DISCLAIMER I do not own Merlin. It is the property of the BBC and whoever else holds its rights!

SUMMARY Taking place after season 2 Merlin and Morgana deal with their new relationship, while the kingdom faces more dangers.

AN: Thank you to those who reviewed-

Ruby890-Thank you again. I agree, hopefully Morgana is a little smarter about who she trusts this time around…then again, maybe not?

Dirt Rider 710-Thank you!

SarahElizabeth1993-I know I couldn't live without talking! Thank you so much and I hope this was interesting!

Candy-Cake- Like I said, who knows if Morgana has learnt or not? I think Merlin is feeling the guilt for sure, but I believe Morgana has her share of it as well. Thank you.

Lastly Sorry for the update delay!

Poisoned Lips-A Suitable Day for a Ride

DRUID CAMP

"You're sure all is set for the ambush?"

"Yes sir."

"Excellent, have the men ready to attack at the signal."

"Yes sir."

Morgause smiled at the man ordering her warriors about, "This better work dear, the crystal only works every one hundred years. We are on a strict schedule."

"It will work, don't worry. Just remember, no one must know the entire plan-after all you can't spill what you don't know."

Morgause laughed.

CAMELOT CASTLE

Morgana sighed silently, sinking into her own world, as she sat bored across from Uther, eating her breakfast. She would have preferred to eat in her chambers, like she had been doing for the past two weeks since her return. She hadn't seen anyone except Gwen in that time and she was quite content with that. Gwen had the uncanny ability to read her wants and needs without the use of words. She was also a friend and someone Morgana trusted with most, if not all, of her secrets. Uther and his band of annoying men however were not any of those things. He had insisted the night before she was well enough to sit with company, and thus she was stuck having breakfast with her "family". The thing he neglected to mention was company also meant a high ranking Lord from a neighbouring kingdom…interested in finding a suitable wife. Morgana didn't completely fault Uther on appeasing the Lord Wilfred. He couldn't really deny him entrance into his castle, as Wilfred came from a kingdom with a "long and hard in the making" negotiated peace treaty with Camelot. Plus she could see he was just as thrilled as her, with her would be suitor. Although in all honesty, Uther was never really happy with any suitors. He may not be her father but he took the over protective, no one's good enough for my daughter and 'listen Morgana men only care about one thing…' approach no less adamantly than if he biologically was. On a regular basis, his scaring off men from Morgana was met with annoyance and a touch of amusement but today it was welcome. Lord Wilfred was, well completely undesirable. He was much older than her, chewed with his mouth open, openly winked at her upon meeting her and on top of that was a far cry from the young and handsome men she was used to wooing her. She had stared visibly aghast to realize his fingers were plumper than the sausages he was eating…as mentioned, with his mouth open. Yet all that was not the reason Morgana sighed. She sighed because what she had been dreading, was occurring.

Since that first night, she had avoided Merlin like the plague. She couldn't believe what she had done, all because she couldn't control her temper. This was becoming a large and repetitive theme in her life-Morgana doing something rash and stupid because she'd been angered. She sat awkwardly in her seat as Arthur's manservant stood in the doorway ready to serve his master. They had avoided eye contact thus far, but she wasn't sure how long it would take for that to end. She took a small glance at him through the corner of her eyes. He was whispering something to Gwen and ignoring the slight jump of fear Morgana frowned, 'What could he be telling her that's so interesting?' Another sigh, Merlin could be so frustrating whether he meant to be or not. The only good thing that came out of her knowing his secret and telling him she knew, was now they both held magical blackmail over the other. He couldn't slip the truth if he didn't want his own to come out. After all, just because she couldn't speak, did not mean she couldn't write. Morgana's attention was brought back to the table and she fixed a wrinkle in her deep green dress out of reflex, while straightening up. She smiled apologetically at the man on her left, and made a repeat gesture with her finger. She could see Arthur trying not to laugh at Wilfred's annoyed expression and raised her eyebrows up in acknowledgment. Arthur did laugh at that and earned himself a warning glance from Uther. It wasn't their fault they felt this way of Wilfred; the man was so pompous he seemed to believe every word he spoke was from the gods and should be heard with utmost attentiveness and awe.

