Another Way Out

Going Home

Merlin arrived to Ealdor after a pretty uneventful journey back from the forest , making sure to take in his surroundings as it was his last day here. He would leave later on in the day but first, he had to find Morgana.

Finding her was surprisingly easy. She was in the barn with Aithusa, stroking the dragon's scaly but smooth back, whispering what seemed to be words of comfort to her.

He cleared his throat reluctantly, not wanting to disturb the moment the two were having. "Merlin. What brings you here?" Shuffling almost nervously, he projected his voice throughout the barn, it being one of the only things audible other than the occasional neigh from one of the horses, "Morgana, you and I both know that I can't stay here forever. I need to get back to the castle but I also need to be sure of your safety" As if just remembering the dragon, he added, " her's too. My mother will allow you to stay with her for as long as you wish so long as you don't expose yourself to the villagers by using your magic so obviously. I have a friend that may be able to help you also. His name is Radagast and he's a wizard". Morgana looked at him in surprise, how would he know a wizard? "He'll teach you how to control your magic and will teach you the way of Nature. What do you think? Which will you accept?"

"Can I not accept both?"said Morgana, her accent creeping through. Truth be told, he hadn't thought this far ahead and he was beginning to think it wasn't a bad idea. " I don't see why not" A rare smile broke out on her fair face which made his heart skip a beat. "Then it's sorted, I'll stay for another fortnight to help Hunith out, then I'll visit this wizard friend of yours", she was still curious as to how he knew the wizard but figured she'd get it out of him one day so she didn't ask. "How will I find him exactly?", a mix of confusion and curiosity was apparent in her voice.

Merlin was too busy looking into her deep emerald eyes to even hear what she just said. "Uhh...what..oh yes. Er.. he said to go to any forest, go to a clearing and speak his name. He should be there soon". She looked at him with amusement dancing in her eyes.

They stared into each other's eyes for what felt like an eternity but it ended all too soon when Merlin realised what was happening. A light but visible blush stained his cheeks as he tried not to make the situation more embarrassing for himself. Smiling, he rubbed his hands together, "Right! Now that's settled, I really should get packing." "Packing? For...oh. You're needed in Camelot. Have you told your mother yet?" She found herself wishing he would stay with her and Merlin was surprised at how civil she was being but was happy about it. She was reverting to her old self; her kind, beautiful, selfless self.

"Not yet, I'll do it when I see her.", He shuffled on his feet. "I should..get back to Aithusa..", Morgana spoke gently. "I'll be off then", walking out of the barn at an unnecessarily high speed and avoiding her gaze, he cursed himself for being so awkward. But to be honest, it technically wasn't his fault. After all, you can't control who you fall in love with.
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Half an hour later, fully packed, and his horse watered and fed, he decided to find his mother. Just as he was about to call out for her, he spotted her making her way home from the direction of the village market.

"Mother!", he shouted across the square to her. Running up to his mother, he grabbed everything in her hands, ready to help her out. Little did he know but Morgana was watching from the small gap in the barn wall, impressed that he was such a gentleman.

"How is my sweet boy?", said his Mother, looking up at him lovingly. "I'm feeling well, Mother. I just wanted to let you know that I must be leaving today. Arthur's probably screaming the castle down, looking for me. Also, Morgana agreed to staying with you but only for a little while longer. She'll be staying with an old friend of mine". Pride shone in his mother's eyes, "well..if you're sure, Merlin. Just remember she can stay here as long as she likes. Maybe even forever if you could just man up and put a ring on her finger!" Hearing that last sentence, Merlin choked on air, half wheezing out an "I don't know what you're talking about!" His mother smirked at him, looking nothing like the soft, kind woman she usually looked like. "I'm sure, Merlin. Have a safe journey, I love you and don't forget to write". She left him with a kiss on cheek and a quick pat on his shoulder.

The young warlock thought about what she said about him and Morgana. It was true, mothers do know all.
That was the last thought he had before he hoisted himself up onto Loki, his horse. (A/N: Loki....horse...😉😏😉)
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He arrived at Camelot at about quarter past 3 and had already put his horse in the stables so he had plenty of time to chill before looking for Arthur. Just as he was having this thought while walking through a doorway, he bumped into what felt like a brick wall. He looked up to see a distraught looking Prince, still looking down, collecting the bag Merlin dropped.

"Sorry, I didn't see you the-Merlin?! I was just about to come get you. Thought you might've been on your deathbed after catching whatever your mother had", he said nonchalantly. A wide grin blossomed upon Merlin's boyish yet charming face. "Awww, I knew you missed me. Come on, bring it in", as he moved to forcefully hug the Prince, he was pushed back.

A light blush showed on Arthur's face, signifying his embarrassment. " It's nothing like that, Merlin, you idiot! I was just wondering who's going do my work now that I've fired George." Surprised, Merlin replied, " Why would you do that? He loves doing your dirty work." Visibly annoyed, Arthur spat out, " He was terrible at his job and frankly, he was annoying. There's nothing more to say on this unless you'd prefer if I fired you instead?". He watched as the cheeky smile that had planted itself onto Merlin's face, was wiped off. "Yeah, that's what I thought. Now, my armour needs polishing, my boots need cleaning, the stables need mucking out, and my bedsheets need changing. Have fun!", he gave Merlin the bag he forgot he was still holding and walked off, arrogance radiating off him in waves.

Merlin let out a huff of annoyance while rolling his eyes. "I SAW THAT!", said the Prince. He wasn't even looking in my direction, thought the warlock, how does he ALWAYS know?! He shook the thought away as he got back to his work. So much for a rest.