Lady of the Court

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Ava stretches, stiff from sleeping on the ground. Her second day here, and she feels more rested than before. She slept through most of the day yesterday. Getting up, she moves out of the small coverage. Waiting for her is the young boy from the night before. She racks her brain, trying to remember his name. Morris. Moren. Mordred. That's it.

"Algain is looking for you," she hears in her head. Her eyes widen and it takes a good amount of will power not to freak out. This isn't even the first person to speak to her mentally. Still, it is shocking.

"L-lead the way."

The boy turns and she quickly follows him through the campsite. He disappea,rs into another tent, and she follows. Sitting on the ground in Algain and a familiar friend.

"Morgana," Ava shrieks. "What are you doing here?"

"He saved me," the girl states, pointing at Mordred. That's when the red head notices the wound on her friend's leg. However, Morgana quickly changes the topic. "Why are you here?"

Ava looks at the floor, which Aglain takes into consideration. He motions for Mordred to follow him out of the tent. Ava sits and the two ladies start talking to each other. She does deserve a proper explanation. Plus, Ava knows she can trust her.

Same as Morgana trusts Ava. So she tells her what she has the right to say. She tells her of how her parents helped those with magic. How she has magic. And how she thinks the other has magic. When Morgana informs her that she already knows, it shocks her.

"You know?" A voice mutters. The two turn to see Merlin, peaking through the tent. His eyes are beyond wide. Ava practically pulls him in the temporary shelter.

"What are you doing here?"

"I came to find Morgana. Uther thinks she's been kidnapped."

The dark hair maiden stiffens.

"I'm not going back. It's not safe there."

Ava takes her hands.

"We can do this. We can survive in Camelot."

"No. We can't. The three of us should stay here. You and me can learn to expand our magic. And Merlin wouldn't have to hide how he feels about you."

"Morgana, this isn't right. We need to be in Camelot. To help Arthur. To help others like us."

"I'm sorry. I can't go back."

Aglain reenters the tent.

"You're friend led an army our way."

"I did not," Merlin snaps, clearly offended. Ava stands up, pulling a plain cloak over her head.

"Get out of here. I'll lead as many away from here as possible."

She hurries out of the tent and go find her horse. She flings herself on her bare back before kicking the creature's sides. Keeping the hood over her face, she rides past the knights. Dogs start barking and a few knights chase after her.

She keeps riding through the woods, keeping the men just out of reach. After so long, she mutters a couple of words and duck. The branches fly back, knocking the men off of their horses. Ava keeps on riding through the woods, trying to get out of the danger zone.

~~~

Merlin leaves Morgana's room, letting the maiden get some rest. She had returned earlier in order to protect other people. Thing is, Ava still haven't returned. Uther thinks she is still out, looking for the Druids. As long as she stays safe.

"You can't keep doing this," a voice comes from the shadows. The young warlock turns to see the crown prince leaning against a wall. "It is quite dangerous."

Merlin's heart skips a beat.

"W-what do you mean?"

"Oh come on. It's obvious you like Morgana."

A smile grows on Merlin's face.

"Oh, how wrong you are."

"Don't lie to me. You can't hide anything from me."

"Okay. Whatever you say."

Merlin turns to leave, but Arthur stops him.

"You can't be with her because she is  a lady of the court."

That hit hard. He knew it before, but hearing out loud just makes it more real. Real the fact there is a chance him and Ava may never be together. He attempts to hide the sudden pain.

"You're right," he chuckles weakly. "Good thing I don't like Morgana that way."

He leaves Arthur stsnding in the hall alone.