"I was saying it's a lovely day for a ride through the woods, don't you agree?" Wilfred asked.

'Oh yes, I would like nothing better than to see your bulking mass crush one of our poor horses…mouth breather.' Although what Morgana gave "out loud" was a small yet brilliant smile, a slight shrug accompanied with a nod. Translation: "I'm such a sweet, young woman with no mind to make decisions. It sounds like a good idea if you think so Oh Great Lord." Her smile turned slightly sarcastic. Translation: "Jackass."

Before Wilfred could reply, someone let out a laugh. They turned and saw Merlin trying to contain himself while gasping for air. Arthur stood up apologetically at Uther's look. "Sorry milord, my manservant is not the sharpest pitchfork mucking the stables." Arthur stated, the last being a warning to Merlin that if he didn't shut up soon he will be spending time with his least favourite activity. Merlin managed to control himself and apologized eyes downcast, he looked up to see Morgana who was staring at him curiously. He smiled self-consciously wishing she would look away. She did almost instantly and Merlin's chest constricted for a second. Then he noticed Arthur was also giving him a look of pure bewilderment and forgetting where he was, Arthur said, "Honestly Merlin, you sure your father wasn't a dumb goat the way you were bleating? I mean what was that sound?… Hmm…It would also explain those ears of yours." Merlin looked up ready to retort but Uther cleared his throat in a manner suggesting this was officially finished. Uther sometimes worried about his son's odd relationship with the help. Arthur really shouldn't spend as much personal time with the servant boy as he had been doing. Letting that thought go for another time, he returned his attention to Lord Wilfred, "Sorry my Lord, where were we? Something about a ride through the forestry?"

"Ah, yes. I would love to see your wilderness, if the Lady Morgana would accompany me." Lord Wilfred replied with a look suggesting that there was no way she wouldn't. The look was enough for Morgana to say no, but Uther reading her attention gave her a look. So she closed her eyes, took a breath and nodded yes.

"Wonderful, I look forward to talking with you about the… future perhaps?" Morgana resisted the urge to roll her eyes. 'What a prat.'

As Wilfred and Uther started up a conversation on what the best trails were, Morgana attempted to get Arthur's attention without them noticing. She blinked at him rapidly, he ignored her. She rolled up her napkin and making sure no one would see, threw it at him. The jerk caught it and dabbed at his mouth victoriously. Morgana smiled back and motioned for Gwen. Gwen walked over and she wrote down directions on her trusty "can't go anywhere without it' stack of parchment. Gwen smiled mischievously and walked behind Arthur. Arthur's eyes narrowed and he quickly called over Merlin in case retaliation was needed. Gwen smiled at Merlin then whispered to Arthur, "From Morgana with love." and making sure Uther wouldn't notice, smacked the crown prince in the back of the head. "Sorry." Gwen whispered to Arthur as Merlin let out a snort. Arthur glared at both of them and finally looked across to Morgana with a slight pout. 'Help me.' she mouthed to her foster brother, not wanting to be left alone with Wilfred. 'No.' he mouthed back. Morgana rolled her eyes, 'You'd think he's still five!' and put her hands together in prayer, 'please'? Arthur shook his head no again, with a winning smile. Morgana made her eyes bigger and pouted pleadingly like she used to when they were younger. It was the look men couldn't say no to. Arthur sighed at the unfairness of it all, and finally nodded yes.

"This all sounds like fun, perhaps I shall join you." Arthur declared interrupting his father and guest.

"What?" Wilfred exclaimed, "I mean, I'm honoured your highness, but I couldn't take you away from your duties."

Uther who wasn't keen on the idea of this man taking Morgana out quickly added, "Nonsense Lord Wilfred, Arthur would be glad to escort you as well."

"Are you quite certain, I'd hate to impose on your busy schedule."

