Chapter 1

Maybe it was the relief of finally telling the truth. Maybe it was that she had a night to rest from running the last few weeks from the Sarrum. Maybe it was because she had seen her beautiful daughter, Vivian was okay. Maybe it was infected wounds the Sarrum had inflicted on her tender flesh that weakened her. Whatever it was, Morgana's strength left her as she practically fell to the floor before Merlin caught her. Morgana's eyes rolled to the back of her head and darkness took her.

Hunith, directed Merlin to take Morgana to the only bed in the house. Merlin's training as Gaius' medical assistant kicked in and he was all business. He and Hunith removed Morgana's velvet cape and noticed blood seeping through the dress the Sarrum had given her before she had broken free.

Merlin and Hunith both gasped in shock and anger.

"Get some water Merlin. I will get the bandages and ointment!" Hunith exclaimed

Merlin gently laid Morgana on the bed before he grabbed the bucket and ran outside. He was back moments later to put the water in the cauldron over the fire to boil. He found some wine in the cupboard to sterilize Morgana's wounds and the needle they would use for stitching.

It was a good thing two year old Vivian, Merlin's newly revealed daughter, that had been staying with Hunith in Ealdor since her birth, hadn't woken during all the ruckus.

Hunith went to the kitchen for her medical kit containing salves, bandages, thread and needle. She came back to Morgana noticing the places where her dress stuck to her body. "Merlin hold her up so I can get a better look."

Merlin pulled Morgana to his body so her head was resting on his shoulder while his mother examined the damage on her back.

While Morgana's dress was fairly new, Merlin noticed it was dirty with dried mud and blood which made the material stiff and discolored from old wounds, while fresh blood soaked through other places.

Merlin felt anger come to the surface as the visual evidence pointed towards extreme suffering.

Despite what Morgana had done, she had not deserved this. Whoever was responsible for her current condition would pay.

Merlin was a little surprised at his strong emotions for Morgana, but there it was.

Hunith used the wet cloth to moisten Morgana's dress and gently started to peel the fabric. Both mother and son frowned at the marks crisscrossing Morgana's back and arms as more of it was exposed. They had to use a knife to cut away the damaged dress now beyond salvaging.

Hunith gently cleaned away soil, blood stain and infection on Morgana's back and arms, stitched up the deep wounds, put salves on the shallow ones that had not yet healed, and carefully bandaged everything.

"Merlin we should check the front of her. Lay her down." Hunith ordered.

Merlin gently laid her on her back noticing then the wounds on her chest and arms were seeping.

They repeated what had been done on Morgana's back cleaning and treating the damaged flesh. Merlin went to get a cloth to cover Morgana's breasts and lower half as more of the dress was cut away and the wounds were treated by Hunith. When Merlin returned, he covered Morgana's stomach and some of her lower half. He went and got some more water and rags to clean Morgana's feet and legs. His clinical side made it possible for him to treat the wounds without blushing uncontrollably.

Morgana moaned occasionally when they hit spots that were more seriously damaged, but she did not wake.

Merlin finished up while Hunith retrieved a gown from her chest. It was her best and not near good enough for a lady. However, it was all she had. Hunith put the dress on Morgana and covered her with several blankets.

Hunith looked at Merlin with some relief and extreme fatigue before saying. "Merlin there is no way this woman is leaving our home with my grandchild. Morgana told me this child was made with love by her and yourself. You must find a way to work things out with her so she will stay. She has been through enough."

"Mother!" Merlin protested in a whisper, "What can I do to keep her here? She hates me! The Sarrum is after her and she is putting Vivian in danger!"

Hunith's eyes grew steely with each excuse. " You have magic! You are a Dragon Lord! You have found ways to protect Arthur from incredible odds. Surely you can figure something out!"

Merlin was beside himself knowing she was right, but struggled to find a way past the tangled mess of emotions.

Hunith sighed and patted his hand before holding it firmly. She paused and looked deeply into Merlin's eyes. "I trust you son to do the right thing." Her firm, calm, nature demanded sanity and kindness in the midst of anger, cruelty and fear just as it always had for Merlin. Hunith was a rock he could depend on to keep him grounded

"I know this is difficult for you son. I may not know all the details. However, when Morgana came to me she said this child was made with love by the both of you. Deep down you must love her and she must love you. That love must be salvaged for Vivian's sake, your sake, and Morgana's. Stop the fighting. I know you will find a way." Hunith gently stood and kissed Merlin's forehead before getting up to arrange another place for herself to sleep.

Chapter 2

Sleep had fled Merlin. His mother's charge to figure something out to protect and keep his daughter and Morgana from leaving, weighed on his mind. His Mother had such faith in him. He would not let her down She had always been his moral compass. At this time, it was daunting.

His mother's words that "He must love Morgana and she must love him" rocked his brain and his heart.

He had been so busy protecting Arthur, he had never considered ways to save Morgana since he sent her to the Druids. Morgana was his enemy, Arthur's enemy, Gwen's enemy, Gaius' enemy, Camelot's enemy. His mindset had been to protect everyone from her; not to help her.

Their history was so complicated with all Morgana's manipulations, and attacks on Camelot. He found his teeth grinding in frustration. He did not want to put up with Morgana's manipulations or cruelty. Still, when she had been stroking their daughter's cheek, he had noticed something different about her. There had not seemed to be much heat or determination in her statement that she was leaving tomorrow. It was almost as if she wanted to stay.

He was glad Hunith put her foot down and insisted Morgana get a good night's sleep. The steel in Hunith's imperative statement seemed took the wind out of Morgana's sails. He would have to talk to her when she was more recovered and see if they could come up with some ground rules.

That would be a trick. Merlin couldn't ever remember Morgana following any rules.

This was also very difficult because he would have to deal with the baggage of bad nurture from Morgause and the Pendragons. He had no trust towards Morgana. He was almost sure she had none towards him. This is what made his task so daunting. Trust took time to build. Time wasn't something he felt he had. He rubbed his hands over his face praying for some kind of solution.

Merlin was thankful Hunith had reminded Morgana of her promise to reveal he was Vivian's father. He would have to ask Hunith what that promise was later.

Merlin stoked the fire with some wood and a flash of his eyes. The heat saturated his bones as his mind continued to wander to the brief conversation disclosing his paternity to Vivian. Of course he was angry Morgana had not told him sooner. Of course it was her blasted Pendragon pride that prevented her from telling him the truth before. In that aspect she was infuriatingly like Arthur, always hiding their true emotions and manipulating things and everyone around them to do their pleasure. It was a definite sore spot with Merlin.

Merlin looked at Morgana's sleeping form and the bandages and the thought came to him that maybe her time in Sarrum's pit was a bit of Karma. Maybe she had paid for her sins. Maybe because she was here to protect Vivienne and she had told his mother the baby was made with love, there was hope. Those were the keys.

Still, nothing was coming to him to convince Morgana to stay.

Merlin leaned back in his chair soaking in the heat of the fire. He closed his eyes and slept only to dream. His dreams were of Morgana beckoning to him meshed with pleasant warmth from the fire and the knowledge that he was a father. These thoughts shed light on his intense feelings for his offspring.

Vivian was the spitting image of her mother, sans the blue eyes that were his. Merlin was glad Hunith had been taking care of Vivian.

Merlin's lips curled up in a smile. He had come home often to help Hunith since he met Vivian in Gaius' quarters two years ago. That initial connection he had felt with Vivian had only intensified. Time spent with Vivian had been filled with fun and laughter. Merlin loved Vivian's laugh and found himself doing most anything to hear it as it would fill his heart with joy like nothing else.

He carved some blocks and figurines for her to play with in his spare time. Gwen and Arthur sent clothes along or bought fabric so Hunith could make clothes for Vivian.

When Merlin was home, he would take Vivian riding on his horse through the fields, forests and streams, telling her stories and singing to her. Vivian was an observant child who always listened attentively and sang along quite successfully. When she wasn't listening, she was babbling away in baby speak that didn't always make sense. Merlin would just smile in amusement enjoying her baby ways.

Vivian's magic emerged shortly after she was born. Merlin had been sitting on the floor with Vivian making shapes with his magic using the toys he made for her when Vivian's eyes flashed the same gold color as his and moved one of the toys into place for him.

That revelation made Merlin suspicious as to her parentage at the time. He asked Hunith about it but was always given a nebulous answer. Now Merlin knew why Hunith had never given him a clear answer before. Of course Vivian had inherited his magic and possibly Morgana's.

Vivian had changed so much in two years. She was talking and walking almost non-stop when she was awake. Call him prejudiced, but his daughter was nothing short of brilliant and beautiful.

Vivian was his daughter. That thought filled him with renewed determination. Merlin could not let Morgana take Vivian from him. Hunith solidified that resolve in Merlin with more than her words. It was always Hunith's unfailing love that strengthened Merlin physically, spiritually, socially, intellectually and emotionally. It was time for him to do the same for his daughter, for Morgana. He would find a way to remove all objections and obstacles Morgana may have so she would stay with him and not take his child.

Feelings for Morgana started to plague Merlin again. He desired her, burned for her. Morgana had taken a piece of him so long ago that he would never get back. He wished he could remember when Vivian had been conceived. Morgana had said she did not force him. He could well believe that because the game started between them so long ago was now a flame that haunted his dreams. That flame produced Vivian.

It suddenly occurred to Merlin that his magic had been showing Vivian's conception for almost three years. That was why his dreams had been so vivid. He just needed to use his power. After all, he was Emrys, the most powerful warlock to walk the face of the earth.

Merlin settled himself, gathered his magic around him and focused on the time he had been woken up by Morgana splashing water all over him while he was tied to her ceiling in her hovel. His magic was humming through his whole body as the memory of that night unfolded.

Merlin visualized the inside of the hovel, Morgana wore her black dress cleaning his wound as she asked why he was so loyal to Arthur. His mind moved quickly passed Morgana inserting the fomorrah into his neck. The pain wasn't something he wanted to remember.

Merlin dug deeper into his subconscious and heard what the fomorrah and Morgana's magic had blocked before. Morgana had untied him. They had talked a little. He had asked her if she loved him. She had admitted for the first time since she had known him, that she loved him as well. He had told her he loved her. Both of them had gotten wrapped up in the passion that followed with the love words being said between them repeatedly. Euphoric feelings of joining with Morgana increased as the truth was revealed by his magic. They had loved each other totally and completely that night. He knew no one would ever hold his heart and attention as Morgana did.

Now he realized his feelings were returned. It validated every fevered dream he had experienced for the last few years. It was a night of passion he could no longer discount as vivid imagination or complete madness as he now understood those dreams had been reality. That thought brought him a measure of peace and confidence he had not experienced since the game between he and Morgana began. The time Merlin had seen Morgana at the waterfall came into a new light. She had been happy. She was singing and caressed her swollen belly because the baby was his. She had been thinking of him just as he had been thinking of her. It was a demonstration of the love Morgana had for him all along.

