen grumbled out as she let out a small sigh of relief, Gaius nodding along with her words in agreement while Merlin himself moved over to the destroyed shelf, glancing down at the contents before one important fact dawned on him.

“Please tell me that wasn’t all of it.”

Arwen felt her eyes trying to close all on their own as she sat at the table in the physicians’ chambers watching as Gaius mixed together the last of the ingredients they’d spent a the remainder of their night working on. Luckily enough, they had what remained from the first brew of the potion, meaning they didn’t have to collect the rare ingredients all over again.

“That's it?” Merlin asked hopefully and let out a huge breath he felt as if he’d been holding inside since the moment the first potion was destroyed. “Thank goodness for that.” He muttered out once Gaius nodded his head in confirmation.

“Well, there's one more thing.” The older physician paused as both siblings turned to give him curious looks. “How are we going to get Elena to drink this with Grunhilda around?”

It was Arwen who got an idea first. “Well, Pixies do have one weakness…” She trailed off suggestively, watching as the colour drained from Gaius’ face once he took in the sheepish smiles on the faces of both siblings and realized what she’d meant by that. Certainly not something he’d enjoy.

Arwen paced as she waited. Up and down the hall in front of the doors of Elena’s chambers she moved, her hands clutching onto the potion they’d prepared as tightly as she could. They’d all decided it was better to keep the small bottel as far away from their business with Grunhilda as possible. However, she still couldn’t just go into the chambers and give it to the princess right away. She had to wait for her brother to come with his staff so the fairy may be destroyed once it was released.

Luckily, she didn’t have to wait for much longer as the sound of rushed footsteps made her turn around, eyes catching sight of Merlin and Gaius walking towards her through the halls. “Go, go!” Merlin called out, hand motioning her towards the doors. “She’s trapped for now.”

For a moment, Arwen hesitated as she turned to the door, debating letting Gaius and Merlin handle the rest. Only, just as the idea sprang into her mind, the sound of a rather enraged pixie rushing towards them through the halls had her realizing they had no time to waste.

Rushing into the chambers without even a knock, Arwen looked around just as the princess popped up from behind a curtain. “Grunhilda?”

“I’m afraid it's only me, my lady.” Arwen announced in an apologetic tone, watching as the princess gave an exasperated sigh as she walked out into the open space.

“Where has she gone? I'm getting married in less than an hour.” As she quieted down for just a moment, both Elena and Arwen could hear the sounds of chaos happening out in the halls. “What was that?”

“Er...preparation for the wedding.” Arwen rushed out, quickly thinking of the lie and hoping it would be enough to convince the blonde. “Everybody's very excited. But you must be nervous.”

“I'm a little flustered.” Elena admitted as she popped down to sit on the bed with what in reality was a terrified look on her face.

“Only to be expected, and just as I thought.” Arwen said in her friendliest voice as she walked over to the woman. “I brought you a tonic to calm your nerves.” She said, extending the bottle towards her.

“You are very kind.” Elena sent her a small smile as she took the bottle into her own hands, opening it and taking only a tiny sip of the potion inside before she was speaking again. “I cannot believe this is actually my wedding day.”

“Best to drink it all for the full effect.”

Listening to Arwen’s instructions, the princess brought the bottle to her lips and just as the redhead hoped she’d drink it all this time, she once again took only a little before continuing on. “I really wish my mother was here.”

“I’m sure she’d be very proud of you.” Arwen tried to offer some comfort as she moved over to sit down on the bed beside the princess. “Try another sip.” She suggested just as the door of the chambers opened up again, Merlin and Gaius curiously sticking their heads inside, the former fixing Arwen with a pointed look.

“I'm trying.” She whispered out, but Merlin decided to take matters into his own hands as he suddenly rushed forward and came to stand in front of the princess.

“Elena, this is gonna make you feel a whole lot better!” He announced in a firm tone, plucking the potion from her hands before going as far as pinching her nose and tipping her head back so he could pour the potion into her mouth before she could even resist.

“Merlin!” Arwen scolded in surprise, jumping to her feet as the princess passed out, her back hitting the bed as she writhed in the spot while the Sidhe fairy was forced out of her. It tried, for a few moments, to buzz around and attack them, but after the last one Merlin was much more prepared. It took him only seconds to use the staff and successfully destroy the fair.

And he did so just in time before Elena began to wake up again. “Not to worry, my dear. I think you must've fainted. Such excitement!” Gaius was quick at her side, eyes scanning her over for any sign of trouble or problem. But not only was there none, she looked a thousand times better only by the look on her face.

“Fainted? I feel...amazing. I haven't felt this good in years!” Elena announced with a happy smile as she jumped down from the bed, twirling around for a moment before she took in her surroundings again and remembered everything. And once she did, she turned back to the guests in her chambers. “Where is Grunhilda?”

“We'll look into it.”

“Well, how am I to get ready without her?” Elena questioned, clearly starting to grow nervous once again.

“I can help you, my lady.” Arwen jumped in with the offer without even thinking it through, knowing it would cause trouble if the bride to be started ringing alarm bells about her missing nursemaid. Considering everything else had gone successfully, she didn’t think they could afford such a slip right in the end. “If you want.”

It didn’t take too long for Elena to get ready for the wedding with Arwen’s help. Soon enough, the redhead found herself standing behind the princess as she observed her reflection in the mirror while Arwen worked on putting the last pieces of jewellery into her hair. And while doing that, she also had to do her best to keep her emotions at bay as she silently scolded herself for offering to do this in the first place, giving it no thought as to how hard it would truly be.

“One day, I will inherit my father’s kingdom.” Elena spoke up, breaking the silence for the first time in quite a bit of time. “I’ll be a queen in my own right, not just through marriage.”

“Are you nervous about such a thing?” Arwen asked, unsure of what else to say or where the woman was even going with this topic of conversation.

“I’m not sure. I hope it’s in the long distant future, however. But my father’s always ensured I’d be ready for it when the time comes.” Arwen suspected it might be the nerves of the occasion making the princess speak. For days now she’d been thinking about the future, it was no wonder her mind started thinking further ahead than just the wedding.

“And still, sometimes, when he deemed it necessary, he’d keep things from me.” Elena continued. “I however, had my little spies around the castle. Friends mostly, staff and some ladies. And they’d always tell me when my father was trying to keep some secret. And when he did, I had my spots. I found them when I was a child. Spots where I’d spy and see who it was he was hiding from me.”

While still somewhat confused, Arwen found herself letting out a chuckle at the Princess’ words. She could imagine a little blonde girl trying to hide and spy around the castle. “At least you’ll be fully prepared once you do become queen.”