"Nah, I'm not busy. I'll just have Merlin take care of everything." Arthur smiled at Merlin who rolled his eyes.

"If you're quite sure…Umm…but don't feel you need to on my account…What about you Morgana, would you like Arthur to join us?" Wilfred leered at Morgana certain she'd say no.

Morgana smiled sweetly and shrugged as if to say, 'It's fine with me.'

"There you have it! I'll come along."

"Okay." Wilfred replied defeated.

Morgana smiled and rose to change for the ride, she beckoned to Gwen and bowed her head in goodbye and left with Gwen following.

A messenger came in with a letter for Uther; who read it and declared he sadly also had to leave for now, but would see the riding party off. Arthur and Merlin sighed, as it meant they were left with Wilfred. Arthur struck up a conversation as Merlin dove into his own thoughts.

He had been nervous when Arthur informed him Morgana would be having breakfast with them. He had been relieved she was spending her time in her room after their last meeting. He wasn't sure how to handle her knowing he had magic. He could taste the betrayal of his secret coming off her, not that she had a right to feel betrayed. He had gone home that night wondering how different things might have turned out if he had helped her instead of sending her to the druids. He let out a small laugh remembering what she had thought about riding with the Lord. Merlin could tell by her expression she had not meant to send that thought out. Her control must not be perfect yet, which made him wonder what else he might pick up from her. He then berated himself for caring. Besides he couldn't trust the dark haired beauty, so there was no point in even indulging fantasies. Although he would admit, it was slightly bothersome that Lord Wilfred had a better chance with Morgana than he did-simply due to his social status. Despite the Lord's bad manners, the fact he could be her father and his general unattractiveness on a whole. 'Of course it's not bothersome because I feel that way towards Morgana. No, not all. It's because of Gwen and Arthur. They can never be together with this class stupidity.' Merlin thought. Morgana was an unstable unknown. As far as Merlin was concerned, she was suspicious with her allegiance an uncertainty. Even if she looked breathtaking with her curls piled high on her head and a deep emerald green dress that brought out her flawless pale skin and eyes. 'Not that I noticed. Oh, whatever-everyone knows Morgana's gorgeous. That still doesn't change anything.'

"Well I'll say Prince Arthur, I had heard your father's ward was a beauty, but no one told me she was mute. How perfect is the woman who can not talk back! Am I right?" Wilfred laughed and broke Merlin's concentration. He glared at the man ready to punch him for his comments.

"Actually," Arthur started, reigning in his own annoyance, "Her muteness is only temporary. She'll be speaking soon. And you'll find her tongue quite quick and entertaining-if you're not on the wrong side of it."

"Is that so? Too bad, a woman only needs her mouth for one thing and that's kissing her man. Oh well, I suppose when I marry her, I'll just have to train her."

"Sir, I'd appreciate if you don't speak of my foster sister like that." Arthur said with clenched teeth. Merlin was ready to hit the Lord himself. Did he know who he was talking about? Morgana would have his head on a platter if she were here-and Wilfred believed she would marry him.

"I'm sorry, I didn't realize you two had a close relationship. Of a sibling nature…?"

Arthur couldn't believe what this idiot was implying. "Of course as siblings. We have grown up together since we were children." On the inside, 'I will not pound his face in…I will not pound his face in…I will…"

Merlin couldn't believe this man either and was meditating to 'I will not hex his face off…I will not hex his face off…' Merlin may not have feelings beyond distrust for Morgana but no one deserved to be spoken about like this-so disrespectfully.

"Apologies Prince Arthur, I never meant to offend. You know how a beautiful woman can affect a man's head."

"Apologies accepted, I suggest we go get ready for the ride now that breakfast is finished." Arthur managed to offer a smile.

"Excellent idea. I bid you adieu for now."

"Adieu. Merlin come dress me…then get my horse ready."

Merlin sighed and followed his master to his chambers.

