I awoke very slowly to the sound of hushed voices. I felt exhausted, every inch of my being felt sore and weak and tired. I sighed deeply, the feeling of air rushing through my lungs helping me awaken slowly. I hid a yawn behind my hand as I sat up and opened my eyes. The first thing I noticed was the Druid boy missing from his cot, and my heart sank.

"Ariel."

My heart rate doubled, and slowly, I turned to look at the source of the voice.

"Mordred?" I choked out, tears filling my eyes.

The Druid boy grinned at me and held his hands out, showing me he was unharmed.

"Whatever Arthur and Merlin did... it worked. I'm fine," he insisted happily, and slowly, I stood from where I was, my eyes stuck on the man in front of me.

"We didn't want to wake you," I heard another voice say. Gaius' voice. "After last night, I figured you needed your rest. You still look a right state, you've likely made yourself ill with all your worrying." I paid no mind to what he was saying, and instead, I let out a laugh of happiness before I ran to Mordred and leapt into his arms again.

"Thank God... I was so worried," I whispered into his shoulder as his arms wrapped around me and held me tightly. Breathing him in was more comforting than I ever could've imagined. The feeling of his arms around me, the way my head fit perfectly under his chin, the way he made me feel protected... I couldn't stop myself as I began to cry into his chest.

"So I've been told. Gaius said you haven't been eating."

"She hasn't been moving," Gaius insisted as a wave of dizziness came over me and Mordred pulled away, taking a few of my curls and looking at them as the golden-red of my hair glistened faintly amongst the sea of white, and I blushed. "She's been very stressed. She hasn't stopped worrying over you. You have a very loyal friend there, Mordred."

"He would feel the same for me," I whispered, and Mordred was once again looking at me with an expression I didn't understand. That was when Percival came in, beaming.

"Arthur and Merlin were just seen entering Camelot," he told us happily. "They'll be happy to know their friend is finally awake."

I shared a smile with Mordred before we all took off, going quickly to the courtyard, where our friends would arrive any moment.

We walked down the steps together, both of us grinning widely as we saw the two men.

"Merlin!" I called happily as he got off his horse, and I tossed my arms around him. "Thank you for believing in me."

"You're welcome," he whispered.

"Since when does Merlin get such an enthusiastic hug before I do?" Arthur asked, and I pulled away, beaming at him and Mordred as they greeted each other.

"Since I yelled at him before he left to go on a dangerous journey," I admitted, before turning back to Merlin, turning more serious. "I'm sorry."

"I shouldn't have said what I did," Merlin denied. "If I hadn't said those things, you wouldn't have had a reason to get upset."

"Alright, my turn," Arthur cut in and I laughed, giving him a tight hug.

"What in the world did you do to save him?" I asked as we pulled away and Mordred took my hand, making me blush.

"The only thing we could do," Arthur said, turning a little more solemn. "We're allowing magic in Camelot."

~:~:~:~:~

"This is no accident," Gaius said as he dabbed Leon's face. I had heard of their misfortune and came to help Gaius as best as I could.

It had been a week since Mordred had awoken, and we spent every moment possible together. We were attached at the hip at this point, both of us refusing to leave the presence of the other except to sleep in our respective rooms. I had tried to tell him of my feelings--several times, actually, but when I didn't get choked up from nerves, something would always step in to stop me from saying anything.

I had relaxed significantly, though. My hair had begun to turn back to its original color, the white that had nearly taken over now only a mere few shining strands mixed in, and my curls back to their bouncy norm.

But my heart still breaking every day as I said good night to Mordred, another day passing where he didn't know how I felt about him.

"Sorcery," Merlin stated.

"There is dark magic coursing through their veins. By any right they should be dead."

"They were lucky."

"I'm not entirely certain 'luck' is what I would call it, Merlin," I whispered, and he looked at me, confused. "I fear there is more to it than that."

Merlin looked at me, and I gave him a meaningful glance.

"I fear she's right, Merlin," Gaius agreed. "This seems too like the work of Morgana."

There was another long silence.

