Merlin Alternate Ending

Chapter 13: Gwen

"Can miles truly separate you from friends... If you want to be with someone you love, aren't you already there?"

~Richard Bach

Gwen's POV

"There has been no sign of Morgana." Sir Leon continues. I struggle to concentrate on the meeting. I keep glancing out the window, hoping to see them riding up to the castle. Gaius sits next to me, and I can tell that he knows I'm distracted.

But of course, we're still searching. We won't let her escape again. Do you have any suggestions? Guinevere?"

I snap my head back to the table. "Hmm? Oh, have you searched the forest to the east?" I ask. I had been staring out the window again. I notice a dark shape moving through the sky. Probably a bird, but I can't shake the feeling that it's important somehow.

"Yes. We found traces, but she was gone when we arrived."

"Oh." I glance out the window again. Suddenly, the black shape comes into focus. I see a tail, wings, and fire. It's not a bird. It's a dragon.

I jump to my feet. "Gaius!" He stands and follows my gaze.

The old man smiles. "Go."

I sprint from the room. I run through the corridors. I fly down the stairs. Finally, I emerge in the courtyard where the Great Dragon is just landing on the cobblestones next to the fountain.

Arthur, Merlin, and a girl i don't recognize are sitting on his back. "Arthur!" I call. His eyes lock on mine and he grins. He climbs down off of the drgon and I run forward to meet him. He jumps the last few feet to the ground and stumbles, but I catch his shoulder before he can fall.

"Gwen--" I cut off his greeting with a kiss. He doesn't protest, wrapping his arms around me.

I pull back to examine him, wanting to be sure he is alright. Satisfied, I lift my eyes to meet his. "You're safe." I gasp.

Arthur smiles. "Thanks to Merlin. He..." he trails off, unsure.

"It's okay." I assure him. "Gaius told me about Merlin's magic, how he was taking you somewhere to heal you, because Mordred..." my voice breaks. "I was so worried, Arthur. I was afraid I'd never see you again." Tears threaten in my voice and my vision blurs.

"It's okay, it's okay." Arthur murmurs. He places his hands on both sides of my face and strokes my hair. "I'm here now. Merlin did it. I never knew..."he shakes his head.

"I know..." I agree. "Merlin's so...Merlin. It's hard to believe..." I trail off.

"Hey!" Merlin protests. I didn't notice him walk up.

"Oh, Merlin, You know what I mean!" I amend. "You're just so...well... Merlin." I giggle as I hug him.

"Since when is my name and adjective?" He asks.

"Since you were you. Really, Merlin, there's no other way to describe you." Arthur gives Merlin a friendly punch on the shoulder.

"Is that a compliment?" Merlin laughs. Arthur just raises his eyebrows at him. They seem different somehow, like I've missed an important shift in their relationship. Well, I have. I realize. They've been through a lot together that I haven't been there to see. It makes my heart ache for my friends.

A small, pale face appears behind Merlin's elbow. Her eyes are uncertain, as if she's not sure how to introduce herself.

I take a step toward them. "Who's this?" I ask, prompting him.

"Oh!" Merlin steps back, revealing the pale, thin-boned girl behind him. A tattered red dress hangs off of her, and suddenly I recognize it. It's Morgana's. I folded it enough times, I should know. "This is Freya. She--"