Star-Crossed Lovers

Epilogue

Morgana never forgives Uther for Romulo's death. He was willing to marry her off to a man she didn't love, didn't know, but ignored her pleas to allow her to marry the man she did fall in love with. Uther is a brutal, cruel tyrant, she decides, uncaring and cold. Feeling the pain of the loss of her love and the fearful loneliness of keeping her magic secret, she vows to herself that one day she will make him pay. One day she will make him feel what it is to lose everything.

She's surprised a few days later when she sees the note from Morgause on her windowsill. "How did it get there?" she wonders as she crumples it so Gwen won't see it and ask. She had felt a connection to Morgause that she couldn't explain when the other woman challenged Arthur to a swordfight. She decides to meet with her that night in the Darkling Woods as Morgause suggested, at least to thank her for the gift of the healing bracelet. She would like to learn more about this Morgause.

Late that night, as Camelot sleeps under a full moon, Morgana slips from the citadel and heads to the woods. She finds Morgause and tells her how much the bracelet has helped her sleep. She finds herself telling Morgause how much she hates Uther, thinking of her lost love and loneliness. When Morgause asks her to choose between her and Uther, Morgana doesn't hesitate. The wounds that Uther had inflicted by his tyranny still burn. She chooses Morgause and then she faints. She doesn't know how she got back to Camelot, but wakes the next morning in her own bed to a yawning Gwen.

By the time Arthur and Merlin get back to Camelot from their journey to Indirsholas, everyone in the citadel and town is asleep. Morgana doesn't understand what's happening. She's frightened and alone. Arthur is frantic about protecting her father, and Merlin dashes around talking about some potion. The attack by the Knights of Medhir is frightening. Arthur is going to his death, she knows it. He's falling asleep on his feet, just like everyone else. She doesn't understand why this is happening.

She's puzzled when he says that Morgause is among the knights, but stays with Merlin to help make a rope. He's also starting to fall asleep. His face looks haunted as he offers her a drink of water. It's cool and refreshing, but then she starts to choke, and looks up at Merlin to see the agony on his face. He's crying as he takes her in his arms on the floor while she struggles to breathe. Then he's gone. Everything is gone in a whirlwind. She's with Morgause; she's safe. But she knows: Merlin tried to poison her. She has no friends left in Camelot.

A/N: This adventure continues in "While Looking for Her," by Nantasyland