"I wish I could accompany you," I said quietly. "Gwen is the only mother figure I've ever had... It hurts terribly to sit back and watch as everyone else goes off to find her."

"You're better off here, where you're safe-"

"I'm as powerful as you, Merlin," I interrupted. "I feel useless doing nothing because I'm viewed as an incapable woman." With that, I stood. "I'm off to bed. If you need me, you know where I am."

And then I all but stormed off.

~:~:~:~:~

The whole night was spent in and out of sleep.

I had a terrible feeling about all of this. I couldn't believe I was just going to stand here and wait for them to go find the Queen - the only mother figure I've ever had - without me. I was going to sit here and be useless as always. All I did was read maps, help plan, and help organize information. I didn't help with any issues, I didn't voice opinions, and I didn't go on missions, so what good was I?

The next morning I saw the knights off before starting my day with Mordred methodically.

"Ariel," he called quietly halfway through the day, and I looked up to him, being ripped from my daydreams.

"Yes?"

"Everything will be fine," he insisted, and I nodded.

"Of course," I agreed. "I just... I can't help but feel..." I sighed and shook my head, looking down at the ground as we walked out to the fields. "All I've done is sit around comfortably and help with minor things like pore over maps and organize presentations of information for the knights. And then, of course, Arthur and Gwen asked me to become their ward well over a month ago, and here I am still dallying."

"You know they understand-"

"Mordred, Gwen spoke with me the other day," I admitted. "That day I spent with her a little while before you were... injured." I looked back up at him.

"What did she say?" he asked, and I took a shaky breath.

"She... asked me why I hadn't given an answer, and I told her there was something plaguing my mind that was holding me back... I couldn't tell her it was sorcery, but... she tried to get me to talk about it." Mordred stayed silent and I bit my lip. "She told me... no matter what, she and Arthur would always care for me, and reminded me I could always speak with either of them regarding anything, and they would always support me."

"And then what?"

"And then we went on to talk about how she and Arthur met," I shrugged, looking away once again. "And I grew all starry-eyed as she told me of their romance, but I'm certain you do not wish to hear of something like that." I didn't even realize we had stopped walking until that moment.

"Do you want a romance like theirs?" He asked, and I blushed.

"Where in the world did that come from?" I asked laughingly, trying to dispel my blush as I made my way over to an open window, and Mordred came up beside me, looking at me.

"Do you?"

I hesitated.

"No," I admitted, looking back up at Mordred thoughtfully. "I want my story to be unique, but I most certainly want a love similar to theirs. A... romance like theirs." I looked away again and down to the courtyard below, taking a deep breath, a small smile growing on my lips as a breeze passed, shifting my curls, a satisfied shiver making its way down my spine. "You can just see, the moment they're together, their hearts are aflame, they feel completely comfortable... They're... happy. Completely and utterly in love with each other in every way..." I was off in my own little world again, watching the clouds, completely immersed in the imaginings of the romance.

"Remember Monty?"

"Oh, dear God!" I groaned laughingly, and he laughed. "He was quite the opposite of romantic, wasn't he?"

"I'd say so," he agreed.

"Not quite as opposite as Cerise," I teased.

"Goodness, no." We laughed at our past 'relationships'.

"At least Monty gave me a flower."

"He gave you grass!"

"It was the thought that counted, right?"

"At least Cerise knew what a flower was."

"She slapped you for saying her eyes were brown when they were actually 'chestnut'," I sniggered.

"Honestly, anyone could've gotten that wrong."

"I always just called her eyes brown," I admitted.

"To be honest, I'm still uncertain that I really liked her."

"I had a slight crush on Monty for maybe a couple of hours," I shrugged, and Mordred looked at me before bursting into laughter. I followed close behind.

After a few moments, we calmed down and looked back through the windows. I took a deep breath as the breeze blew again.

"I feel as though I could fly, Mordred," I whispered, leaning out of the window and holding my arms out to either side.

"You're going to fall," he chuckled.

"Of course I won't fall," I denied. "I'll just fly."

I felt Mordred's hand rest on my lower back, and I came back in the window to look at him.

"Come with me," he insisted, taking my hand.