… … …

Morgana sat in her saddle waiting for the ride to begin so it could end. Lord Wilfred was on his horse beside her and she had spent ten minutes listening to his prattle already. She had never been so happy she wasn't expected to respond, it meant she could zone out and ignore her partner. She wished she had brought Gwen with her, but she hadn't realized Arthur was bringing Merlin and Gwen had other things to see to.

She gave Lord Wilfred an auto response and tried not to think about Merlin. She hated that whenever he was around, she couldn't think of anything else. He held such large stakes against her. If he ever chose to share the truth…well she didn't want to think about it. She may have been manipulated and tricked but the fact she had magic would never be tolerated and she would go disbelieved. Of course, Merlin had magic also and wouldn't want anyone to find out. She scowled at herself, she didn't want to be this person. This scheming, blackmailing villain. Camelot already had Morgause for that. 'Stop it Morgana. He hasn't said anything and he won't now.'

"You're going to be left behind."

Morgana looked up at Merlin's voice and blushed deeply, Merlin himself had a tinge of pink and looked away. Morgana looked to see the horses a little ahead of her. 'Seriously? The man can't shut up and leave me alone for two seconds and then he decides to take off on his horse without saying a thing? MEN.'

"Hey, don't group as all together- I told you didn't I? Besides I think Arthur challenged him to a race to give you a break."

Morgana looked at Merlin in shock. Was he starting a conversation? And why couldn't she get her telepathy down better? It must be Merlin, he frazzled her or something. Morgana wasn't sure how to handle the situation so she did what she normally did when this was the case. She narrowed her eyes and trotting her horse towards the others, went on the attack..

((I would trust you to stay out of my thoughts thank you…)) then the bitter part of her added, ((That is, if you could be trusted to do so without killing me in the process.)) She knew it was a mistake as soon as she said it.

Merlin went from being embarrassed for meddling with her thoughts to angry that he mention his-technically, but she's not dead so it doesn't count!-murder. "I'm sorry, I didn't realize you had so little control…My Lady." he said to her riding up next to her to glare.

((Although I suppose I should know that, seeing as how a person in control wouldn't try to destroy their entire kingdom!))

He knew it was a mistake as soon as he said it.

((Oh! Well who are you to judge? You've been coming in and out of the castle like you belong there while practising MAGIC under Uther's nose. You're just as much a traitor as me! Why didn't you tell me?))

Merlin shook his head to clear it. He wasn't aware people could yell through their thoughts. Morgana was facing forward, keeping her horse at an even pace. He could tell she was angry by the red going up her neck. How had this happened? He never meant to approach her, in fact when he found out he had to accompany Arthur, he had told himself to stay far behind. It seemed no matter how much he wanted to stay away from Morgana, something always fought harder to bring him closer. This moment made it official, the universe hated him. Destiny be damned, he had to be the cosmos' own personal joke. He sighed and not knowing why he caught up to Morgana and said, "I'm sorry." She looked at him with her large eyes, shimmering with unshed tears and he felt his heart nearly break all over again. It wasn't much but currently it was all he could offer. The reality was despite wanting to he still couldn't trust her. She had nearly destroyed his destiny and forced him to poison a beloved friend. She may be hurting, but so was he.

Morgana looked up at her would-be murderer and his simple but meant apology. Her lips quivered with barely contained emotion. She nodded at him, the man who was a friend. The man who was a friend, who had been forced to kill her. Death was not easily forgotten. She also couldn't look past how he had concealed his magic from her when she confided her fears to him. He could have so easily told her, could have been the one she turned to. Reaching out and taking his hand, Morgana ignored the spark and psyed,

((I am too.)) and let go.

Merlin let out a breath of relief and looked at her with questioning eyes. ((Do you want to continue talking about this?))

Morgana looked back with shocked eyes. Did she want to continue talking? She couldn't deny she had missed his conversations, but was this really one she wanted to have now? As she was thinking it over Lord Wilfred came galloping towards her.

"Morgana! Why are you so far behind where we can't talk?" Morgana rolled her eyes over her shoulder. 'Right talk! More like listen to you blow hot air.'