“Yes, I do suppose I will be.” Elena let out a small laugh, the sound rather foreign as thus far the princess’ laugh was often an unladylike snort of sorts. But no longer. “Do you feel like you are?

That question had Arwen freezing for just a moment before she made her face turn confused and curious. “Am I what?”

“Prepared to be queen.”

Arwen found herself rather stunned, the laugh slipping past her lips at least helping her mask it as a sort of amusement. “I’m fortunate enough to not have such burdens weighing on me.” She attempted to lie. “After all, I’m just a physician, my lady. I could never dream of being queen.”

“Really?” Elena asked, and while her voice sounded surprised, the expression on her face as she looked at Arwen’s reflection in the mirror was anything but. “So then, why do envoys of a secret queen keep flocking to you during their time here.”

“With all due respect, my lady, I think you’re just…” Arwen tried to think of something to say as she took a step back from the princess, deeming her work on her hair finished. “It’s not… I don’t think you-”

“It’s alright.” Elena brought her stumbling to an end as she interrupted. “I have no intentions of revealing your secrets. After all, I understand my father has struck an alliance with your kingdom.” The princess explained. “I merely wish to say that once I am queen of Gwant, I intend to uphold it.”

Arwen’s question came flying out of her mouth before she could even attempt to stop herself. “Why?” Any woman nervous on her wedding day wouldn’t openly reveal she’d go into it lying or keeping secrets from her husband. And yet, that is exactly what Elena was saying now.

“Because stories spread far and wide rather quickly. Stories about a queen who even from a distance takes care of her kingdom. A queen who despite all that’s happened wishes for nothing but peace and safety for her people. To me, that seems like a good queen.” Elena explained as if it were the simplest thing.

“And from my own personal experience I can tell you’re a good person.” The princess added soon after. “After all, not many women would help a bride get ready on her wedding day. Not when that wedding is to the man she herself is in love with.”

Arwen’s face paled even more, if it were possible, at the last part. “My lady, I promise you, that is nothing you need to worry about. For any reason.” She tried to promise, and she was telling the truth. She’d put an end to it. She had no intentions of pursuing anything after today. She needed Elena to believe that.

“For days I’ve been listening about the strengths of alliances through marriage.” Elena spoke. “I can’t help but wonder why you aren’t-”

Whatever she intended to ask, she never got a chance to. And Arwen couldn’t help but be relieved because of it. Grateful for the interruption, she turned to look at the door to see who it was that came as a blessing in disguise. “I was hoping for a moment with my daughter before the wedding.” Lord Godwyn said as he smiled, eyes never leaving Elena. Another thing Arwen was rather happy about.

“Of course, I’ll take my leave.” She announced in a rushed voice, already heading for the door. “I wish you all the luck with your wedding and married life, my lady.” She said, offering Elena one last curtsy as she stood at the door before turning away and fully disappearing through it. That was one conversation she was rather thrilled to be out of.

Arwen stood among the people, blending in with the crowd as she chose not to be at the front of the room even though that is where she’d seen both Gaius and Merlin as well as Morgana and Gwen. But in that moment, she wanted to stand alone as she watched the two royals standing in front of each other, Elena looking etheral and beautiful in her wedding gown as she and Arthur spoke their vows.

“Is it your wish, Arthur, to become one with this woman?”

“It is.” Arthur’s voice echoed through the throne room as he spoke the words and Arwen felt her vision go blurry as her eyes filled with tears which wouldn’t go away no matter how much she blinked and tried.

“Is it your wish, Elena, to become one with this man?”

For a few moments, Elena remained silent, eyes scanning over the room before looking first to her father, then to the redhead hiding among the spectators, before she finally focused on her own two feet in front of her. “It is.”

“Do any say nay?” The court genealogist leading the ceremony took a short pause as he surveyed the room, even though no one was actually expecting any protest. And once he was sure there was none, he felt free to continue. “Then as we gather here today, we are all witness to this rite…”

But it was then that he was interrupted. “Wait.” By none other than Arthur himself.

“There's something you would like to say, Arthur?” The man questioned in surprise, murmurs starting to slowly spread through the room as all wondered what was happening.

“Something I should've said a long time ago. Something from the heart I dare not speak.” The confused chatter of spectators started to grow louder as everyone wondered about Arthur’s words. Arwen could even feel some of the knights standing near her, Leon among them, starting to look her way even though her eyes remained focused on the front of the room, hanging on to the prince’s every word. “Elena, you are a wonderful woman, and a beautiful bride, but I cannot deny my feelings.”

“You do not love me.” Elena finished for him, a tiny smile of understanding painted across her lips as she watched Arthur shake his head.

“And I think, if you are honest, you do not love me either. “

“No.” The princess agreed.

“Then we are both here out of duty.” Arthur called out, making it known to all that this union would not be taking place. “Can you forgive me?”

“I agree with all you have said. Thank you, Arthur.”

And in that moment, Arwen found herself letting out a relieved breath. Even if it didn’t change anything. Even if she still knew how this must end. Even if she knew now is the most oppotune time to still put a stop to it before Arthur gets any ideas after what he’d just done. But for a moment, she let herself be relieved. For just a moment.

Arwen found herself alone in the physicians’ chambers, Merlin and Gaius having to tend to the Grunhilda of it all once the wedding had been fully and officially cancelled and everyone left the throne room in its wake. The two kings had retreated to the council chambers.

By now, news had spread that, what was supposed to be a feast celebrating a marriage, had been repurposed and would be taking place tomorrow night to celebrate instead whatever new form of alliance the men had stuck between themselves.

However, with tonight free of duties and societal obligations, Arwen decided to spend her time cleaning up some of the remnants of last night’s Sidhe attack. As she worked, she could hear the door open up behind her and someone make their way inside. Expecting it to be Merlin or Gaius, she didn’t spare them a glance as she spoke.

“I’ve managed to get most of it, but you know how broken glass is. Shards will keep popping up for the next month when you least expect them. So no one should walk…” The redhead trailed off only once she finally turned around, only then realizing her initial assumptions were wrong as she spotted Arthur within the chambers instead. “What are you doing here?”

“I needed to see you.”

In that moment, she wanted nothing more than to go to him. To let that relief and happiness back in and share it with him. But she knew that she couldn’t. “Why?”

"I know you said that…” Arthur trailed off. After all, they both remembered what she’d said before. “But things are different now.”

His optimistic approach had Arwen giving out a small sigh. She’d hoped he wouldn’t do this. “They aren’t, Arthur.” She said. “Your marriage to Elena may not have happened, but there will be other women. More appropriate women. Better women.”

“There aren’t any better women. Not for me.”