Gwaine once told Merlin, Morgana watched him with the hungry look of a woman, obsessed and in love. Before this night, Merlin had not allowed himself to believe Gwaine's words to be any kind of truth because of his destiny, because of the seeming cruelty and manipulations. At the time, he had deliberately focused on winning the game Morgana had started between them.

Now, Merlin was seeing it differently. Morgana had been lonely. She had wanted him and she had pursued him the only way she knew how. It had not been ideal. But who was perfect in this? He knew he wasn't. It added to the tender feelings that had grown in small ways over the last two years because Morgana had not caused trouble.

Now that Merlin knew Morgana had been tortured in the Sarrum's pit and seen the wounds, he knew why she had not caused trouble, and his anger boiled at the Sarrum. Revenge like he never felt before, burned in his gut. He wanted to torment and kill those responsible for her suffering. It was something that emerged when he and his mother were treating Morgana's wounds and was now blazing.

On the other side, Merlin's stomach churned at the thought of violence. At his core, Merlin wanted to protect Morgana. She was finally here with him where she belonged. In spite of everything, he wanted her, loved her, burned for her. As he had told her years ago when the game first started, she was his and wanted to be his. Only now, it was no longer a game. It was real. His mother's words that Vivian had been made with love and the revelation from exploring his dreams just now, gave him surety Morgana loved him as well and that gave him hope, something he could hold, something that gave his emotions a more sure footing.

When Morgana entered their home earlier that evening, he thought he sensed that not all her words reflected her true feelings. It was a character trait Morgana shared with Arthur and was a product of the nurture she had received from Uther. But there seemed to be more. Something from her imprisonment had changed her. It was like she almost had humility and a change in priorities that belied the Pendragon nurture. He knew Vivian was at the foundation of that change.

That the Sarrum knew about Vivian and may be coming after her, made Merlin's protective instinct meld with his logic. Like Morgana, he would not let anyone hurt his daughter.

Merlin appreciated Morgana's protective instincts when it came to Vivian. He admired the strength of character it had required for Morgana to survive two years in a pit. He was not surprised Vivian had been helpful to her. Still, Morgana had been alone with no support. She hadn't had a Gaius, or Hunith to confide in, ground her, and look after her.

Thinking of Gaius opened a can of worms. Gaius had given Morgana potions to smother her powers and dreams and help her sleep. Gaius never acknowledged her dreams as a gift, or given her a book on magic, or instruction to deal with it. Gaius had labeled her visions as nightmares or madness. He covered her dreams and problems with a proverbial bandage that did nothing to address or dig out the festering poison of fear and ignorance surrounding her magic and seer powers. She had suffered alone, put on a brave face. Merlin had visited enough with Gwen in the past to know Gaius' potions were not always effective.

Merlin had not thought of it at the time because he was so busy running after Arthur, but now, he remembered days when he never saw Morgana. Then, when he did, her eyes had dark circles which accentuated the paleness of her face. Lack of sleep and terror from the nightmares were the cause.

Merlin shivered as he contemplated how things would have been different if; Gaius had given him potions to smother his magic, his mother had not believed in him so unconditionally, he had no knowledge of what was happening as his magic emerged. He would have been terrified. Multiply that fear with being Uther's ward.

Uther was a man who hated magic, started a purge of magic, killed innocent men, women and children just because they had magic. Uther had taught Morgana magic was an evil abomination, something that corrupted the soul. It was a choice people made to learn magic. Those who did choose magic became evil, selfish, dishonest manipulators with no conscience, bent on destruction.

Merlin remembered his first day in Camelot when Thomas Collins had been beheaded for the use of magic. Morgana was at her window. Merlin saw her turn away in sorrow and disgust.

That man on the chopping block could have been Merlin. It was a horrifyingly deep layer of terror. It was beyond fear. No wonder Morgana had been so distraught that night she came looking for validation of magic she didn't want to possess.

Unfortunately, Morgana had been left alone in all of it. No one believed her. No one had been there to reassure and tell her she had a gift, not even Merlin. Merlin felt the pain of guilt settle in his heart.

It only made sense that Morgana would not want to have laws were such in Camelot that anyone who even associated with magic was guilty. Morgana would not have wanted to implicate Gwen in any way, so of course she had not shared her suspicions with Gwen. Morgana did not want her maid Gwen to die as her blacksmith father had died. Gwen's father had not had magic and had not planned evil. He had just unwittingly done his blacksmith work for an evil man who used his talents. Uther had executed him for simple association.

Merlin's conclusion was that Morgana had been alone. Gaius had denied her. Uther would have destroyed her. Arthur destroyed an entire camp of Druids at Uther's command, after madly assuming Morgana had been kidnapped by this peace loving people.

No one had shown her the beauty of magic. No one had shown her magic could be used for good.

All Morgana had done was ask for help at Merlin's suggestion. Merlin felt the guilt weigh down on him. Now more than ever, he realized he should have helped her with her magic and revealed his own magic to her when she had initially come to him for help. So much pain and suffering could have been avoided.

The time Morgana had spent with the Druids at Merlin's suggestion, had been too fleeting to cement any positive thought she may have on the matter. So it only stood to reason that she would hide her magic. Magic wouldn't have been something she wanted. She hadn't known the nature of it or how to control it. Of course she was frightened.

A conversation with Gaius came to Merlin's memory. Gaius once said he was sure Morgana had the gift of prophecy and was a seer because she had confided her dreams to him and many had come true. Gaius had feared her gift.

Now, this made Merlin wonder why Gaius feared it, why Gaius had warned him away from Morgana in the first place, why he had discouraged him away from helping Morgana with her magic. Even the dragon had warned him away.

Had they wanted her to fail? It was a question that bounced around his brain leaving black marks of doubt. When he was younger he had blindly followed the advice of Gaius and the dragon. Now after seeing the results of their advice, he was questioning everything. He didn't think Gaius' intentions were bad. Gaius was more motivated by fear... Fear of Uther.

It made him wonder what hold Uther had over Gaius to make him stay and serve. Gaius had mentioned he had only been preserved because he had pledged never to use magic again. Gaius had definitely acted out of fear on multiple occasions. Gaius had also said he had regrets for not helping more people in Camelot.

Still, Gaius had taught Merlin so much, cared for him like a father would care for a son. This was why Merlin didn't, wouldn't, and could not believe Gaius had evil intentions.

The dragon on the other hand was not so pure. Merlin remembered the conversation he had with the dragon after his mother contracted the plague. Merlin had saved Arthur from the questing beast using the cup of life. The dragon said the price would be high. Nimueh told him the price of Arthur's survival would result in the death of another. Merlin had negotiated his own life freely.

However when his mother was struck down with the plague, Merlin discovered the dragon's selfish intent and told the dragon he would never free him.

Finding a way to contain Cornelius Segan forced Merlin to break that pie crust promise. Gaius suggested going to the dragon as Merlin had no other resource.

At the time, Merlin had not considered how well Gaius knew the dragon. The situation had been so desperate.

Now it made him curious. What sort of history did Gaius have with the dragon? Why would Gaius ask for the dragon's help? Did the dragon manipulate Gaius who didn't have the luxury of being a dragon lord as Merlin was? The mystery of it all made Merlin's head spin.

Over the next weeks and months, Merlin would contemplate these questions when he wasn't obsessing over Morgana and his Vivian.

Morgana was not bad when he first met her. Morgana was the one to help him with the Druid boy, accompany him to his village to fight off the bandits after Uther denied Hunith aid. Morgana convinced Arthur to help Merlin destroy the anfanc in Camelot's water supply. That Morgana had not been bad was a concept that made him shiver. Guilt multiplied for not helping Morgana when she had asked him to confirm her magic.

But then, Morgana had done horrible things to him. She had thrown him against a wall, set the room on fire, and tried to kill Uther with Tauren's help.

More bad things happened after Morgause came into her life. Morgana had left him to Morgause and the serkets to die. Camelot was put to sleep while the knights of Medhir attacked with Morgause leading that attack. Morgana had started that seduction game to control him. Morgana had brought the skeleton army to life down in the crypts. Morgana had put the fomorrah in his neck. Morgana had ripped the veil to release the Dorocha that killed so many. Morgana attacked Camelot twice, once with the help of Agravaine. Helios was her accomplice the second time. Based on those crimes, Morgana wasn't' worth saving.

Merlin sighed in frustration because of one big obstacle. The biggest obstacle stopping Merlin from killing Morgana now was the fact that she was the mother of his child. He loved her. She was his soulmate. Second to that was his guilt for not helping Morgana with her magic and revealing his own. He had been too afraid because of the warnings given by Gaius and the dragon. He was haunted by guilt. This situation could have been avoided if he had not been such a coward.

Morgana had been the victim of her fear. Tauren, Agravaine, Morgause, and Alvaar, had wanted to destroy Uther. They had appealed to Morgana's fears and provided bad, destructive solutions.

Morgana in her desperation, fear, and anxiety, had not seen them as bad. They justified their actions in her mind by classifying it a way to deal with her own magic, to free it, to free the people who had magic, to stop Uther in his madness, to stop the blood shed. Morgana probably justified killing or manipulating others for these reasons.

Those that had been hurt were collateral damage. Morgana's little bit could never come close to equaling the multitude of horrendous, cold blooded killings Uther had done. Merlin was sure callousness and hate developed.

The problem was, hate didn't destroy hate. Hate propagated more hate and more violence.

Merlin had not loved Uther. Merlin had spared Uther because Gaius had told him Arthur was not ready to rule and needed time to change and grow into being a king and because of Gwen who had told him if he did kill Uther, he was no better than Uther. Murder was a last resort.

Merlin was not that innocent, naive boy that had walked into Camelot all those years ago. He had blood on his hands. He had killed Sophia, her father, the Sidhe King, Edwin, Nimueh and Agravaine. Sure it had all been in self-defense. Hadn't it? He had been protecting Camelot. He had been protecting Arthur. Arthur was his destiny. Right?

Morgana had been acting in self defense. She had been fighting for her people. She had been fighting to free magic. Just like him, she had gotten bad advice. The thought crushed his self-righteous condemnation of Morgana. Thoughts of his own misdeeds created more empathy for Morgana.

It was the empathy that helped him know he wasn't about to leave Morgana or Vivian alone with the threat of being hunted by the Sarrum hanging over them. He had to think of some way to protect them. As he started to meditate on the possibilities, a plan formed in his mind.

Merlin mentally contacted Kilgarah to keep a look out for the Sarrum. If the Sarrum was a determining factor for Morgana staying or leaving, he knew he and the dragon could take care of that problem.