"Here come up by me. Someone as lovely as you shouldn't need to be entertained by the peasantry."

Wilfred took Morgana by the arm and led her up the trail with him. She looked back at Merlin and shrugged then gave him wicked smile that was pure Morgana.

((It's not like we need to use words, do we Emrys?))

Merlin laughed and Wilfred turned to give him a funny look.

"Uh, that cloud looks like a bunny! It made me laugh."

"Is he alright in the head?" Wilfred asked Morgana who's eyes were sparkling with laughter.

Arthur came back on that comment and with all his authority responded, "I've often wondered that myself and have deduced the answer- No. No he is not. Now hurry up all of you, I want to stop at the river to refresh myself before we head back." He then raced to the front again to lead the way.

"Come my Lady," Wilfred led Morgana, turning her laughter to sourness, "You know Morgana your arm is quite strong. I don't like my ladies too lean and firm, I prefer softness. We'll have to rectify that in the future."

Morgana clenched her teeth, resisting the urge to show just how strong her arm was.

((What prats nobility can be eh?)) Morgana looked over to Merlin who was trying to hide his amusement. It never occurred to him that talking to Morgana so soon would come as easy as it was coming. Maybe because it was in their head, the connection between minds was so much stronger than words into space. The only problem was, in the back of his mind he couldn't forget what they had been through and nothing would change that. He could learn to accept her in Camelot again, but he could never truly let her in to his confidence again.

Morgana was having similar thoughts and she ignored the busily chatting Lord Warthog or whatever it was. She came to a decision on the conversation topic and thought back to Merlin,

((Merlin, I am surprised that I can speak to you after making it a mission to avoid you. Lets not ruin it by having *that* conversation right now.))

Merlin looked at her bored back and agreed with her. They shouldn't have this conversation out here. It would only bring back bad memories at the wrong time and end in a fight. That much was obvious considering how they started their conversation. He was fighting a loosing internal battle; he enjoyed Morgana's company more than he realized, and yet at the same time he couldn't look at her the same. He was conflicted at what he should do and for that he blamed himself and Morgana. He had to face the truth: The same truth he had repeated to himself many times but refused to truly believe.

((I still can't trust you. Ever.))

Morgana turned quickly, shocking Wilfred. She gazed at Merlin horrified that he could admit something like this to her so frankly. Merlin himself was surprised, he hadn't meant to send that thought to her. 'I really am as dumb as Arthur claims.' he thought. Morgana's eyes were beginning to go gold as her emotions flashed one by one across her face. 'How could he just blurt that out? We were getting on so well and I was starting to enjoy myself. I am so stupid.' Morgana berated herself. She was angry now: at herself, at Merlin, at life in general. She was also sad. She had feared he would never forgive her and his lack of trust was proof of that. She hadn't realized until now how much she wanted his approval. She didn't need it, she was the Lady Morgana, but it hurt more than she imagined to not have it. She turned her back to him and thought,

((That's fine Merlin. I still can't trust you either.))

Morgana tried not to cry as she realized, that was the truth. She was still too angry at how easily he could kill her, how little her life was to him in the grand scheme. 'The all powerful Emrys and his precious Arthur. Not that I want to mean more to him…' The worst part was, from a rational saving the kingdom point of view, she knew she couldn't blame him for what he had done. Had it been anyone else he poisoned for Camelot she would have stood beside him, sadly it had been her. She looked back and tried not to take joy in the fact she obviously wasn't the only miserable one. 'Stop it. He was trying to do the right thing. No matter how much it personally hurts.' Feeling she owed Merlin this one last thing before they moved on with their lives, wherever it would take them she sent,

((For what it's worth though, when I'm not angry, or having horrid flashbacks, I understand why you had to do it.))