While the words made her heart skip a beat, her restraint weining for just a moment as she sent him a sad smile, Arwen still knew what she had to do. “Please Arthur, this is already hard enough.”

“Is it?” The cold in his voice seeped back in, and it made Arwen’s brows furrow in a confused manner.

“Excuse me?”

“Do you even love me?” The question had the confusion wiping from her face only to be replaced with surprise. The angry kind. And it only continued to grow as Arthur posed another question, his hurt feelings making it impossible to hold them back. “Or has this all been a trick?”

“Did you just…” Arwen trailed off as, for a short second, she tried to compose herself. But as his words ran through her mind yet again, she entirely gave up on the idea. “Do you think it was easy? Watching you get down on one knee in front of her and propose? Watching you say you want to marry her and have her say it too? Getting so close to losing you? It broke my heart into a million pieces.”

“Then-”

“It crushed me and that is why I don’t want you here.” She revealed in a tone that was a mix of anger and sadness, her eyes filling with tears which she finally let spill for the first time since this whole thing started. “I don’t want you saying sweet romantic things that can only be possible in dreams and fantasies. Because it is not real, Arthur. Because it cannot happen and the longer we deceive ourselves into thinking that it can, the more it will hurt.”

“Arwen-”

Once again, she didn’t let him speak. She couldn’t hear it. Because if she did, she feared she’d cave and let him back in. “No. I cannot believe you would even ask such a question. That you would think so little of me.” She said, her voice cracking towards the end and forcing her to pause before she continued. “But if you do, then I hope it will make it easier to leave me alone from here on out. Please, leave me alone.” She pleaded.

And that plea was what rendered Arthur entirely silent this time. With tears in both of their eyes which were hard to miss, the two remained focused on each other for a few long moments which seemed to stretch on forever.

As they thought that this time, this moment, it might not be something they so easily got past, even as Arthur rushed out of the chambers a few seconds later and Arwen was left alone, neither of them noticed it.

Neither of them noticed or became aware of the prying ears listening in. And hearing every word. Neither of them realized it. And neither of them could imagine the consequences of that. Not yet.

Chapter Text

By the time the next morning rolled around, Arwen and Edmund had to do their best to evade the multitude of servants and staff that were rushing around the castle halls in preparation for that evening’s feast. While the marriage union between Arthur and Elena did not take place, the two Kings had come to a different treaty. One which had officially been signed that morning. And as such, the feast which had been meant to honour the newlyweds had been repurposed. Now it was being held to simply honour their prosperous future as two separate kingdoms but strong allies.

“The majority of the men that came with my father and myself intend to leave as soon as possible. Some right after the feast, other tomorrow at dawn.” Edmund shared as he walked in step with the redhead. “Most are growing on edge the longer they remain in Camelot.”

Arwen nodded her head in agreement. After all, she herself had noticed the signs among the men. Some were better at hiding their discomfort, but others had more trouble with it. Most notably, Lord Montague. Arwen would be lying if she’d said she wasn’t looking forward to the moment he’d be out of Camelot and too far to cause any more trouble.

“I’ll make sure to say goodbye during the feast.” She said just as they turned the corner into another hall.

And as they did, Arwen didn’t quite catch the nod Edmund offered her in response as her eyes caught sight of the Gwant royals walking in the opposite direction of their own and right towards them. While Lord Godwyn, too preoccupied talking to the man at his side, didn’t spare them much of a glance, Arwen’s eyes caught Elena’s. The two women shared a small nod between themselves, the action reminding Arwen of their own alliance for the future when they themselves will officially be queens.

“Are you sure you don’t want me coming along for this patient?” Edmund’s question had Arwen’s mind snapping back to the present, and only then realizing they’d come to a stop in front of a door which had been her destination all along.

“It’s a seven-year-old child, Edmund.” The redhead pointed out in an amused laugh. “How much trouble could I possibly get into in there?”

“His father starts sharing opinions.”

While Arwen had intended only to check on Illyan’s burn and continue with the rest of her day, she’d managed to get roped into having tea with Lady Montague. And while she might’ve been able to say no to her and make up an excuse, she certainly hadn’t been able to resist the little boy who excitedly wished for her to stay as well. Which was how she now found herself sitting at the table in the woman’s chambers, laughing along to a story about Illyan’s adventure with a frog at their estate as the Lady finished telling it while the boy himself had disappeared from sight, eager to show Arwen some of his favourite toys.

“I also invited you today because I wanted to apologise.” Lady Montague spoke as their laughter died down, her words making Arwen send the woman a confused look as she wasn’t sure what the apology was for. “My husband tends to express his opinions rather loudly and often… well, improperly. But he holds no ill will. He only has the best of the Kingdom in his interest.”

“I never expected everyone to see eye to eye with my ideas.” Arwen nodded her head in acceptance. She didn’t tell the woman that it was her husband who was supposed to be apologising and not she in his name. She didn’t want to cause any offence. Especially as, from what she’d seen of her, Arwen had to admit, she liked Lady Montague a lot more than she did her husband.

“And I’m not saying my husband’s ideas are always right. If anyone should know that it is me.” She brunette added with a small laugh that Arwen couldn’t refrain from reciprocating. “You’re patient. That’s a good quality in a queen. It will help you with men like him.”

“I hope so.” Arwen let out another small laugh, this one a bit more insecure than the previous even if she did try to mask it.

“Did anyone share with you the tradition of the Queen’s court?” Lady Montague’s question had Arwen’s brows furrowing just a bit more. She knew all about the royal court and its businesses, and for a moment, she suspected the woman may be speaking of the same thing, but then Agnes spoke again once she saw the expression on her face. “There is the royal council of course, and it carries importance. But queens of Prairene, independent of whether they were the Baudissan heir or not, always had a private court of ladies all on their own.”

“I didn’t know of it, actually.” Arwen revealed honestly, curiosity sparking in her mind as she thought more on the idea. “There wasn’t any mention of it in the books I’ve read?”

“Well, perhaps that’s because everyone liked to believe all decisions were made by the royal council and them alone.” Lady Montague gave a pointed look, one which Arwen could easily understand. Men and their pride. “But the queen has always had her select group of ladies she deemed trustworthy to be another set of advisors. It could have been for discussions of proclamations and kingdom business, or something as simple as the latest gossip.”

Hearing about this tradition, Arwen had to admit, she liked the idea of it. After all, with a royal council one had to take so many things into consideration. She couldn’t pick just anyone, or people would question it and doubt their skills and be uncertain whether a queen and her council could properly rule. But a private council of people she chose based on trust and trust alone was something for which names were already popping up in her mind, and plenty of them.