Merlin hated killing, but his new found knowledge, that he was a father to his Vivian made with love, ramped up his protective factor a hundred times what it had been the first time he had seen Vivian in Camelot.

Merlin now understood the pull he had towards Vivian. It was because he was her father.

He had been raised without a father, Merlin was not about to let his own child suffer the same fate of not having a father.

Merlin had dozed off exhausted by his thoughts. He was so tired trying to figure something out and simultaneously keep his emotions under control. The Lord must have heard him and sent him a dream.

The dream was of his daughter and Morgana. He saw an older version of himself smiling.

Merlin saw himself sitting in a flower covered field by a lake. His and Morgana's children and several knights where playing with Arthur and Gwen's children as they all looked on with pure enjoyment. He wasn't sure how he knew to whom the children belonged .

An older Merlin was looking fondly at a dark haired boy in his lap tickling his tummy. He knew it was his son. He knew Morgana was the mother.

An older Morgana with another child in her belly looked at him with unadulterated love before leaning over to kiss him passionately. The happy sounds and looks filled his heart with joy and a longing to make it so. He thought he would be alone his whole life. However This dream gave him hope.

Merlin fell asleep with more peace in his heart. There was also curiosity as to how, in a million years, this would ever take place.

Chapter 3

Merlin and his mother had been taking care of Morgana for over two weeks. Morgana had made great strides in that time period. Morgana had mostly slept the first few days. Regular meals had taken away the gauntness of captivity to some degree. Color had returned to her face. She even smiled whenever Vivian was around. As she had gotten stronger she had gotten up and helped with Vivian when Merlin was out or Hunith was busy.

Vivian had taken an immediate liking to this once strange woman. Morgana found when she looked in her babies eyes, or saw her smile, or laugh, everything she had suffered fell away. This baby was her sanity, her inspiration when she was imprisoned in the Sarrum's pit. Now that she was with Vivian, her soul was minute by minute renewed and refreshed. She hadn't had the strength to bring up leaving. How could she ever leave the joy and happiness she was experiencing here in Hunith's home. Watching Merlin with her baby filled her with a hunger for the family life Morgana had never acknowledged.

Morgana would watch Merlin's eyes light up when he saw Vivian. Vivian would run towards Merlin when he came in the room and squeal his name, "Merlin!" Vivian would reach up to him. In turn, Merlin would pick her up and swing her around. Vivian would throw her arms around Merlin's neck before giving him wet baby kisses on his cheek. Merlin would sit down in a chair with Vivian in his lap. If she wanted to stay, he would read her a story, or he would play with her and the toys he had made for her before putting her back down on the floor.

Morgana often thought she wasn't going to stay. She was going to take her daughter away. However, she was still too weak from her injuries and starvation experienced in captivity with the Sarrum.

The non-judgmental, calm, loving, accepting air around Hunith kept her there. Hunith was a paragon, a well of unconditional love and stability in an unstable world. Hunith's care to her wounds was not just a comfort to her body, but a balm to her battered soul and mind. It wasn't something she wanted to give up anytime soon.

Morgana's feelings for Merlin were a mess. She really didn't have the strength to deal with them currently, so she didn't. She let herself soak up the calm and the peace exuding from Merlin and Hunith as they took care of her and her child.

It was maybe 21 days from when she arrived that neither Merlin or Hunith were in the house. Morgana had been laying in her bed watching her baby sleep when Vivian stirred and started to whimper.

Morgana reached a hand to her.

Vivian grabbed it and stuck it in her mouth.

Morgana smiled and started to hum a tune from her childhood that had popped into her head.

Vivian instantly calmed and went back to sleep.

Hunith had just come in and paused at the sight. She quietly closed the door, smiled, and went about her work. There was definitely something worth saving about this woman who had given her a grandchild.

Things were going more smoothly. Merlin and Morgana didn't necessarily speak to each other unless they had to. Merlin often found himself focusing just on Vivian. Things were easier when he did so. What surprised him was as he was watching Morgana with Vivian, or Hunith working around the house. He found himself referring to them all as his girls. These females were so important to him.

Sure Arthur was important, his destiny was important. But these three, Vivian, Hunith and Morgana took away the loneliness he had never labeled, filled the hole in his heart, filled his soul with contentment and joy he had never known. The dream he had about himself and Morgana happily married with children had been recurring almost every night in more detail. He didn't dare say anything out loud. It was so new and fragile.

Merlin knew he would have to let Arthur know what was going on, not necessarily all the details. That was an explosion he did not want to ignite. He wasn't going to tell Arthur he had Camelot's most wanted staying at his mother's house while he was nursing her back to health. That would be a real piece of news "O Arthur I am a father and the mother is Camelot's most wanted. I can't leave right now because if I do, Morgana will take my daughter and I will never see her again." Merlin snorted at the very thought. Yeah, Arthur would jump for joy at the news, he thought sarcastically.

Merlin had finally written Arthur. He was helping his mother and would be detained for an unknown time.

Merlin had his hands full caring for Morgana and his daughter during the day. Clothing for Morgana had become problematic. Merlin had taken the scraps they had cut from Morgana's body, cleaned them with magic and repaired them into a beautiful dress. He had changed the color and the style to be more modest and comfortable. He figured Morgana didn't need any reminders of her time with the Sarrum.

When Morgana had seen it, commented on the beauty of the garment, and asked where he got it, Merlin had shrugged. Hunith had quickly thrown in that it was something she had been saving.

Hunith had wanted Merlin to reveal his magic to Morgana. However, she had respected his autonomy to reveal his secret. She encouraged him by telling how Morgana had come to her her before her captivity, in pain and full term pregnant. Hunith had helped Morgana deliver Vivian. Morgana had told her Merlin was the father at that time. Hunith had promised to take care of Vivian and not to share this information with Merlin so long as Morgana eventually told Merlin the truth.

Merlin had always admired his mother's strength and kindness. That admiration grew exponentially because Hunith's actions had brought Morgana and now the truth of Vivian to him.

Merlin was enjoying his time with his daughter. They often went out to feed the animals together. He would play with her on the floor. Ignoring Morgana was easy when he focused on Vivian.

Merlin's nights were unsettled. He had nightmares of what he would be willing to do if Morgana ran. He always kept an eye open just in case.

It had been a long day. Merlin had been doing repairs, working in the garden, and chopping wood for winter. Supper was over. The dishes were washed and put away. Merlin had read Vivian a story, sang her a song and put her to sleep. He had been sitting by the fire pretending to read a book as he watched over his girls. Everyone else was asleep.

The fire was low. Merlin had fallen asleep in the chair. It was after midnight and dark out when he heard Kilgarah in his head telling him Sarrum and his men were just outside Ealdor and coming for Morgana and Vivian.

Merlin, who had not undressed for bed, jumped up and was out the door in a shot.

Morgana, who was sleeping, started tossing and turning and woke with a jerk as she screamed. She threw off the blanket covering her body.

Vivian started to cry. Morgana cursed her dreams as she picked Vivian up and held her close, rocking her back and forth. "Shh I will not them take you my baby, my beautiful girl! They will not take you my Vivian!"

In her distress, Morgana did not notice Merlin was no longer in the room.

Hunith came running in with only her nightgown on and her hair in a braid. "What is wrong? I heard you scream."

Morgana was too busy controlling her breathing and talking to her baby to explain even though she turned her head and opened her mouth to answer.

At that same moment, both women heard a roar and then screams of men.

Hunith and Morgana ran to the window to see a fire breathing dragon shooting flames at Sarrum and his men who were frantically and unsuccessfully running away.

Merlin was riding on the back of this fire breathing dragon.

All the air left Morgana at the scene. How could Merlin be riding on the back of a dragon?

Her focus shifted to the dragon fire and the screaming men that where being consumed by it.

She could hardly breathe due to the events unfolding before her eyes.

She would have dropped Vivian if Hunith had not been next to her to steady her.

Morgana recognized those burning men. It was her enemy, the Sarrum.

Merlin was riding a dragon. That same dragon was burning the Sarrum.

Moments later, the women saw Merlin jump from the back of the dragon, check to make sure the Sarrum and his men were no longer alive and there were no more threats.

Merlin then turned and patted the dragon on his snout instructing him to dispose of the bodies and the evidence of a fight.

Morgana was shocked to her core by what she saw next. The dragon bowed to Merlin and followed his instructions.

She was awed at the display of power and couldn't tear her eyes away.

This awe was compounded when Merlin raised his hand. His eyes glowed gold causing the burn marks on the ground to disappear. He waved his hand again. Green plants and grain suddenly covered all evidence of violence.

Morgana saw Merlin nod in satisfaction at his handiwork before turning towards the house.

Both women were stunned at what they had just witnessed and stood open mouthed until it registered that Vivian was still crying.

Morgana kissed the top of her head and bounced the toddler in an effort to calm her when Merlin opened the door.

Merlin had some explaining to do later. For now, Morgana wanted to thank him.

Morgana ran to him with a still somewhat tearful Vivian in her arms as she whispered "Thank you , ...thank you ….thank you." over and over into his chest as her tears mixed with Vivian's, wetting Merlin's shirt. Morgana cried in relief that her enemy was gone, no longer able to hurt her or her daughter.

Vivian sniffled.

Merlin was so relieved and fired up. He was still coming down from the anger and adrenaline that had caused him to jump up and fly with Kilgarah to destroy the enemy of his kin. Riding the dragon had been exhilarating.

Destroying the Sarrum left a bad taste in his mouth. However, he was relieved Kilgarah had done the killing. Rejuvenating the fields had rejuvenated himself. Things seemed more fresh, more new. The threat to his women had been removed.

Merlin was pleasantly surprised when Morgana ran to him and flung herself into his arms.

Merlin held and kissed his once enemy, his most precious women, his Morgana, his Vivian. He just wanted to savor the moment without all the torrid past interfering. He threw himself into the moment. "I'm here!" he soothed, running his fingers through Morgana's and Vivian's hair. "No one is ever going to hurt either of you as long as I have breath in my body."

Merlin never thought he would utter something like that to his previous enemy. He felt an extreme protectiveness as he held Morgana and his child tightly knowing to his toes that he meant every word.

Merlin's words soothed Morgana's quivering fright. Merlin was so much more than she had ever imagined. Morgana had never before let anyone past her defenses intentionally.

Things had changed. Merlin was light. Merlin was the father of her precious daughter. Merlin had shown he could protect her. Merlin was powerful and magical. Morgana found she could believe every word he had just uttered into her hair as he stroked it. He was stroking away the grime of the pit the Sarrum had held her in for two years. He was stroking away her fears and the insanity she had fought while in that dark hole with Aithusa. He was stroking away her anger from their torrid past. Morgana wanted so badly to put the past behind her for Vivian's sake.