Merlin felt as if he was in the stocks with rotting vegetables pelting him all over again. Morgana didn't trust him either, and he couldn't blame her. He hadn't forgiven himself for what he did, even though there was little to no choice. Her honesty about his actions didn't help; if anything now he felt worse that she could see his side and he still couldn't grasp hers. He slumped in his saddle as Morgana trotted ahead with Lord Wilfred feeling like an ass. 'Well at least we both know where we stand with each other…idiot.' He urged his horse forward and then heard Arthur's scream. "MORGANA!"

Arthur didn't know how it happened but suddenly there was an arrow flying by his head. Before he could draw his sword three men settled around him, with more running out from the thick forest. "AMBUSH!" he screamed as he jabbed at the closest bandit. His sword began it's dance and stopped only to avoid another arrow. He had to get to the archer, he pushed through the ring of men who had gathered around him and made way for the archer. Using his skills at jousting he charged on course and was able to get his sword into the archer's neck before he had the chance to draw. He just had time to raise his sword before a mob swarmed him. 'Where did these men come from?' he thought as his training and instincts took over. He used his horse to kick some of the men away, hearing the sound of ribs cracking along the way. He felt himself pushed off his horse and he tucked and rolled to avoid injury. He sprang to his feet ready for battle. He didn't enjoy fighting for the sake of fighting, but to serve justice and protect his people…well he lived for that! "Bring it on you cowards! Bring it on."

... ... ...

Merlin raced towards Morgana, not really sure what he would do. He was nearly there when a group of men surrounded him and cut him off. "Morgana, I'm coming!" he shouted ahead, sounding braver and more certain that he actually was. He ducked as a sword came thrusting up and was efficiently knocked off his steed by another rman. 'How were so many hiding in the forest?' he thought, 'This is ridiculous!' He narrowly avoided losing one of his defining ears. He fumbled with his sword, but he had learned enough from Arthur to save himself and cause his enemy damage. He could see Morgana fighting off the men from her horse and was relieved she hadn't been knocked off it. As long as she could stay on, she would have a slight advantage. He felt a fist go into his back and was pushed forward. He turned to fight off the attacker and making sure the others were busy muttered "Jah meeti biich naray laght tught" With a flash of golden eyes the man was thrown into the ground, breaking his leg on impact. He turned to face the next person in line. 'Got to get to Morgana and Arthur.'

... ... ...

Lord Wilfred shrieked in fear at the barbarian man making his way towards him. He was never a man to get his hands dirty, in fact he was the polar opposite. He loved his over indulgent life with its comforts and pleasures. Therefore what he did next was completely logical to ensure his survival. He rode up to Morgana and pushed the fighting woman off her horse. "Here! Take her, she's who you want!" he screamed and than ran away as the men grabbed the young lady.

'That little bugger!' Morgana thought as she pushed away a pair of grabbing hands. She wished she hadn't worn a riding dress and had brought along her sword. 'Keep your hands off of me!' she screamed in her head. She tried using her magic but skill wasn't the same as control, and yes while her control had gotten better…she'd never needed to use magic under stress or pressure. Besides if Arthur saw, that was the end of that and everything else anyways. She really wished she could scream right now as she felt arms grab her from behind. She struggled as hard as she could, kicking at whatever she could reach. A hand uselessly went to cover her mouth to keep her quiet. She tried to bite the hand and received a slap for her effort. 'Lets see you try that in a fair fight you oaf!'

"There's no use in struggling Lady. You're outnumbered, and so is your Prince." One of the men said to her, "Quick someone get her out of here. We only need her."

Morgana continued her struggling, she cried out to Merlin,

((MERLIN! MERLIN! Help! please!))

She knew it was no use, she could barely see the top of his head in the scrum of fighting men. She gasped as arms grabbed her around the waist and began hoisting her away over his shoulder. She pummelled her captors back with her fists, earning bruises against his armour. The man raised his empty hand and smacked her hard in the back, taking her air out.

... ... ...