“How do you know so much about this tradition? Were you ever on one such court?” Arwen asked curiously, wanting to learn more not just about the council but also about Lady Montague herself. And she also knew that there was only one possible court which the woman could have been on… her mother’s.

At the questions, a woman let out a small laugh as she shook her head in denial. “I was much too young before.” She revealed honestly. “But my sister, she was older. And she was the one on your mother’s council. Always one to brag about it.” The last comment had Arwen’s eyebrow raising in a questioning manner. “Oh, don’t misunderstand me, she never shared anything of importance. But she liked to remind people every once in a while.”

“Is she…” Arwen wasn’t sure how to continue on with the question. As she listened to Lady Montague speak of her sister, she could hear the love she had for her family in her voice. But, even without finishing it, the question was clear enough, and Arwen could now also see the sadness seeping over the woman’s face.

“She died in Uther’s attack. As did the rest of the Queen’s court.” Agnes said. “While the men of the royal council fought alongside the King, the court were all a part of the effort to smuggle you out of the palace in time.”

“I’m sorry.”

“It was their sacrifice that allowed us to have a future now.” Lady Montague said in a wistful voice.

“Then I’ll do whatever I can to ensure it wasn’t in vain.” Arwen tried to provide some reassurance. She thought of it often, of all the people who died and sacrificed their lives for her on that night. Of her own parents. It wasn’t the first time she was making such a promise in their name.

It made the Lady give her a small smile of appreciation as she reached over, taking Arwen’s hand in her own. “As will I.” She said with a small squeeze of her hand, her eyes never leaving Arwen’s as she made a promise of her own.

It was then that their conversation was cut short, the sound of running footsteps coming towards them making both women smile properly again as they turned to the little boy carrying a bundle of toys in his hands, eager to show them off.

That same evening, the celebration being held in the banquet hall was in full swing, with lively music playing through the large chamber as people danced, feasted, and drank, using any chance to have fun and let loose from their daily worried. Arwen stood alongside Leon, momentarily distracted from the conversation they’d been having as she found her eyes watching a scene of Arthur and Elena, laughing along at something one of them had said.

“You shouldn’t worry.” Leon’s voice had her eyes snapping back over to him, noticing the amused smile spreading over his face while his eyes jumped between the redhead and the prince she’d been staring at. “They seem to be becoming friends now that there is no dread of marriage looming over them.”

His comments made Arwen laugh in amusement as she shook her head at him. “I don’t know what you mean Leon.” She announced dismissively, hoping to put the conversation to rest as she herself had been having quite a good time thus far. She didn’t want to ruin that by thinking of Arthur. It would lead to thinking of their last conversation, and she’d already been doing enough of that.

So, luckily for her, even if her comment hadn’t been enough to dissuade the knight, the small interruption that came only seconds later would have been. Feeling a tug at her skirts, Arwen’s eyes snapped down to the boy she hadn’t even noticed coming up to her side.

“Hello.” Illyan’s bright smile made one appear on Arwen’s own face as she knelt down to the floor as he continued to speak in a fast pace. “I wanted to say thank you for helping my burn.” The boy announced, proceeding to pull a flower he’d been hiding behind his back. “To thank you. Do you like it?”

Taking the beautiful red rose from his hands, Arwen ignored the small pain in her finger as she pricked it on one of the uncut thorns while nodding her head at the boy. “I do. Thank you, Illyan.”

“Father says we’ll be leaving soon.” The boy announced, the look on his face now shifting into a sadder one. “What if I get hurt again and you’re not there?” His question had both Arwen and Leon letting out small chuckles before the latter replied.

“If you get hurt again, you just send for me, and I’ll come running.” Arwen promised in a firm voice, watching as Illyan nodded his head in acceptance even though he still seemed unsure. With furrowed brows, Arwen spoke up again. “Illyan, is everything- “

“There you are!” Arwen’s question was cut short as the voice of the boy’s mother reached their ears, making all three of them look over in her direction as she stepped up next to them. “I am so sorry if he was bothering you. He slipped away from me, and I didn’t even notice.” Lady Montague said apologetically, scooping the boy up into her arms in a quick manner.

“But mummy, you’re the one who- “Illyan’s correction went unheard as his mother quickly shushed him, announcing it was time to get him to bed and bidding both Leon and Arwen a rather flustered farewell before she disappeared soon after.

The entire scene made Arwen and Leon share an amused look between themselves, thinking nothing of it past a mother being embarrassed to have been distracted and having her son run off. “Is it possible for someone not to love you?” Leon questioned, making Arwen let out another laugh as she straightened back up to her feet, eyes glancing down to her finger and shaking it through the air to rid herself of the last of the pain from the thorn prick.

“I am very loveable.” Her joking tone was only accompanied by further proof of her claim as she spotted Merlin and Edmund heading in their direction, Leon laughing as she pointed it out.

“I’ll leave you in good company then. It would seem I’m needed elsewhere.” He announced, head nodding in the direction where a group of knights was beckoning him to join them. With a short greeting to Edmund and Merlin as he passed by them, the man walked off and left them to replace him beside her.

“The feast turned out as quite the happy occasion in the end.” Edmund commented, eyes scanning over the revelry surrounding them. “Everyone’s in good spirits. Even some of our group had decided to let their guards down for a little.”

“Now if only Arthur would join them.” Merlin grumbled out, making Edmund send him a curious look while Arwen thought it best not to look over at him as she suspected he’d instantly think she knew what had the prince in a sour mood. And she did. “One would think with the wedding cancelled; he’d be jumping for joy.”

Tuning out her brother’s commentary, Arwen found herself drifting off as her eyes surveyed their surroundings. Only, she wasn’t particularly focusing on anything or anyone specific as she began to feel what she suspected to be exhaustion of the past couple of days finally starting to seep in.

“Hello, I’d like my sister back!” Merlin’s sudden increase in volume had Arwen snapping out of her daze and her eyes jumping over to him. “Are you alright? I just asked you the same question three times.”

“Oh heavens, I’m sorry.” Arwen shook her head in an attempt to clear the fog from her mind only to find it remaining no matter how hard she tried to wake herself up. “I’m just really tired after everything, I think.”

“Running a kingdom can do that to you.” Edmund let out a small chuckle at his own words. However, as the far-off look remained in her eyes and no reaction came at his words, he found his own brows furrowing slightly. “But are you sure that’s all?”

“Yes, yes, I’m sure.” Arwen nodded her head vehemently, and if they’d known better, all three of them might’ve realized it wasn’t just them she was trying to convince, but also herself. “Nothing a good night’s sleep won’t fix.”