Morgana believed Merlin when he said no one was ever going to hurt her or their child as long as he had breath in his body. His arms had come around her and warmed her icy heart. Her tears soaked Merlin's shirt, as Merlin's gentle embrace continued. Morgana clung to Vivian between them. She wrapped her other arm around Merlin's waist pulling him closer.

Hunith smiled in the background. Her boy who had left over ten years ago had turned into a man. She smiled in satisfaction and relief. This drama was not over, of that she was sure. She knew the two new parents had issues to discuss, problems to solve. She turned back to her bed leaving them to care for each other,

Merlin took Vivian as he had done every night he had been with her since she was born. Vivian calmed immediately at his familiar embrace and routine as he hummed a lullaby to her that his mother had sung to him as a child. Vivian fell asleep before Merlin gently put her to bed.

When Merlin turned around, he saw Morgana gazing at him with something he never thought he would see anywhere but his dreams. Was it love?

Morgana had been enchanted and amazed by the melody Merlin had sung to their daughter.

While the melody had put their daughter to sleep, it had also calmed and enchanted Morgana. She found herself staring and getting lost in the beauty, light and magic of Merlin's aura not wanting to ask anymore hard questions tonight. Part of her just wanted to hug and kiss Merlin and never let him go.

However, she stopped herself because her curiosity was whirling. There were so many questions floating through her mind about the dragon and the recent violence. However the words that came out as she watched Merlin were, "How is it you can ride a fire breathing dragon roasting people one minute and sing something so calming the next? How is it your eyes glow gold and a once burnt field turns green and lush?"

Merlin panicked a bit as he never told Morgana about his magic and barely realized what her words indicated. Morgana had seen him ride Kilgarah. He was sure she had seen him regrow the burnt vegetation. Yet she had ran to him and thanked him and held him as if he would disappear.

Merlin sighed. The time for lies was passed. He closed his eyes praying for strength, then lifted his chin. "I have magic. I am a Dragon Lord. It is a gift I inherited from my father after he died. I commanded Kilgarah to find the Sarrum and help me destroy him."

Morgana's eyes grew large. "Why?" She knew the answer. However, she still harbored some reservations as to his intentions. There was also a realization that Merlin's magic was more powerful than her own. She had felt it roll off him even when a wall and window separated them minutes ago. His answer would confirm or destroy her previous assumptions when he held her making promises shortly after he had entered the house.

Merlin looked at his daughter then at her. He looked away for a moment taking a deep breath before turning to her again and locking his gaze on her. "The Sarrum threatened my daughter. He was after you. I had to remove the threat."

Morgana felt the air leave her lungs. "Why would you care? I have done horrible things."

Merlin sighed, "You said the Sarrum is the reason you have been running. I don't want you to run or be afraid anymore. I want my daughter around. I want you to feel safe here so both of us can enjoy Vivian. To do that, I had to eliminate the threat to you and Vivian."

Morgana's jaw dropped "You want me? Here?"

Merlin nodded, walked to her and placed his hands on her shoulders as he looked deeply into her eyes. He wanted to see Morgana. Merlin wanted Morgana to really see him as he gazed deeply into her eyes. This would be the beginning of trust for himself and for her. He wanted her to know his true heart regarding her and his child, regardless what it cost him. "Believe me when I say, I have tried to hate you Morgana. You have done horrible things in the past. Despite the past, the games, the hurt, I care for you Morgana I always have. "

Morgana felt warmth tingle along every cell of her body. She felt his sincerity and it made her want to erase the past. Her impetuosity won as she blurted out, "Merlin, I am so very sorry I ever tried to hurt or manipulate you." Tears started to fall from her eyes all over again as her head went down. Merlin moved his hands from her shoulders to encompass her frail shaking body.

Morgana just let herself melt into Merlin's embrace as he kissed the top of her head and whispered assuring words.

Morgana's legs gave out as her tears increased. These past weeks with Hunith, Merlin and her baby, their care and kindness was cracking the hard shell of hate that had been forming so long under Morgause's tutelage.

Merlin picked Morgana up bridal style, walked to the chair, sat down, pulled Morgana into his lap, and rocked her. He stroked her hair and just let her cry as she continued to apologize. "I wanted you so badly. I thought being Le Belle Dame sans Merci, threatening you, playing the seductress was the only way you would come to me." she sobbed, "I am so sorry."

Merlin chuckled. "It may have started as a game but you are so much more to me. You always have been the fire in my blood Morgana"

"Really?" Morgana looked up, even though I used the fomorrah to control you?"

"Are you sorry you did?" Merlin asked.

Morgana looked him in the eye. "No."

Merlin would have pulled back except for Morgana's next words. "When we came together that night, I experienced your love. Our actions gave us Vivian. I catalog and have referred to it often as the greatest night of my life. I have no regrets."

"Really, you have no regrets about taking my memory?" Merlin asked looking deeply into Morgana's eyes.

"I am sorry about that. I shouldn't have taken that from you." Morgana's lip started to tremble as the tears came once again. "I am sorry Merlin."

Merlin continued to rock her for a moment soaking in her apology like a wilted plant being refreshed by water. "If it is any comfort to you, I have dreamed of that night frequently."

Morgana looked up shocked. "How could you remember Merlin, the fomorrah's magic wipes all memory."

Merlin chuckled. "For a long time, I thought it was my fevered brain making me mad."

"You had dreams about me?" Morgana asked unsure, "about that night?"

Merlin paused. "My dreams were incomplete, so they were somewhat frustrating. I didn't always remember the love words you must have mentioned to my mother. I thought they were only dreams until you revealed Vivian was mine." Merlin said with a bit of a twinkle in his eye.

Morgana almost smiled at the look in his eye. "So how did you find out?

"I used my magic... and some meditation techniques just after you came. Those techniques and magic helped me to view the time you took me into your hovel. I finally heard the love words we spoke."

Morgana's eyes grew wide. "Morgause said even the most powerful magic users would not be able to resist or remember after being subjected to the fomorrah." she paused squinting at him, "Who are you really?"

Merlin took a deep breath. "Maybe we can save that discussion for another day."

Morgana's eyes grew wide and she drew back, as anger filled her heart. "So we are back to the game. All the time in Sarrum's pit, you knew I was there. You and Arthur knew." Her eyes came up in accusation.

Merlin felt his anger rise. He stopped rocking. "How could you think I knew or would work with a man such as the Sarrum? I saw those whip marks and scars on your body when mother and I were dressing your wounds. Heck. my dragon killed the Sarrum just so you could be safe. We have had games between us, but you must know I would never hurt you."

Merlin's look and words held power Morgana had never seen. It was that and his previous kindnesses that drove her response now."I know that Merlin. Deep down I have always known you would never intentionally hurt me. I am sorry I accused you."

Somewhat still miffed, Merlin asked, "So this accusation is your Pendragon pride and Morgause's training spiking up to play games with my head?"

Morgana felt her anger and defensive mechanisms rise. However, she could feel Merlin's magic waiting to strike. The fear of it helped her quell the anger and apologize. The vision of Merlin riding a dragon and roasting the Sarrum and his men just to protect her tempered that fear. Instead of her usual snarky return, she nodded her head, swallowing her pride. "I'm sorry Merlin. I guess old habits die hard. I'm sorry for falsely accusing you."

Merlin felt his anger drain away. Morgana's apology soothed his anger somewhat, but now he was suspicious of her sincerity. "Morgana I want to trust you. I want to believe you are truly sorry. But I have heard similar words before and the games started. I can't do that again."

Morgana saw the heartbreak and heard it in Merlin's voice. She fisted his shirt. " I won't do it again Merlin." Morgana words rushed out desperately. "I can't lose you again Merlin. When I was down in that pit, I thought of Vivian, I remembered you. I would cry because I had lost you. I had used you cruelly, cast you away." Morgana started to sob uncontrollably. "I'm so sorry Merlin. I'm so sorry. I don't blame you if you never forgave me. But I am sorry I abused your heart and played with your emotions. After what you have done to save me from the Sarrum, I could not ever hate you. You are the father of my Vivian. She was created on a night I will never forget, nor ever regret. She is so like you. I never told you before when you could remember. So, I will tell you now. I love you Merlin. I always have. Vivian is the manifestation of that love.""

Morgana's words washed over Merlin like a spring rain. Before he knew it, he grasped her shoulders tightly and kissed her passionately.

Morgana found herself responding eagerly as hands and lips roamed.

"You loved me! I loved you!" Merlin felt his breathing speed up as he pulled her closer.

"It was the most beautiful night of my life." Morgana responded between kisses, holding him tightly as well.

"I had dreams of you Morgana."

Morgana saw the insecurity and the doubt in Merlin's eyes. Many years ago, she might have reveled in his insecurity. Now it just harrowed her soul to the depths that she had ever toyed with this man as Morgause had taught her. Morgause had been so wrong.

This man had killed her enemy. He had vowed to save and protect her. It was better than a blood oath. She wanted to return his pledge. She wanted to help him protect their daughter. More than anything, she wanted to feel the love and the warmth she had been denied in the pit. "I love you Merlin."

The words were barely out of her mouth before Merlin's lips claimed her own again.

It was several minutes later before they pulled away breathless only to reconnect again and again.

Their kisses were joyful, passionate, burning. The flood gates of their pent up emotions unlocked and flooded them sending euphoric waves through their bodies. Their magic mingled and lit up the room as lips and hands wandered. Words of love that had been buried since the fomorrah incident, were spoken and promises that had been spoken were sealed in every fiber of their beings.

Merlin pulled away. "I want to do this right Morgana. The past will not equal our future. I love you. I grew up without a father, I grew up with a mother and watched her suffer the sneers and backstabbing words of neighbors. I don't want that for our child."

Morgana stood amazed and stunned at this confession. She had never heard of Merlin's hardships.

Merlin pressed on at her silence thinking he still had to convince her, or so he thought, "You know what it is like not to have parents. Your father died when you were 10 years old. Don't you want our daughter to have two parents who love her rather than one?" Merlin stared into Morgana's depths trying to convey to her with every fiber of his being how truthful and sincere he was in his statement.

What Morgana saw and felt in Merlin was mind boggling. Her feelings toward Merlin had purified over the short time she was here. It was because of Vivian's unconditional baby love. It was Merlin's and Hunith's care. Merlin wasn't her enemy anymore.

She looked up at Merlin. This wasn't the boy she had first met back in Camelot. Merlin had always been more than a servant and a good friend. The time with Merlin in her hovel all those years ago was proof. She had no regrets that Merlin was the father of her child.