Arthur had cleared an open surrounding as bodies lay around him-injured or never to move again. He looked to assess the situation now that he could see more clearly. Merlin was handling his own, gaining a steady amount of ground. 'Well who would have thought that?' He looked for Lord Wilfred and couldn't find him or his horse. 'Good, he was smart enough to run and take Morgana with him…' Arthur's thoughts trailed off as he saw a still Morgana over a bandits shoulder. "MORGANA!" he cried fiercely as he made a beeline for the woman. 'Oh no you don't. We just got her back!' He struck down all of the men who stood in his way. If nothing else, his father would kill him if something happened to the Lady. Soon he was joined by Merlin who had finally prevailed-Pagan Gods only know how. Side by side they made there was towards Morgana.

"I don't think so Prince-y." A voice said as about six men who had been waiting came out to face the two rescuers. "She's coming with us, but don't worry- We'll take good care of her." The owner of the voice laughed.

"We'll see about that!" Arthur challenged and yet another fight was on.

... ... ...

Morgana meanwhile continued her weak thrashing and gasping of air. This was not happening and she was most assuredly not the helpless damsel type. She flung her legs about and fell satisfaction as she hit her captor in the face. He dropped her in surprise and she got up to run away. Before she could make any ground a large hand encircled her wrist and pulled her back. She fought to get out of his grasp but she was already bruised, tired and physically out numbered. Just as she felt herself being drawn back a horse neighed and a new hand grabbed her other arm and swooped her onto the back of the saddle. "Hold on tight Lady." the Knight ordered and Morgana for once in her life obeyed a demand. He turned to face her captor and stated, "I don't think the Lady wants to go with you. Do you?" and with that he struck the men squarely between the eyes with his sword. Morgana watched with satisfaction as her captor fell dead. The Knight trotted towards a safe, empty place. "Stay here!" Morgana was about to protest out of reflex before he raised a finger to her mouth. "I know you are capable but you are also injured. Please, for my sake stay where I know you're safer. I'll go help your friends." Morgana agreed stiffly, trying to see behind his helmet's face guard. 'Well if he looks anything like the way his deep, rich voice sounds…' She though giddily. She felt she was allowed to act this way, as the man had just saved her life and now was going to help her friends. A true hero in her books.

... ... ...

Arthur and Merlin let out a sigh of relief and exhaustion as their mystery Knight chased away the remaining men. They leaned against a tree and as they settled in, did what they do best…

"Well that was wonderful Merlin-Way to go with ruining our nice ride through the forest!"

"Wait are you blaming me for this?"

"Yes."

…Bicker.

"How could you possibly blame me?"

"I can because I'm the Crown Prince."

"That doesn't even make sense!"

"It does if you understand English!"

"What? Plus it is not a reason."

"Is too."

"Is not."

"Merlin…"

"Arthur…"

"You know you can't speak to me like this, I'm royalty."

"Hmph! Yeah I know. A royal pain in my…"

"I wouldn't finish that sentence if I were you."

"…."

"Fine, how about because you attract trouble?"

"That's a lie!"

"If you say so…"

"I do!"

"What? Attract trouble? So you agree!"

"Huh? No. I do as in I do say I don't attract trouble."

"Merlin, I have no idea what your babbling on about. Here go fill my leather pouch with water."

"Sometimes, I really hate you." Merlin got in as he left to fill Arthur's water bag.

"No, you don't! Oh, and make sure it's cold!" Arthur retorted at Merlin's retreating back.

Morgana waited where she had been left, impatiently. She was also anxious to hear everyone was okay. Well, everyone but Lord Wilfred, he could be impaired. Finally she saw her Knights auburn coloured steed. 'Wait, my Knight? He's not really mine. But he did rescue me…my rescuer than. Ugh, I'm not sure I really like having a rescuer.'

"Lady, it is clear now and you can come see your friends."

"Thank you." Morgana mouthed slowly so she was understood.

"No thanks necessary my Lady. It was my duty and what a beautiful one at that."

Morgana blushed, but was also quite pleased. Whoever this mystery man was, he was definitely a charmer. She smiled at him sweetly and grabbing a twig wrote her name in the dirt.

"Pardon my Lady?" he asked.