“You’ve already said goodbye to everyone, there’s nothing keeping you here.” Edmund pointed out. “You should retire for the night.” He ensured her, and while at first, Arwen tried to shake her head in denial, the moment it seemed to make a wave of dizziness come over her she found her mind changing on the matter.

With a small nod of her head, she accepted the suggestion as well as waved off Edmund’s offer to walk her back to the physicians’ chambers. “Enjoy the rest of your evening, please.” She told him with a small smile, feet already starting to move as she began to walk away from them. “And have a safe journey back home.”

“I’ll be back soon. Good night.” Edmund sent her a last smile before she fully turned around and disappeared into the crowd, by now eagerly making her way through the gaps and spaces among the people as she headed in the direction of the door.

Being in the tick of the crowd as she moved made Arwen realized just how stuffy the chamber had gotten, and she was happy when she could finally spot the door leading out into the halls. Perhaps even a bit too happy, she thought to herself as she was forced to pause for a moment to mutter out an apology after stumbling into one of the knights. Turning away from him once her apology had been accepted, Arwen felt another dizzy spill coming over her, this time stronger than before.

But still, she pushed through it, hoping that she and Gaius hadn’t gone through all of the medicine which would be useful to make the headache spreading through her temples subside. She suspected the dizziness to be a simple result of it too, however, as she moved through the halls, it didn’t seem to subside. If anything, everything started to grow stronger, the vision of the halls ahead of her blurring and making her hand reach for the wall beside her in an attempt to steady herself.

Taking a short pause in an attempt to catch her breath, which was coming out more laboured with each passing second, the daze cleared long enough from her mind for the panic to set in. Her heart, which was already beating much too fast, only went faster as she began to suspect it wasn’t mere consequence of exhaustion or a headache that were making her feel so ill.

For a moment, she debated turning back, going back into the banquet hall to find Gaius and get his help. However, as she pushed away from the wall in an attempt to take a step in either direction, the ground beneath her wobbled, and the red banners adorning the halls around her disappeared from view, her vision going entirely dark as the wall slipped from her fingers.

Arthur found himself standing in one of the corners of the banquet hall, wishing for this night to come to its end. However, many of the people still remained, enjoying the festivities in the loud space, with only a few having come to him and his father to wish them a good evening and say their goodbyes.

“Well, I’m just saying,” The sound of Merlin’s voice made the prince give out a heavy sigh. Perhaps the whole celebration and night itself weren’t the actual problem making Arthur wish for it all to end. “You’re more surly than usual. When there’s really no reason for you to be.”

“I’m not surly, Merlin.”

The bark of laughter which left his manservant’s mouth at the comment, had Arthur turning to glare at him, debating which method exactly he’d employ to silence the Ambrosius. However, his glare remained on the dark-haired boy for only a few moments, before something he spotted from the corner of his eye had Arthur’s attention turning in a different direction.

He couldn’t help but find himself confused as he spotted Edmund rushing back into the banquet hall after he and his father had both wished him and the king a good night and bid farewell before their journey back home only minutes ago. The panicked looks on his face indicated nothing good, and Arthur was already beginning to move in his direction, noticing how he’d headed straight to Gaius with whatever it was that had made him come back.

Merlin wasn’t far behind him, noticing the same thing not long after Arthur did. However, even with people moving out of the prince’s way as he walked, the two were forced to watch from afar as a look of concern spread over Gaius’ own face after Edmund whispered something in his ear. Not fast enough to reach them before the Warren began to lead the physician away, Arthur sped up his steps, hoping not to lose them in the halls.

“Where’d they go?” Merlin asked, nearly running into Arthur’s back as the two finally walked out into the halls. For a moment, they seemed empty on both sides, however, it wasn’t long before Arthur heard the sound of voices not too far away. Motioning for Merlin to follow him, he began to lead in their direction.

Turning a corner from beyond which the voices had seemed to come, Arthur and Merlin found themselves walking up to a scene of Gaius kneeling down on the floor of a rather deserted corridor, a figure lying down beside him and Edmund and his father both hovering by the physician’s side.

And while from the angle at which they approached, Arthur couldn’t see the person’s face, he was quick to spot the blazing red hair sprawled across the floor, making him rush over the final few steps, the sound of his boots hitting the ground at a raping pace making the other three men become aware of his and Merlin’s presence.

“What’s going on? What’s happened to her?” Arthur felt as if his heart was about to jump out of his chest as he knelt on Arwen’s other side, looking over her in a panic before his eyes snapped over to the others, the look in them clearly demanding some kind of answer even thought it was quickly becoming clear no one had any.

“We found her like this, my lord. Shortly after leaving the feast.” Geoffrey was quick to explain. “I remained with her while Edmund called for Gaius.” At that, everyone’s eyes turned to Gaius, hoping for an explanation or answer.

However, the physician who’d so far been holding on to Arwen’s wrist, said nothing for a few moments, the look of concern on his own face making Arthur’s fear only grow.  And even when he did finally speak, there wasn’t any information or answers he found himself capable of sharing in the moment. “Bring her to the physician’s chambers so I might examine her more properly.”

At the physician’s instructions, Arthur didn’t waste a moment and without a second thought, he gathered her fragile form into his arms with ease before setting off along with the others and making their way through the halls. With each echoing footfall that resonated through the cavernous halls, Arthur’s mind raced with worry, eyes looking down to her face every few seconds as he hoped to see them open.

But his hopes proved fruitless the more time stretched on. And even though the journey from the banquet hall and to the physicians’ chambers wasn’t too long of one, it seemed to last forever, every passing moment making Arthur’s worry grow. When he rushed through the door of the chambers, he was quickly in making his way to the room which she shared with her brother, gently placing her down on the bed which he knew was hers.

“She’s as cold as ice.” Arthur muttered out to no one in particular while Gaius, hot on the prince’s heels, was quick to instruct him to move away and give him some room to work. For a moment, he hesitated, not wanting to step away from her or let go of the hand which he held in his grasp. But ultimately, he did, knowing there was nothing he could do to help in that moment.

“What do we do? What can I bring you?” Merlin questioned in a fearful voice, eyes jumping between Gaius and his sister’s unconscious form on the bed as he discarded the rose he’d picked up off of the floor on her beside table, the flower instantly forgotten as he was ready to make his way back into the main chamber and bring everything if Gaius gave no answer.

“I’m not sure yet, Merlin, give me a moment.” Gaius said firmly, trying to seem as calm as he could in the moment as he continued to look Arwen over, checking her eyes and pulse again just for good measure. However, even with the physician’s attempts at remaining composed, everyone who knew him could see that Gaius himself was growing more worried with each thing he checked.

“What has she eaten tonight?” Gaius questioned with furrowed brows, eyes looking over to Merlin and Edmund who he knew had spent time with her during the evening.