The angry part of her surfaced, but it no longer seemed to have the power it once had. What had been revealed to her this night his desires and passion for her were evident. She found herself trusting him. She wanted him to trust her. "I have known I loved you, Merlin since before that night in my hovel. Vivian is proof of that love. I want to quit running. I …." Morgana was stopped suddenly in her ramblings by Merlin who covered her lips with his own devouring her. Morgana returned his passion and again, they were just lost in the touch and taste of each other.

Merlin stopped for a moment to whisper against her. " I love you Morgana. Some how, we will find a way."

Morgana looked into his deep blue eyes. She found herself drowning in the passion and the promise, the faith and the hope. More than anything, that is what she had been missing for so long. Warmth filled her to brimming as she grabbed Merlin firmly around his shoulders, "Yes! We will find a way!"

Merlin's smile spread across his face. As he stood up with Morgana in his arms and swung her around in his joy and happiness laughing out his relief. Until Morgana gasped in pain as one of her wounds opened and started to bleed again.

Merlin gently put her down on the bed again looking sheepish, "Sorry..." he stepped back. "Maybe you should rest and we should get you better before we get too carried away."

Morgana wanted to cry at the loss of warmth. But she too stepped back. "Yes.."

Merlin treated her open wound and changed her bandages again then tucked her in. He kissed her forehead. "Sleep well my love."

Morgana's heart danced with joy at his words. She didn't want to be without that warmth Merlin held for her and their child in such abundance. It was that thought that motivated her hand to grasp his, "Stay"

Merlin hesitated for a moment. There was gratitude, vulnerability, trust and love in her gaze. It drew him in as his eyes swept over her. "Your wounds are bad Morgana. I don't want them to open up again."

"Please!" The longing in Morgana's eyes stopped his objections long before her words had.

"I can sit in the chair next to your bed." Merlin said as he pulled a chair close to the bed and sat in it so his knees were touching the bed and he could hold Morgana's hand.

Morgana smiled, "Thank you Merlin!" She pulled his hand to her chest and held it there with both of her own.

Merlin smiled back at her. Morgana's gratitude had been rare and he found himself smiling and taking several moments to admire her beauty as her eyes closed.

Morgana's breathing deepened as the exhaustion and terror bled out of her pores. This was what she had been looking for, family, a place where she was loved and protected, free to be who she was. This was home. It was a dream come true. She stifled the part of her that wasn't sure if it was real

Tomorrow she would make a decision. Somehow she knew if Merlin did not object, which at this point, she knew he wouldn't, she would stay for as long as she could. She impetuously grasped Merlin's arm, holding it close and pulling him closer with a plea that caused Merlin to deposit his boots and jacket and crawl in next to her on the bed being very careful of her newly wrapped injuries.

The adrenaline from the previous activities evaporated with the warmth between their bodies

Merlin was relieved he had taken care of the Sarrum. He sent a quick telepathic message. "Thank you Kilgarah!'"

" My pleasure young warlock!" Kilgarah answered in his mind. "We will talk later. It is something of vital importance we must discuss. "

Merlin felt exhaustion and relief overtake him as he silently breathed out the last words he would speak that night. "Yes we will speak tomorrow." Merlin smiled to himself. Tomorrow would be a busy day, He needed time with Morgana and Vivian. He didn't want to give Morgana a chance to change her mind. From his current position, he was almost positive she would not.

It was still mostly dark when Merlin's eyes fluttered opened feeling a warm presence curled into his side, possessively holding him around his waist. He looked down at the raven haired beauty in his arms and just savored the feeling. This woman who had been his enemy was at the moment so much more. He would be happy to wake up every day like this.

Morgana's face was more relaxed. A smile graced her lips as she sighed into his shoulder and her arm tightened around his waist. Her dream must be a good one that included him. At least he hoped it was.

The little doubt that it wasn't about him vanished when he heard her murmur "Merlin" in her sleep. The way she said it fired his heart and mind with possibilities and brought a smile to his face.

Hunith had asked him to find a way to make Morgana stay. Her utterance gave him confidence that he was close to filling that mandate, hopefully with less struggle, and soon. The thought made him happy. He felt he had to do this the right way though. He couldn't let himself take advantage of Morgana with her injuries as they were.

Cold weather was coming. He couldn't have his mother sleeping on the floor all the time with Morgana needing a bed to herself. He had practically reopened Morgana's wounds the night before swinging her around. The deep circles of fatigue under her eyes that had been so prominent when she first arrived, had dissipated somewhat with sleep and care. She was still incredibly emaciated. He knew she had not been fed much in captivity. As Merlin held Morgana, he knew one night, one week, or a month would not solve all the physical problems or the emotional problems. He had ideas what the Sarrum had done. He had been treating many of Morgana's injuries daily.

Merlin had seen men from the trauma of battle. He knew it took weeks, months, even years, to come to grips with the atrocities of war. Matters of the heart were tricky and so much more complicated than the physical wounds he had seen. Gaius' voice came to his head, " If the soldiers feel safe and have a routine, their healing will be quicker."

Merlin wanted to make Morgana feel safe. There were so many factors. Merlin's earlier dream of his future family was something he wanted to make real with every fiber of his being. Before he and the dragon had attacked the Sarrum, the dream was the only proof he had that it was even possible. Now Morgana's words and confessions of love made that dream more real. He wanted that happiness. He was so excited but was also tired from all the previous events. His eyes closed as his head rested on the bed.

Chapter 4

It was morning and sunlight streamed through the windows.

Morgana's eyes fluttered. She blinked several times, looking around the room trying to get her bearings. She looked up to see Merlin smiling down at her.

"Good Morning my beautiful love! Welcome back to the living! How are you feeling?" Merlin asked.

"A little stiff, but rested. That is the best nights sleep I have had in ages." Morgana smiled up at him. She so wanted to kiss him but her wounds would not let her.

A few moments later, they heard Hunith's voice calling them for breakfast.

Merlin stood up to go to the table.

Morgana tried to rise and found her wounds not letting her. Merlin saw her struggle and pushed her down on the bed, "Stay and rest. I will get food for you."

Morgana sighed missing his warmth and laid back down.

Merlin came back over and helped her eat while Hunith fed Vivian with a smile on her face. She was so proud to see the sensitive, caring, capable man in the son she had raised. She was determined to help him keep his family together.

Merlin finished feeding Morgana then turned and saw his mother finishing up with Vivian and setting her down, bustling about. The familiarity of his mother caring for him and his "family" calmed him. His mother had always been his rock in times of trouble. Proof of that characteristic made his heart swell with gratitude.

He wasn't sure what Morgana was thinking, but for now, he wanted only to watch the beauty that was his daughter and the woman who helped him make her. This is what he wanted to wake up to everyday. The feeling swelled in his chest and filled him completely. His heart was stretching everyday he spent with Morgana now. He could not go back to the hate that had existed before. He would do everything in his power to keep them safe and happy and hopefully close to him the rest of his life, because nothing, to this point, even compared to the joy that infused his heart and mind because of his vision.

Vivian, stretched her tiny arms and yawned before turning to look curiously at Morgana, then at Merlin who both were watching her with open awe. Vivian reached up to pat Merlin's cheek with her chubby toddler hand and smiled.

Merlin's heart melted right through the floor as he turned his head to kiss the tiny chubby hand of their daughter.

Morgana was watching the exchange with fascination. Morgana swooned as Vivian reached out a hand to grab some of Morgana's hair smiling a most beautiful toddler smile. Her eyes met Merlin's. So many emotions flashed across their faces, happiness that they were finally safe from the Sarrum, guilt and sorrow for the time they had lost, joy because of the beginnings of forgiveness, curiosity as to the events of the past, hope, trepidation and the stirring of what Hunith knew was the beginning of love.

Merlin smiled, settled Vivian to play with her toys, and helped Hunith clear away the dishes.

Morgana watched them with a smile on her face. She didn't want to interrupt the happy scene with her pains. However, her wounds were bothering her and Hunith noticed her grimace.

"Merlin help me check and change Morgana's bandages." Hunith said as she warmed some tea.

Merlin carefully helped Morgana to sitting and helped her drink the tea his mother made.

Morgana's eyes closed in relief as the tea warmed her body and eased the pain from her wounds.

Vivian was the type of child to watch carefully. She moved closer to Hunith and Merlin as they worked on Morgana. Vivian had come to know Morgana over a fortnight as someone who cared for her deeply. She trusted her, cared for her. More importantly, if Merlin and Hunith took care of her so carefully, she was important. Vivian put her chubby toddler hand on Morgana's hand patting it and saying in her baby voice. "Be Okay."

Hunith and Merlin smiled at the baby's effort to comfort Morgana.

Morgana's eyes opened to gaze on her daughter and felt her heart swell with love. This was her beautiful baby. This was her sanity.

The tea took it's effect and Morgana's head dropped to the pillow in sleep.

Merlin and Hunith quickly dressed her wounds and laid her to rest on the bed.

When they had finished, Merlin turned to Vivian. He wanted Vivian to know her parentage, that he was her father, and Morgana was her mother. However, the discovery was still so new, even to him. He couldn't bring himself to say the words. Instead, he smiled at Vivian. "She will be okay. ….eventually. We need to let her sleep.

How about you and I go outside and play so she can?"

Vivian smiled up at him. "Horsey, horsey."

Merlin's smile was gigantic.

Hunith smiled nodding her head at Merlin to go ahead. "I'll watch over Morgana till you come back."

Merlin swung Vivian up on his shoulders and walked out the door closing it softly behind him. He galloped around the yard a few times with Vivian squealing in delight before heading to the back of the yard to see the few chickens Hunith had.

He grabbed some grain from a sack in the shed and fed them.

Vivian chortled in her baby way as the chickens squawked and pecked at the grains.

Merlin loved to hear his daughter laugh. He put Vivian down and lingered to enjoy the moment before swinging her up again.

Vivian squealed in delight as he turned toward the shed where he kept his horse.

Once there, he put Vivian down on a little stool telling her to stay while he saddled the horse.

When he was done, he swung Vivian up on the saddle and climbed up behind her. It was moments later they were riding across the field on the horses back, enjoying the sunshine and fresh air listening to Vivian babble in response to his explanations of the flora and fauna. Not all of her words made sense yet. Merlin made sure to keep his information one word for one thing. Vivian would copy everything he said and followed carefully his every gesture.

After a while of riding and singing a few songs, Merlin got off the horse and lifted Vivian off the horse to set her on the ground. There was a stream nearby. Merlin let his horse get a drink while he got his water skin and filled it so he and Vivian could have a drink.

Vivian ran, "Chase me!"

Merlin chased after her while his horse stood close by and nibbled on some grass.

When he caught her, he swung her over his head, "I am your papa." The words were out.

Vivian squealed in delight as Merlin swung her around again before settling her in his arms.

"Papa?" Vivian questioned. She scrunched up her nose and furrowed her brow poking Merlin's chest with her toddler hand. " Merlin."