Morgana underlined her name and pointed towards herself, mouthing her name as well. The knight jumped off his horse in excitement.

"You are the Lady Morgana? King Uther's ward?" he asked.

Morgana laughed silently and nodded. She then pointed to the knight in question, asking in turn who he was.

"Yes! Who are you?" Arthur's voice cut through as he voiced what Morgana was trying to. Morgana looked to see her foster brother and Merlin, making there way towards them. "Not that I'm not grateful, but your timing was very convenient."

Morgana gasped at Arthur's rudeness. She looked at Merlin pointedly and said,

((Tell him to shut up! And stop being so embarrassing! Whoever he is, he saved my life!))

Merlin looked at that and gave her a worried look. He yearned to check her for bumps and bruises and make sure she was well and okay. His hand drifted towards her on its own accord but it stopped mid way.

"I am Tristan, and I will answer all your questions my lord, but first let me check to see the Lady is alright." the knight said. He knelt before Morgana and removed his helmet. Warm cloudy gray eyes peered into her face and a mop of shining auburn curls, to match his gorgeous horse, appeared. Morgana blushed at his smile and wasn't sure if she liked how attractive the young man was, or annoyed by it. She wasn't a silly girl who fell for every guy who batted his eyelashes at her. Even if they were long fox coloured eye lashes.

"May I?" Tristan asked for permission.

Morgana blushed a littler harder to her dismay and shook her head no. She made a gesture to indicate she was truly fine.

"Are you sure?" Tristan asked concerned.

Morgana glared at him in annoyance. Tristan raised his arms in surrender and laughed, "Alright! I get it. You are fine." Morgana broke and laughed as well, the two stood staring at each other. Merlin felt himself get annoyed at their creepy, unblinking gazing, "So we should probably look for Lord Wilfred or get back to the castle before it gets dark."

"Good idea Merlin!" Arthur approved and hitting his manservant in the shoulder.

Arthur let out a whistle and his trained battle stallion came running back. "Shall we be off to find Wilfred?"

Morgana scowled at that idea and shook her head no. "I agree. Straight to the castle it is." Arthur declared hopping into his saddle.

"Do you still have your horse?" Tristan asked Morgana. Morgana looked around, forgetting her mare had run off during the battle. She pursed her lips and shook her head no. "Then should you wish my lady, you may ride behind me on mine." Tristan offered. Morgana gave him a considering look, than smiling nodded her assent. Merlin coughed at how easily Morgana played "Sweet, innocent Lady" especially with a complete stranger, with his muscles and carefree smile. 'Ass.'

"Merlin?" Arthur asked flatly. Merlin looked at Arthur questioningly. "You wouldn't happen to still have your horse-would you?" Merlin's eyes flew wide and he looked around panicked. Finally he shook his head no. Arthur nodded, 'Of course.' then sighed and said, "I should really make you walk." Merlin gave him a sheepish grin in response.

They rode back to the castle with Tristan answering their questions. He had come down to Camelot for Knight testing so he could earn his title as 'Sir Tristan.' As the youngest son of Lord Blancheflor he wouldn't inherit his father's title, and would gain the least of his lands. Mostly though he wanted to be a Knight to serve those who couldn't defend themselves. It turns out on his way to the kingdom he heard the fighting and came to see if he could help.

DRUID CAMP

"Lady, please accept our apology- we have failed you."

"You have what?" Morgause demanded from the beat bandit.

"The Lady Morgana got away, there was an unexpected visitor."

"Well that's just perfect! Isn't it?"

"Again, I'm sorry!"

"Sorry isn't good enough!" Morgause bellowed at the cowering thug.

"Yes my lady."

Morgause let out a deep breath and regained her composure, "Don't worry. We'll just have to think of something else. Dismissed."

Alvarr came in as the bandit exited, "Well?" he asked.

"We'll just have to wait and see!"

… …. …

And finished for now! Please review if you get the chance! Also to clear things up for any who may have been confused.

"regular font" speech

'italic font' thoughts

((italic font)) telepathy

Until next time folks!