“The same as everyone else.” Edmund was the first to answer as he’d been the one seated next to her during the meal. Perhaps she’d taken some more of the desert after he’d been dragged off by his father, but he doubted that could be the cause of this. “Why do you ask?”

“Because… I don’t…” Gaius reached for her wrist again, clearly scrambling for answers as much as the rest of them as he checked her heartbeat again.

“You don’t know what’s caused this.” Geoffrey was the one to finish Gaius’ sentence, not even posing it as a question but rather as a statement which was quickly becoming clear to all those gathered in the small room.

“How could you not know?” Merlin asked impatiently, thinking that if anyone would have the answers, if anyone would be able to help her it would be Gaius. “She was fine, just tired before she left. How could she just- “Whatever his question would have been, Merlin never got it out fully as something else caught his attention. “What is that?”

His question had everyone’s eyes zeroing in as he stepped closer to the bed again, reaching for Arwen’s hand as he looked over something on it, before turning her palm so Gaius himself could see. Standing on the sidelines, Arthur, Edmund, and Geoffrey all stepped closer, hovering as they too tried to see whatever it was that had grabbed Merlin’s attention.

And it wasn’t hard to see. The small cut on the tip of her finger. Alone it wouldn’t have usually been a cause for concern, but the sight of the state in which it was in had all of their panic reigniting. The purple and blue discolouration of the skin around it was only made worse by the sight of the small black lines spreading out from the tiny wound.

“Gaius?”

Arthur’s eyes turned to the older man, watching his careful features hide whatever it was that had come across his mind in the moment. But while the trick usually worked on his father, Arthur knew better than that. “What aren’t you saying?” He demanded.

“I believe she’s been poisoned.”

As the next morning rolled around, Merlin found himself trudging through the doors of Arthur’s chambers with a strained yawn. He’d spent the entire night awake, working alongside Gaius in an attempt to discover whatever poison might’ve been used on Arwen. As soon as they found out what it was, Gaius could find an antidote. He could save her. They had to.

“I know, I know, I’m late.” He announced as he walked into the chambers, the sight of Arthur already up and moving and dressed surprising the servant, even though he didn’t share it out loud.

“It’s fine.” Arthur said in a dismissive voice, paying Merlin’s absence throughout the morning no mind as he pushed away the papers which had been spread out in front of him since the sun first appeared in the sky. Not that they served his need for a distraction in the slightest. “How is she?”

“No changes.” Merlin said in a solemn voice, slumping down into one of the chairs at the table. “Gaius is looking for a solution, he’ll find it. I’m sure.” Merlin said, but by the tone of his voice it was clear it wasn’t only Arthur that he was trying to comfort with the words.

“She’s strong. She’ll… she’ll be alright.” The prince joined his servant in holding on to hope, knowing that, right now, it was all they had. At least until Gaius found some kind of answer. “Do you have any idea who- “

Arthur’s question was cut short as the sound of a knock at his door had both their eyes turning towards it as the prince called out for the person to enter. It was Leon who made his way inside, absentmindedly rattling off some updates of the training session which the knights had taken part of in the morning despite Arthur’s absence from it. However, it was clear he was eager to get it over with, his eyes jumping to Merlin as soon as the information had been relayed. “How is Arwen? Any change?”

Word of the fallen physician had been quick to spread through the castle. After all, Arthur didn’t care for who they passed as he carried her through the halls last night. But he did remember there were people in the halls during their worried dash to the physicians’ chambers. It didn’t surprise him that it took only a night for all those in the castle to be aware of Arwen’s condition.

As Merlin shook his head in denial, Leon gave out a disappointed sigh. “Many of the knights are ready to help in any way we can.” Leon shared what had been said among the men. Many of the knights were more than familiar with the physician often tending to their scrapes and wounds after training, and many were eager to do whatever they could to return the favour. “Whatever Gaius might need; we can get it for him.”

“Thank you, Leon.” Merlin muttered out. And he was grateful for the offer, even if his dejected voice didn’t fully relay the gratitude he felt.

“Is there any explanation for what caused this?” The knight asked, clearly wanting some answers. He did spend much of the feast by her side, after all, he couldn’t help but worry he’d missed something, some sign or trouble which he could have helped with. A way in which he could have prevented this.

“Aside from the wound on her finger, nothing.” Merlin said with a shrug of his shoulders, eyes staring down at the surface of the table as he picked away at it with his nails. So focused on his distraction in an attempt to keep his emotions at bay, Merlin didn’t catch the look passing over Leon’s features. But Arthur did.

“What is it?” The prince asked, unable to withhold the small pitch of hope from his voice. “Do you know something?”

“She… she was given a rose, during the feast.” Leon began to explain, but the confused look on his face made Arthur and Merlin wait during his pause, knowing there had to be more to it. “I did see her prick her finger on one of the thorns.” And still, Leon found himself doubting what he was now sharing would be of any help.

“Who gave her the rose?” Arthur asked in a demanding voice, both he and Merlin already rising from their seats and ready to spring into action.

“My lord, I don’t think- “

“Who, Leon?”

“The boy, Illyan Montague.” Leon revealed. “But he’s just a child.”

“Bring me the Montagues.” Arthur doubted the boy he’d seen running around the halls was a mastermind behind the poisoning, but he wasn’t going to ignore the information based on that alone. And Leon knew better than to let it cloud his own mind any further.

With a small nod, the knight quickly departed from the prince’s chambers and left Merlin and Arthur standing alone again. Merlin quickly turned to Arthur, speaking out in a rushed voice. “I picked up the rose. I brought it with us. It’s by her beside.” He announced, Arthur’s eyes widening in surprise, but he was quick to nod, knowing what Merlin meant by that.

“Go, tell Gaius and have him look at it.” Arthur instructed, watching as the dark-haired boy rushed out of the chambers himself. And as he found himself standing alone again, Arthur looked to the ceiling above him, muttering a silent plea that this would be the breakthrough they needed.

Merlin couldn’t control his leg form bouncing up and down from the floor as he sat at the table in the physicians’ chambers. The air around them was heavy with silence as his eyes remained frozen on Gaius who was busy examining the rose he’d given him after revealing what Leon had said.

The only sound echoing through the chambers was Edmund’s pacing. Up and down the length of the room he went, repeatedly, as they waited for Gaius to say something. And still, time stretched on and on, Gaius testing the petals and stem and a thorn he’d plucked off, placing them in special solutions hoping one would reveal whichever poison the rose might’ve been coated in.