"Yes I am Merlin. But I want you to call me "Papa." Merlin said.

"Why?" Vivian asked.

Merlin suddenly saw he had breached a subject that might be too difficult to fully explain to a two year old. He decided to keep it simple. "Papas take care of their babies. You are my baby and I will take care of you. So call me Papa."

"Papa Merlin?" Vivian tried it on.

"That's right!" Merlin said smiling happily.

"Papa Merlin!" she looked at him smiling.

Merlin nodded as a grin split his face.

"Papa Merlin!" Vivian reached for Merlin who picked her up and swung her around. Both were laughing in joy and happiness. Merlin swung Vivian to his shoulders and galloped around.

He finally stopped to put Vivian down. Merlin smiled stupidly as Vivian continued to gallop around singing "Papa, Papa Merlin, Papa, Papa Merlin."

Vivian suddenly stopped, "Huni take care of me. Huni is Papa too? Papa Huni."

Merlin smiled at Vivian's nickname for Hunith and her question. "Hunith is Grandma. Grandmas take care of babies too."

"Gamma take care of me." Vivian wrinkled her nose trying the word.

" Yes Grandma takes care of you too." Merlin said slower.

"Gamma? Vivian tried again .

It was really too many vowels and consonants for a two year old. Merlin smiled. "Gamma will do for now." Merlin chuckled.

"Which reminds me, we should probably get back. Gamma will wonder where we are." He pulled out his water skin and took another drink, then gave some to Vivian before swinging her back into the saddle and climbing up behind her.

The sun was high in the sky when they arrived at the cottage. Hunith had a pot of soup boiling and hot bread she was pulling out of the oven. Morgana was still sleeping.

Hunith smiled as Merlin and Vivian entered.

"Something smells good." Merlin smiled at his mother as he entered the cottage putting Vivian down .

"Welcome back. Did you have a nice time?" Hunith said.

"Papa Merlin!" Vivian exclaimed, dancing around, pointing to Merlin. "We fed the chickens and rode the horsey." She skipped and twirled. "Fun! Papa Merlin take care of me!"

Hunith's eyebrow climbed up like Gaius', "So! Papa Merlin is it?"

Vivian nodded her head in excitement reaching up to Hunith who picked her up with a big smile.

Vivian pointed at Hunith, "Gamma Huni!"

Hunith smiled in surprise with a slight tear in her eye. " That is right. "Gamma Huni."

Merlin felt his eyes water with emotion. His daughter was nothing short of brilliant and being part of her learning made his heart swell with pride along with the fact that they were family.

Hunith held her arm out to her son as she caught his shining eyes, pulling him in with Vivian. Her eyes were shining as well.

They enjoyed a hug until Merlin's and Vivian's stomach growled. They all laughed.

Hunith tickled Vivian's stomach. "That means it is time to eat." Hunith chuckled.

Merlin couldn't hide his laughter as they all walked to the kitchen to set the table and sit down to the soup and bread rolls Hunith had made.

Morgana stirred and moaned slightly.

Hunith looked over at her in concern before holding her fingers to her lips in a signal for quiet.

Merlin went over to check on her. "She has a bit of a fever. Do you have some willow bark? If you don't I can get you some."

Vivian, sensing Merlin's worry, jumped up to stand by her papa and looked at Morgana on the bed. "Okay?"

"No sweetheart. She is not okay. She needs rest and medicine." Merlin frowned. "She is very sick."

Vivian patted his hand with a small knowing smile, "Papa magic make her better."

Merlin could have slapped himself for not thinking to use his magic earlier. He smiled. " Yes, Papa will try to make her better." Merlin put his hand on Morgana's and focused his magic to stop the fever and the pain and seal up her wounds. Morgana sighed in relief as her brow smoothed.

Vivian and Merlin turned back to the table eating their soup.

Merlin helped Vivian wipe her hands and face before helping her down from the table and setting out her toys to play. It had been a big morning and the toddler was asleep moments later clutching a soft doll Hunith had made her.

Merlin covered Vivian with a blanket, then helped Hunith clean up the dishes and put the food away before they again sat down at the table.

Hunith looked at Merlin, "How long do you plan on staying?"

"I am not sure. It is like you said. Morgana needs time to rest and heal." Merlin sighed. "Vivian needs to know her mother."

Hunith nodded. " I think it would be a good idea to let her rest and heal here. Vivian does need to know her mother. I want you all to stay as long as you need to work things out."

Merlin was so grateful for his mother and smiled at her. "Things have been so complicated between us." He paused. "I never thought I would be a father because Arthur has kept me so busy. He has been my focus." He frowned as Hunith patted his hand in sympathy.

Merlin smiled at his mother's comfort. "Vivian is such a joy. I love her mother. I couldn't bear it if Morgana took her from me." Merlin felt his eyes start to sting with tears that were threatening.

Hunith nodded in empathy.

"I want us to be a family. We need time together, time to discuss things." Merlin wiped at the tears that accumulated in his eyes.

"I know you will find a way Merlin." Hunith said seriously, "You have already done much by taking care of the Sarrum. I know Morgana was frightened of him because of the dream she had last night. " "However," Hunith looked into his eye, "Her reaction to you when you came in from all that destruction and fire and riding the dragon..."

Merlin grasped his mother's hand. "Her reaction was a breakthrough, wasn't it!" He exclaimed. She thanked me for taking out her enemy."

Hunith nodded, agreeing as a smile split her face.

Merlin stopped for a moment. "All this time I felt I was going mad. I wanted to hate her, but I never could. The dragon told me to kill her and I never could. Gaius told me to avoid her."

Hunith smiled. "I know you will figure this out Merlin. You are a man of honor. I know you will do the right thing."

"I have had dreams mother. I have this strange connection with Morgana. I am sure it is because we both have magic. Some of my dreams have been a result of the time I was in Morgana's hovel when we conceived Vivian."

"So you remember that time?" Hunith asked. She just looked seriously at Merlin waiting for him to continue.

"I think I have been dreaming about parts and pieces of it for years. Before now, I thought it was my fevered brain going mad. But now, I know those dreams were so potent and powerful because they actually happened. I never had them before the fomorrah incident in Morgana's hovel." Many emotions flitted over Merlin's face.

"It's okay Merlin. You don't need to give me the explicit details if you don't want to." Hunith smiled understandingly.

Merlin smiled at her in relief moving on to his current dream.

"I had a dream that Morgana and I were married, we had more than one child and another on the way. We were at a picnic with Arthur, Gwen and the knights. It was such a happy time. There was so much love!" Merlin paused as a big smile spread over his face before looking at his mother. "I want that more than anything!"

Hunith's smile mirrored her son's enthusiasm. "Well if you want that dream to come true, you eventually should ask Morgana to marry you. And, you will want to write a letter to Arthur as soon as possible and ask for some more time off. Some neighbors will be leaving for Camelot soon."

"Arthur!" Merlin groaned.

Hunith got up from the table. "There is some parchment in the cupboard and a quill and ink."

Hunith moved to get her shawl. "I need some fresh air. While I am out, I will get some willow bark and check with those that are leaving soon, while you write your letter, and look after Morgana."

"What about Vivian?"

Vivian just waking from a short nap and hearing her name looked up "I go with you. I help Gamma." she said with a big smile.

"I can take Vivian with me." Hunith smiled, her eyes shining not being able to resist her granddaughter's adorable smile or the new title Vivian had bestowed. "It is not too far."

Vivian clapped her hands in joy.

Merlin got out the parchment ink and quill and sat down to write Arthur a letter telling him that he had sick family to attend to and would not be returning to Camelot till further notice.

Hunith had still not returned when Morgana started to stir. Merlin went over to check her bandages, temperature and pulse.

Morgana opened her eyes to see Merlin sitting on the bed next to her holding her hand and looking at her in concern.

"How do you feel?" Merlin asked.

Morgana yawned and stretched her toes, clenched and stretched the fingers of the hand Merlin was not holding. "Better!" She closed her eyes remembering last night when she had hugged Merlin for killing her enemy and their declarations of love and the passionate kisses. She could not stop a small smile curving her lips at the memory.

She looked up at Merlin who's eyes were softening at the sight of her smile. "Last night...we said things." she paused suddenly unsure, she grasped Merlin's wrist. You rode a dragon! She grasped his forearms. Fire! Death! The Sarrum" she grasped his shoulders and started to hyperventilate.

Merlin gently wrapped his arms around her careful of her bandages. His magic had healed her, but she still needed rest as she was still emaciated from her time in captivity. Merlin rocked her back and forth.

The Sarrum is dead. He can no longer hurt you. I won't let him. Shh". He stroked his hands through her hair and continued to rock her. "It will be alright. I will protect you!"

"Morgana's arms went around his waist as she pulled him closer squeezing her lids shut against the fear, the tears that threatened to fall. These were words she had heard last night. Today in the bright sunlight, she believed him. Merlin had become the most important person to her. He was her knight in shining armor.

Merlin just held her and let her cry.

"Thank you Merlin. Thank you Merlin." the same words fell from her lips over and over again. Her stomach growled interrupting the moment. Merlin chuckled. She looked up in embarrassment.

"I suppose you are hungry." Merlin smiled down at her.

His smile was infectious. Morgana smiled up at him. "I suppose so."

"There is some soup from lunch. I can warm it up for you."

Morgana smiled, "That sounds lovely."

Merlin smiled, got the soup out and used his magic to warm it up to a perfect temperature. He pulled out the bread Hunith had made and brought it on a tray over to Morgana.

Morgana took a spoonful and ate slowly. The soup warmed her insides. Nothing had ever tasted so good. The thought surprised her as Merlin had poisoned her. She stopped.

Merlin sat watching with a smile on his face as she ate. She was so beautiful and now she was here with him. When she stopped and frowned, he asked her. "What is wrong?"

"The soup is delicious. You didn't poison it?" Morgana asked.

Merlin frowned. The memory of him poisoning her darkened his thoughts.

Morgana saw him frown. His shining eyes darkened as he took deep breaths to control his emotions. She put her spoon down.

Merlin gave a shuddering breath. "I didn't want to do it. I have nightmares about it almost every night. It is my biggest regret."

"You have said that before." Morgana said. She took a deep breath promising herself she wasn't going to yell. "Just tell me why." She started eating the soup and the roll as a show of good faith that she would do her best to listen and believe him.

"I thought you had planned everything with Morgause because that Knight of Medhir did not kill you. I was afraid to ask if you had been complicit. I didn't want to believe that you would do something so horrible. I tried so many different things and nothing was working. I asked the dragon and he said you were the anchor for the curse." He looked into her green eyes as tears pricked at his own. "The dragon also said to destroy the curse I had to destroy the anchor to destroy the curse. I was running out of time." Merlin paused as tears threatened to fall. He swallowed and gathered himself. "I was desperate So I poisoned you." Merlin blinked to keep the tears from falling that had accumulated. "I am so sorry. So sorry!"

Morgana dropped her spoon trying to gather her thoughts as the explanation fell from Merlin's mouth. She was bowled over. "Was this the same dragon you rode last night? This dragon told you to kill me?"

Merlin nodded.

"Unbelievable." Morgana bit her lip. " Does this dragon still want me dead?"

Merlin nodded again.

"So why haven't you killed me?"

Merlin gathered his courage and looked Morgana in the eye. "I didn't want to."

"Morgause told me you wanted me dead, that you were happy about poisoning me."

"No!" Merlin shouted, alarmed at the accusations. "I didn't want you dead and I wasn't happy about it. I just thought it was the only way!"

"I didn't know I was the source. Morgause didn't tell me." Realization touched her and she gasped in horror. "Oh! I am sorry I put you in that position."

Morgana felt guilt climb in her heart. "I want you to know something Merlin." Morgana grasped his hand and held it to her chest. "I told Morgause I wanted to destroy Uther. Then I fell asleep. When I woke up, I was in Camelot and everyone was falling asleep. I didn't know I was the source of the curse. I am so sorry!"

She threw her arms around Merlin and they cried together. Apologies and "I'm sorry"were whispered as they clung to each other.

It was later and both had calmed somewhat after discussing their mutual blindness when it came to Morgause and the dragon. Merlin told Morgana he wanted her to stay. Morgana echoed his sentiment. Both of them felt this pull toward each other and neither of them wanted to let go of the feeling of peace that seemed to remain in spite of and through all the anguish they had dredged through that day.

There were more tears. But luckily most of them had dried. Merlin had given Morgana more of the tea that helped her sleep and mute the pain from her wounds.

It was dinnertime when Hunith came in with a sleeping Vivian in her arms. Merlin got up and warmed up the rest of the soup and pulled out some bread and cheese to go with it. Vivian woke up long enough to eat and sing a song with Hunith and Merlin. Merlin told her a story and she passed out before it was finished. It had been a long day for the girl. Merlin put her to bed and covered her up with a final kiss to her head. Oh how he loved his little girl.

Morgana had woken momentarily to the scene, entranced once again at the love she felt flowing from Merlin to their daughter.

Hunith smiled at them both. "I am glad you are still here Morgana. How are you feeling?"

"Much better," Morgana stated. She looked down at herself to see mostly clean bandages. "I think the wounds have stopped bleeding. Merlin has been taking excellent care of me." Morgana smiled at Merlin through her eyelashes.

Merlin felt the heat rise in his body at the look she gave him. "We have made some good progress." He returned the look.

Hunith just smiled. It brought bittersweet memories of Balinor. "Well I think we should call it a night.

Tomorrow is another busy day."

The next few days were a bit of a repeat. Except, Merlin found time during one of them to call the dragon and have that discussion the dragon had requested.

Merlin would spend the morning with Vivian while Morgana rested. He used his magic to catch rabbits, birds or deer for dinner. Sometimes he would chop wood as they were always needing it for cooking and heating. Hearing Vivian's joyful babbling while she was with Merlin leaving the house, working in the yard, or returning home further cemented seeds in Morgana's mind to never separate herself or Vivian from Merlin.

She found herself joining in their conversations when they were around her and she was awake. The familiarity of their bonds seemed to flow as if they were the most natural things in the world.

Hunith would fix lunch and smile to herself at the progress she saw in Morgana's mental and physical state. Morgana and her son were good together. She saw the bond between them grow stronger everyday.

Sometimes, Hunith would go out to do the morning chores.

Merlin would take care of Morgana, fix lunch. They would discuss things and play with Vivian who was now calling Morgana "Momma" and Merlin "Papa."

As Morgana got better, she would help with the cleaning and meal preparation.

Merlin and Morgana had gotten to the point in their discussions where Morgana started telling them of her imprisonment with the Sarrum and how she had gotten away with the help of Aithusa.

Merlin and Hunith listened with compassion and some bubbling anger. Despite all Morgana had done wrong, no one deserved what she had suffered at the hands of the Sarrum.

Merlin was glad Kilgarah had incinerated them despite the guilt he felt for taking life. It was not pleasant to him that it had felt so good. Killing was not something that Merlin liked. However, this was his family and he wanted to protect them and keep them safe and happy with everything he had, regardless the costs or consequences.

Morgana's guilt would grow at their empathetic comments. She felt she sort of deserved that punishment, for all the horrible things she had done to Merlin, to Arthur, to Gwen, to Camelot. As she admitted her guilt to Merlin and tried to apologize, tears would fall from all their eyes. Sometimes hugs would follow as apologies were accepted. Sometimes, more flood gates were opened and more discussion took place between just Merlin and Morgana, or just Morgana and Hunith.

Morgana was coming to see it all as a blessing that cleansed her soul of the filth of the past. It also helped her admit her love toward Merlin. She was sure that would never have occurred before her imprisonment. She had also come to appreciate the light she was now enjoying, not only from the sun outside, but the light from Vivian, Merlin and Hunith, their love and care.

Merlin finally explained how he was a dragon lord and all that entailed. Hatching Aithusa, commanding dragons, and how Kilgarah had helped him with many problems before Merlin freed him. He even shared many of his adventures with Arthur saving his his life, or just taking care of the day to day. Morgana and Hunith would be enraptured over his tales as they listened. Sometimes they would end up laughing hysterically. Other times they would gasp in relief.

Morgana had been thrown for a loop when Merlin told her he was Emrys. Morgana had paled and almost immediately passed out in shock.

Merlin was quick to reassure her he would never harm her. He had pulled her to him and whispered his promise to her as he kissed her cheeks.

As Morgana revived, she kissed him back.

Morgana had known there was something special about Merlin and this was that something. She felt her whole body hum with what she now recognized as Merlin's magic and dragon lord powers. She was flooded with a new respect for Merlin every day she watched him. She had questions about how Merlin had gotten this power. Hunith was the one to explain how it was a gift passed from father to son when the father died. Morgana had cried with Merlin and Hunith for the loss they all suffered because Balinor was no longer with them.

Often during his telling,Vivian would stand next to Merlin.

In these cases, Hunith got the toddler some milk and a biscuit. She kept bustling around organizing some tea, sandwiches, fruit and vegetables from the garden picked the day before for the adults without words as she continued to listen. Merlin pulled Vivian into his lap where she had contentedly eaten and drunk her milk and then curled herself into Merlin's chest where she immediately fell asleep comforted by Merlin's deep, rumbling voice.

Morgana was totally blown away by the fire and passion she felt from Merlin. To see this protective side of Merlin directed towards her and their child warmed her heart, melting any remaining ice she had toward him and Hunith. She had never felt so safe and secure in her life as she did at this time She had never felt this way around Morgause or Uther.

Vivian stirred in Merlin's arms smiling up at her father as she put her hand on his chest.

Merlin looked down at her blue eyes that matched his own and felt his heart swell just as it did every time he looked at her.

Merlin and Hunith did the chores and Merlin started on an addition to the house.

Morgana mostly slept and spent time with Vivian who was going through a growth spurt and needed lots of sleep as well. Vivian would often climb into bed with her for her naps. Vivian brought Morgana so much comfort. The darkness that she had endured in the Sarrum's pit receded more and more each time she looked into her daughter's smiling face. The care she received from Merlin and Hunith also pushed at the darkness in Morgana gradually receding as each day passed.

It was several weeks later. Morgana had gained strength every day due to the tender ministrations of Merlin and Hunith and the time she spent with her beautiful Vivian. Her many physical wounds had healed. Morgana had always healed quickly. She knew it was because of her magic. Now she knew it was because of EMrlin's as well.

After a month, Morgana was feeling well enough to help in the garden and help Merlin with the new addition.

Merlin spent as much time as he could with his daughter. Work on the addition to the house and the shed was coming along nicely as well especially since Morgana had started helping him.

They finished the project in record time. They had made a bed and Hunith had pulled out some of her fabric stores for a ticking and some blankets. Now there was a room for Morgana with a side partition and small bed for Vivian.

Vivian was a constant joy to her and Merlin as her vocabulary was growing by leaps and bounds and she became more active. Morgana and Merlin would tell her stories at night after the days work was done. Sometimes they would sing by the fire. The music would vary from lullabies to jigs. They would all dance when it turned to a jig. It was a very happy time. Merlin and Morgana found themselves enjoying each others company more and more. They would discuss magic and tutor each other in things the other didn't know. Often Vivian would join them as her magic needed training as well. They were home as long as they were together. Neither one had stated the fact openly.

Merlin had written Gaius who had sent books which Morgana or Merlin read to Vivian everyday. The harvest was upon them and when Vivian was sleeping, Morgana would help Hunith with drying and other forms of food preservation for the winter.

Sometimes they would go on a picnic as a family even though they had not officially labeled themselves as such. Merlin would chase Vivian and Morgana around, Then Morgana would chase Vivian and Merlin around. Vivian would be yelling "Mommy! Daddy! catch me!" They would catch her and tickle her. She would kiss their cheeks and they would kiss her back.

Sometimes they would each grab one of Vivian's hands and swing her high in the air, all smiling and laughing in delight. Or, Merlin would grab Vivian and swing her in a circle till he fell to the ground in exhaustion with Vivian placed on his stomach and tickle her till she was breathless with laughter. Morgana laughed so hard and came over to join them when she tripped on a rock and fell on top of Merlin.

Vivian reached over to Morgana and patted her cheek. "Mommy okay?"

Morgana patted her back " I am okay"

"That is a good thing," Merlin growled, "because the tickle dragon is going to tickle you both." He grabbed Morgana till she was writhing with laughter. Vivian crawled on top of Merlin. He pulled her in front of him and started tickling her as well and peppering her with intermediate kisses. He went after Morgana and was tickling her and did the same to her. Pepper her cheeks and neck with growly kisses like soft dragon bites until Morgana turned her head and kissed Merlin's lips. He pulled away smiling.

Their daughter climbed on top of them pressing kisses to both of them. The action changed the dynamic and brought them back to their senses. They got up gathered up the picnic and their daughter and headed back to the house.

They helped Hunith prepare diner and clean up afterwards. Both were leaning over their daughter's crib saying good night as they tucked her in and her eyelids closed with a beautiful smile on her face that reflected the smile her parents had on their faces.

Merlin got up and helped Morgana up who looked at him the same as she had this afternoon. The memory of their kiss was at the fore front of both their minds. It was hard to say who moved first as the kiss from the afternoon resumed. It was forever later when they broke apart only to come together again.