However, so far, nothing had happened or changed. But Gaius wasn’t giving up just yet. Bringing the flower closer to his face, he pushed his glasses further up his nose, examining it form multiple angles before coming to a sudden stop. And as he did, both Merlin and Edmund perked up, thinking he might’ve seen something. However, instead of sight, it was the smell that caught Gaius’ attention.

They watched as he seemed to smell the rose multiple times before he suddenly moved from the spot in which he’d been standing from the moment he gathered everything he needed for his tests. “What is it?” Edmund questioned as they watched Gaius pluck a book from the shelves and bring it to the table.

“It’s the smell.” Gaius said, even though it was rather clear that is what had caught his attention already. “Edmund, smell it. Careful of the thrones.” Merlin’s brows furrowed in a confused manner, wondering why Gaius had told Edmund to do it. But he didn’t question it as he watched the Warren do just that. He watched Edmund’s face for any signs or clues, and easily spotted a flash of recognition on his face.

“Do you really think…?”

“It’s the only one which might make any sense.” Gaius explained, making Merlin grow annoyed with the conversation he was now being left out. And luckily for him, Gaius could easily spot his growing impatience, which was why, once he found the correct pages within his book, he turned it to show Merlin what it was they’re speaking of.

Merlin, never one for reading, especially in times of stress, simply skimmed through the words about the poisonous flower and the symptoms of the poison paste which it can create, all of them coinciding with Arwen’s condition.

“Damn them!” Edmund exclaimed, pushing away from the table in anger. They knew the Montagues were growing to become a problem, Arwen knew and said it too, and still, they’d all chosen to tread carefully as to not cause more of a stir with them during their stay in Uther’s kingdom.

“They’ll be with Arthur by now if they haven’t left already.” Merlin said, not as a reassurance but rather as a prelude to his next idea. However, it had to wait a moment longer as Edmund jumped in with his own input.

“They’re long gone by now.”

“Well then, searching their chambers should be that much easier.” Merlin suggested, Gaius and Edmund sharing a short look between themselves before both were nodding their heads. If they were lucky, maybe the Montagues had left the most crucial of evidence behind. Edmund truly hoped that, in this aspect, they’d be lucky at least.

And so, the three men found themselves moving through the castle halls, Edmund leading them to the chambers which he knew had been occupied by the Montagues during their stay. However, as they came to the doors of them, it quickly became clear their search might not be as covert as they’d hoped.

“Gaius, what is it? Is she alright?” Arthur was the first to notice them, tearing his eyes away from the handful of knights he’d instructed to search every corner of the abandoned chambers. When Leon had informed him that the family had left during the night, Arthur hoped that perhaps they’d left something behind. Some sign of where they might’ve gone so they might catch them before they disappeared.

“She’s the same, my lord. But we suspect we might’ve learned what poison was used.” Gaius said openly. While they’d intended to conduct their search on their own, this time there was no need to keep their intentions hidden. Arthur’s goals were the same as their own, in this instance.

“Why are you here then?”

“We were hoping they might’ve left traces of it behind, sire.” Gaius explained.

“Can you use them to create an antidote?” Arthur asked hopefully, all of the knights having stopped their search to listen in on the conversation, waiting to hear what it might be exactly that they were looking for.

“It depends on what was left behind.” Gaius said honestly. “Do you mind if we stay, I might see something the knights wouldn’t think to recognize?”

“Of course.” Arthur nodded without hesitation, motioning for the knights to continue their search. Which they swiftly did. They dug through the closets and the drawers, looked into every space, no matter how big or small, that they could. But for a few long-lasting minutes, no one seemed to find anything.

And then Edmund spoke. “Leon, wait.” The knight instantly did as he was told, stopping himself from dumping out a bouquet of wildflowers to check if something may have been hidden in the vase where they were. However, as he walked over, Edmund focused on the flowers themselves, an assortment of white, yellow, and blue petals in front of him as he plucked out a specific one he’d seen a small glimpse of.

And as he had it in his hands, he turned so that Gaius and Merlin could see it too, both quick to recognize it from the pages of the book Gaius had shown them. The white petals shaped like a cone, spreading out into a small circle, the tips coloured a dark black which blended into the white around the edges of each petal.

“Will one flower be enough for the antidote?” Arthur questioned, growing worried that it might not as he watched Edmund pull out the bouquet, sorting through the flowers as if searching for more of the same.

“I’m afraid the flower’s use is only as poison.” Gaius revealed gravely, eyes trained on Edmund until the moment the Warren gave up on the flowers and shook his head in a silent denial, already knowing what question was on Gaius’ mind. “It’s the ivy on which it grows that is its antidote.”

 “Then I’ll go get it.” Arthur announced in a determined voice.

“I’m afraid Uther will not allow it, my lord.” Gaius said in a heavy voice, making Arthur’s brows furrow. He knew his father would have issue with a risky mission, but this was picking flowers for heaven’s sake.

“I’ll handle my father. All you need to tell me is where to find this ivy.” Arthur said, not giving up or letting them dissuade him from the task.

“Both the ivy and flower grow in Eidheann.”

Merlin watched as many faces around them morphed into looks of worry and reservation, the location sparking apprehensiveness in all of them. “Where is that?” He questioned, not catching on to the importance of the location which he’d never heard of before until Edmund provided him with an answer.

“It’s in Prairene.”

Arthur knew he had to handle this carefully. And there was no chance he could tell his father the truth. The king would never approve of any kind of a dangerous mission for this cause. Much less on which would take him into Prairene. But no matter the danger or the enemy, Arthur was determined to go. And there was nothing that could stop him.

“Father,” He spoke up from his seat at the table, only Morgana and Uther with him as they dined for lunch. “I’ve been thinking of all the events as of late and I wish to apologise to you for the way I’ve handled them.” The prince spoke, having already planned out each word which he hoped would help convince his father.

“What is done is done, Arthur.” Uther said simply, waving a dismissive hand through the air as he wished to move past the topic as quickly as it had come up.

“I thought a hunting trip might do me some good. To get my mind back where it should be as the crown prince.” Arthur said, a tinge of shame rising in his voice as he ignored the knowing look on Morgana’s face.

While his father, nodding as he was, seemed to be falling for the act, Arthur knew better than to believe Morgana was too. She knew what he was really doing, but thankfully she was staying quiet about it and letting him do it. Not that he thought she’d try to stop him. She cared for Arwen, of course, she’d let him go.

“I do think that’s a splendid idea. If you truly think it will help.” Uther said in approval. “I’m glad that you are starting to take your responsibilities seriously again.”

“I am father.”