"I love you!" simultaneously came from both of them. A moment of surprise and then laughter erupted before they reconnected at the lips.

"Stay with me! Morgana, be my wife! We have a daughter. We can be a family." Merlin sighed into Morgana's hair as he held her.

Morgana pulled back as her face lit up with the biggest smile. "My love, if you hadn't asked me I would have asked you. There is nothing I want more than to be with you forever!" She said passionately as she pressed herself against him and kissed him for all she was worth.

Merlin smiled then picked her up and swung her around not letting go as they both laughed in joy. This time she did not bleed. Her physical wounds were healed.

Chapter 5

The next morning as they were sitting around the table with Hunith eating breakfast Merlin said with a smile he could hardly conceal, "Mother, we have some great news."

Hunith looked up with a twinkle in her eye, "What is it?"

Morgana could hardly contain herself as she grabbed Merlin's hand, "We want to get married."

Hunith wasted no time in coming around the table to pull Merlin and Morgana up into a bone crushing hugs. Tears came to her eyes, "I knew! I hoped! And now it is so." She smiled at each of them kissing each one on the cheek. She put their hands together boxing them in with her own. "I am so happy for you! We will be a family!"

All of them just smiled. Vivian stood up and reached for her parents. Merlin scooped her up and they enjoyed another family embrace with Hunith.

Moments later they were sitting back at the table finishing breakfast when Hunith asked, "So how do you want to do this? We could have the wedding here."

Morgana and Merlin looked at each other. "That may be a very good idea." Morgana said. She felt so safe here with Hunith and Merlin. "I am still the most wanted woman in Camelot and surrounding areas for my crimes."

"At least the Sarrum is not an issue." Merlin frowned.

Through the channel they had, Morgana could feel Merlin's distress. She squeezed his hand. She knew he beat himself up for his past and had learned a touch could pull him out of the downward spiral that followed.

Merlin smiled back squeezing her hand in return. "Gaius knows what is going on here. I have told Arthur a little, but he does not know Vivian is my daughter or Morgana is her mother. So for now, I think a small ceremony here would be perfect."

A shadow came across Morgana's face. "Will you be going back to Camelot? Because I don't know if I could step into the city without being arrested."

Merlin kissed Morgana on the forehead. "Don't you worry about that. I have been in touch with Arthur and Gwen. Both of them miss you. Gwen is all for our relationship and has talked Arthur round. I think they may even like to come to our wedding."

Morgana smiled brilliantly at Merlin and kissed his cheek in gratitude.

Hunith got up suddenly, "I'll be back in a moment."

Moments later, Hunith was back with a package under her arm. "I have been saving this for a long time. I hope you like it." she said as she handed the package to Morgana.

Morgana unwrapped it slowly and saw the finest white silk and lace she had ever seen. She fingered it reverently. "Hunith it is so beautiful! I cannot take this. It is too much."

Hunith turned to Morgana, "I picked it up when I last went to the capitol and you will take it. I can help you make it up."

Morgana just hugged Hunith so tightly as tears came to her eyes. "Merlin is so lucky to have you for a mother. I am so lucky."

"You are family now Morgana. If you like, call me mother." Hunith said.

"Mother, Thank you! Mother!" Morgana kissed Hunith's cheek as tears fell from her eyes. She had a family. It was something she had been without for so long. Her heart was bursting.

Merlin just smiled with that goofy grin on his face as he picked up his daughter and kissed her crown. "We are a family!"

A few days later, Hunith and some close friends were in a small clearing in the woods. Arthur, Gwen, Gwaine, Percival, and Gaius were all there as were many druids along with Iselder who was their leader and would be performing the ceremony today.

Morgana was wearing the white silk and lace she, Gwen and Hunith had made into a beautifully fitted dress.

There was enough left over to make Merlin a fine white silk shirt. Gwen and Arthur had brought Merlin some fine soft black leather pants and boots, a blue waistcoat and cape. Merlin had combed his wavy black hair back and and looked every inch a prince out of a fairy tale.

Morgana's hair hung in ringlets down her back with white and blue flowers woven into it.

Iselder performed the ceremony as he wrapped a garland around their hands. "This represents the joining of your hearts and souls and lives bound together forever. If there be any who say nay, speak now or forever hold your peace."

Only the singing of the birds in the trees and the rustle of the wind through the leaves were heard as those present were very quiet.

Iselder continued, "These are the hands of your best friend, young and strong and full of love for you, that are holding yours on your wedding day, as you promise to love each other today, tomorrow and forever.

These are the hands that will work alongside yours, as together you build your future.

These are the hands that will passionately love you and cherish you through the years, and with the slightest touch, will comfort you like no other.

These are the hands that will hold you when fear or grief fills your mind.

These are the hands that will countless times wipe the tears from your eyes; tears of sorrow and tears of joy.

These are the hands that will help you to hold your family as one. These are the hands that will give you strength when you need it.

And lastly, these are the hands that, even when wrinkled and aged, will still be reaching for yours, still giving the same unspoken tenderness with just a touch."

He gestured for them to exchange rings.

Vivian was dressed in a blue satin dress the color of her father's waistcoat. In her hands was a blue satin pillow with two rings on it. She held it carefully as she walked forward towards her parents.

Merlin took the smaller one and placed it on Morgana's finger, "I will not seek to change thee in anyway, to respect thee as I respect myself, to love thee without reservation as I love myself and protect thee from harm."

Morgana took the other ring and placed it on Merlin's finger. "I will not seek to change thee in anyway, to respect thee as I respect myself, to love thee without reservation as I love myself and protect thee from harm"

"I now pronounce you man and wife. You may now kiss, a symbol of starting your life together." said Iselder smiling.

Merlin gently pulled Morgana to him and kissed her.

Morgana's arms slid up to Merlin's shoulders and went around his neck deepening the kiss till he lifted her in the air. She was floating and every bit of her was on fire as she felt Merlin's love and passion filter through their channel.

The few that were there clapped to see the love and affection displayed by the newly-weds. Congratulations were given around and music started to play. Merlin and Morgana shared their first dance as husband and wife.

Merlin and Morgana headed toward Hunith after their dance. Morgana took Vivian and swung her around as she held her close.

Merlin extended his hand to Hunith in an invitation to dance.

Hunith smiled, took his hand, and enjoyed a mother/son dance.

Merlin then picked up Vivian and danced with her in one arm while his other arm went around Morgana's waist to include her in the dance. There were circle dances and line dances. It was a joyous party with lots of food, music and dancing that lasted till the stars came out and beyond.

Hunith, Vivian and Morgana had danced with Merlin, Iselder, Arthur, Gwaine, Percival and Gaius. Merlin had danced with Hunith, Morgana, Gwen, and Vivian.

Vivian had long ago nodded off in Hunith's shoulder. Hunith's feet were sore and she happily told Merlin she would take Vivian home and put her to bed. Gaius, Percival and Gaius offered to accompany her. Merlin was grateful they had brought tents as there wasn't really room in the house.

Later, Merlin and Morgana headed back to Hunith's cottage and shared the bed in the new addition they had built. It was a beautiful night for them. As Morgana slept in Merlin's arms she dreamed. She was by a waterfall with a pool. A cottage was close by. She and Merlin were sitting by it while their children played in water and slid down the falls. She counted 10 in all and …... she gasped waking up. "10 children!"

Merlin was up in a shot. " What is it?"

"I saw our family." Morgana sat with eyes wide in wonder.

"What did you see? Merlin asked in alarm.

"10" Morgana hardly gasped out.

"10 what?" Merlin asked.

"10 children! Our 10 children!"

"Merlin's eyes widened. " Morgana? We don't have 10 children."

"No, but we will."

Merlin's smile turned goofy as he stroked Morgana's face and hair. "My love!" He couldn't help himself. He grabbed Morgana and kissed her passionately rolling her body under his. "We should start now."

Morgana looked up at him through her long lashes. "Yes my love we should begin now."

Morgana had had several dreams she had related to Merlin regarding life in Camelot. She had seen herself as High Priestess to Arthur advising him on all Magical issues along with Merlin as his court warlock and magical adviser. These dreams and Morgana's pledge of allegiance to Arthur to build Albion had been the ticket.

It was several weeks later. Merlin had finally received a letter from Arthur telling him to come back to Camelot and bring Morgana. Merlin's letter had convinced Arthur of Morgana's change in feeling and her allegiance to Arthur. Merlin and Morgana returned to Camelot with Hunith and Vivian.

They stayed in Morgana's old room and fixed the adjoining rooms for Vivian and Hunith. Merlin refitted the old west tower for his office study. Both he and Morgana took on apprentices to train in magic and the healing arts and the managing of the magical community.

Arthur passed laws rescinding the bans on magic informing the populace that all would be held to account if those laws were violated or magic was used for evil.

Arthur and Gwen had several children who became inseparable friends to all Merlin and Morgana's children.

Aithusa was healed of her deformity by Kilgarah who became her mate. The dragon race grew.

Morgana and Merlin often traveled to Morgana's childhood home in Cornwall. There she and Merlin set up a school to train magic users.

The Isle of the Blessed became another project with a similar purpose. Merlin had been reading up on Cornelius Segan's magic where it concerned the building of Camelot. He used this idea and asked the druids' help in restoring The Isle of the Blessed to it's former glory.

Morgana had drawn up the plans. Merlin had told her to cut no corners in the planning. He shared with her his idea to raise the elevations of the land portion of the isle, make it larger, etc.

Materials were accumulated as Merlin could not produce something out of nothing.

A few months later, a large gathering of Druids, Merlin and Morgana, Arthur, Gwen, Hunith and the knights gathered to witness and lend their power to Merlin's magic.

All were amazed at the transformation as it happened.

The ground rose to to accommodate fields, orchards, pastures and gardens. The building itself was repaired to accommodate conference rooms, a library, kitchens, family apartments, rooms, dressing rooms, archways, stairwells, windows a court yard, etc. Everyone cheered and the dragons roared their approval.

The Fisher Kings lands were also explored. During the process, they had discovered a room full of dragon eggs waiting to be hatched.

Since Merlin had given the Fisher King the eye of the phoenix, the land had recovered. What had once been desolate was now covered in forests and fields.

Merlin had repaired the castle with the help of Morgana and the Druids as he had done the Isle of the Blessed.

Five of Merlin's children were boys who became dragon lords as their father. All the children took care of the dragons and the wyvern.

The girls and boys studied magic with their mother and father. All of them were busy. Their nights were full of singing, dancing, stories and magic.

It was beautiful to see the peace that prospered in the land and it's people. Arthur embraced the magic community and utilized their skills for building improving roads and water systems and safety, health, education and welfare.

The families of Arthur and Merlin grew. Happiness grew. Merlin's vision had come true. The golden age of Albion had arrived.