“Good.” Uther said in a tone of finality, a short silence lapsing over them. Arthur allowed it to last for a few moments before he was ready to push away from the table an announce he should get going. However, his father spoke again before he could. “I’ve spoken with Gaius. It’s sad news about Arwen.” His father’s words made Arthur’s mind freeze, panicking that he was on to him despite what he’d thought was a successful lie. “You should give your manservant time off while you’re away. Take some knights instead and allow him to spend the time with his sister in her final moments.”

Holding back a sigh of relief as his shoulders sagged back down, Arthur nodded his head in agreement. “I was intending to.” He said honestly. However, while he’d intended to go on the journey alone, he knew his father would insist on knights accompanying him this time around and might assign some himself to the task. From what Leon had said, Arthur doubted any of the knights would try and stop him, however, he would rather he be the one to choose who accompanies him than his father.

“I’ll take Leon with me.” The prince knew that not only could Leon be trusted not to reveal the true purpose of their journey, but he would be willing to go on it too. Arthur had no doubts on that as the knight had already offered his help once he knew where Arthur had to go to get the ivy. “As a matter of fact, I’ll go inform him right away.”

After sharing his plans with Leon, who was more than willing to accompany him, Arthur had made quick work of preparing for the impending trip. However, before they fully set off away from the castle, the prince knew he had one more stop to make. He couldn’t leave without seeing her one more time. Which was why he now found himself walking through the doors of the room Merlin and Arwen shared, finding Gaius and his servant each sitting on one side of her bed.

“My father’s approved of my hunting trip. Leon and I will be leaving within the hour.” The prince announced, his eyes not looking to either of the men but remaining on Arwen the entire time. “May I… Is it alright if I have a moment?” It pained him to do it, the thought of this perhaps being the last time he’d see her. But Arthur knew that he couldn’t go without saying goodbye. Without saying something other than the words spoken during their last conversation.

Luckily, neither Gaius nor Merlin protested, knowing looks on their faces as they rose from their seats and began to move towards the door to give Arthur the privacy he wished for. Or, rather Gaius did. Unlike the older man, Merlin remained standing by his sister’s bedside for a few seconds longer, leaning down to place a kiss on her forehead as he whispered a few quiet words which, in the silence, Arthur was still capable of hearing. “You can’t leave, you’re my little sister.”

From the tone of his voice, it was clear the words had more meaning than encouragement for her to hold on. However, the prince did not question it as Merlin walked past him, grabbing his bag along the way as he intended to prepare for the journey ahead while he waited for Arthur.

Left alone in the room, Arthur walked over to the chair which had been previously occupied by Gaius. For a moment, he debated whether this was pointless. After all, there was no way to be sure she could even hear what he had to say. But as the words passed through his mind yet again, he knew he had to say them. Even if she didn’t know.

“I’m sorry.” He said, knowing those words were the most important. The one which had been replaying in his mind since last night. Since the moment he saw her lying unconscious on the floor of the castle halls. “I’m sorry for what I said.”

Reaching over he took her hand in his own, realizing again just how cold she was to the touch. If it weren’t for the sounds of her laboured breathing, he would have feared the worst. But still, he took her hand in his own, giving it a small squeeze which he wished she could return. “I’m sorry, especially because it doesn’t matter. It doesn’t matter if you love me or not.” He said honestly. “All I want is for you to be safe and happy. To be alive. And I promise you, I’ll do whatever it takes to make sure of it.”

The thought of the journey ahead and how long it might take had Arthur’s worry sparking up even more than before. Fears of not returning in time running through his mind no matter how much he tried to keep them at bay. “So please, please hold on until I’m back. I need you to hold on.” He pleaded with her, simultaneously begging Arwen herself and whatever twist of fate was in charge of this moment in time. “I’ll be back as soon as possible.”

With that said, and with Arthur refusing to say an actual goodbye as it would have felt like giving up before even trying, the prince stood from the chair. He spared one last look down at her, hoping that the next time he saw her the colour would be back in her cheeks and the smile which he so loved back on her face. And he was determined to make the wish a reality.

Letting go of her hand, he felt the fingers slip from his palm like feathers, and then he turned his back, determined steps leading him back into the main chamber where Merlin and Gaius were having a silent conversation between themselves. “I promise you both, I’ll do whatever I can to return in time.” Arthur said to the two once their attention turned on him.

“The poison itself isn’t a quick one.” Gaius revealed. “It’s slow, meant to be…” But the way he trailed off soon after made the unspoken words clear nonetheless. It was meant to be painful. The knowledge only served to further fuel Arthur. With a simple nod of goodbye, he began to move towards the door only to find himself pausing as the sound of footsteps following him made the prince turn back. “What are you doing?”

Merlin fixed the blonde with a confused look, for a moment not understanding what Arthur was so perplexed by. “I’m coming with you.” He said as if it were the most obvious thing in the world.

“Merlin, there’s a reason I didn’t send for you to prepare my things. I’m not expecting you to come with me this time.” Arthur pointed out, a sympathetic look on his face as he laid a hand on Merlin’s shoulder. “You should stay with her. Leon and I can-“

“Arthur, she’s my sister.” Merlin’s voice was full of determination, that kind which made it clear to Arthur there was no chance of him winning this particular argument. “I’m coming with you.” For a few long moments, he simply stared at his servant, letting himself admire the bravery he was showing before he finally nodded his head in acceptance.

“Be safe. The both of you.” Gaius said pointedly. While, unlike Arthur, both he and Merlin knew that going to Prairene wouldn’t be as dangerous as the prince feared, there was no knowing what else might lie in their path towards it.

“We’ll be back soon.” Merlin shared a last goodbye with Gaius before following after Arthur, the two making their way out of the physicians’ chambers and into the halls through which they moved at a quick pace.

With their fast and determined steps, it wasn’t long before the two found themselves in the courtyard, descending down the steps of the castle towards where Leon could be seen waiting with two horses prepared and ready to go. Turning to Merlin, Arthur was about to instruct him to hurry with getting his own. However, before the prince could speak, the sound of hooves hitting against the stone made all three men look in the direction of the fourth walking towards them, reigns of two horses in his hands.

“I suspected we might need a fourth.” Edmund said with a knowing look on his face as he passed the reigns of one into Merlin’s hand. Merlin offered him a nod of thanks before Edmund’s eyes turned to Arthur and Leon who’d remained quiet in their surprise of seeing the Warren joining them as well. “Shall we, gentlemen?”

However, as he realized he shouldn’t have been too surprised, Arthur was quick to push away the remnants of his thoughts before he nodded his head. He wasn’t about to turn away another volunteer who could help along their journey. And so, the four men all quickly climbed atop their horses, not wasting another moment as they pushed them into a rush, quickly speeding through the courtyard and out of the city. Time was of the essence, and none of them were willing to waste any more of it.