"Where are we going?" I asked as he led me through the halls, but he didn't answer. Instead, he led me up a swirling staircase, passing several doors before we got to the top and he opened it, a large breeze blowing my hair from my face. I gasped. We were on the roof of the castle.

"I found this a while ago and I wanted to show you," he admitted while I looked around in wonder. It was beautiful up there.

I walked to the edge and looked around, the air swirling around me, calming me and making me feel alive. I felt Mordred take my hand and I turned to see him smiling at me with that expression once again.

"Dance with me?" he asked, a small smile growing on his lips.

And we did.

~:~:~:~:~

That evening, I got my things ready.

When I had been dancing with Mordred, the feeling of happiness and love was almost overwhelming. I never wished for it to end, my head in his shoulder, his atop mine, just talking and laughing with one another...

And that's why I was leaving. Because my love for Mordred was as sacred as Arthur's love for Gwen. One could not live without the other. I knew what I had to do.

I grabbed a piece of parchment and a writing utensil, biting my lip before I began writing.

Mordred,

I have left to help Arthur find his Queen. She is the only mother figure I've ever had, and I can not stand by and watch as she is taken from us.

In addition, earlier today, I had a realization. The love Arthur and Gwen share for one another is sacred, hence why I admire it so. If Gwen is to be lost when I could have helped, I could never forgive myself.

I'll be tracking Arthur and the others tonight.

I promise to be careful, and I will do whatever I feel is right.

Sincerely,

Ariella

After a deep sigh, I changed into my cloak and riding clothes, got one of the spare horses with the most stamina, and then I was off.

~:~:~:~:~

I rode hard and fast, using my magic to illuminate the path the men had taken earlier that day. I had set out just after sunset, and I pushed hard. I knew they had been riding hard the whole day, and I was uncertain I had a chance of making it if they didn't rest for the night. But with some aid of a wee bit of magic, my speed increased minutely. Enough to be gaining on them.

It was well into the night, and I slowed for a moment, adjusting my bow and arrow on my back and wincing a bit when I realized I had likely gotten a bruise from the sword strapped on the horse whacking against the same spot on my calf over and over for hours. I let myself catch my breath for a moment, continuing at a normal pace, when I heard it.

A man's scream.

I was off again, like lightning, and my horse reared when a few men jumped out, brandishing their swords. I clung on as tightly as I could, calming my steed and drawing my own sword in defense until I realized who it was.

"Stop!" Arthur's voice demanded, and I re-sheathed my sword, tossing my hood back. "You're outnumbered!"

"It's me, Arthur," I called, and the men dropped their weapons.

"Ariel? What the hell are you doing here?"

"I couldn't very well let you go get Gwen on your own, now could I?" I noticed Leon on the ground, looking terrified.

"Yes, you could have, you should have, we don't have time to be worrying over you when-"

"Was it you who I heard scream?" I asked Leon softly, concerned. I tied my horse up quickly.

"The tower," he began, and we made our way to him. "Everything in its shadow... was dead. The sound, it was like... like children screaming."

"The rain that fell was like blood," I turned to see Percival sitting as well, looking shaken himself. "I had the same dream. I was lost in a forest, the trees had claws, and when I finally escaped it there was a plain..."

"Empty as far as the eye can see, except..."

"Beyond the skyline there was a black pillar of stone."

"The tower was so dark, it could swallow the sun," Leon finished, and my brow furrowed in confusion.

"The dark tower. Its a place where every young knight is taught to dread and highly so. It's where many have met their end," Arthur announced.

"I have never heard of it," Merlin denied.

"Nor I," I agreed.

"With good reason. It's said that the mere mention of it can bring doom to those that hear it."

"Well, lets not mention it again. I was having a dream of eating a cheese that tasted of apple pie," Gwaine said as he got back into his position on the ground. "Anyone else have that dream?" I raised my brow. "Well your all missing out. Lovely to see you, Ariel, but I'm certain you'll be going home in the morning."

"Like hell I spent the entire night tracking you down just to turn back around again."

"We can't have people just tagging along-" Arthur scolded, and I whirled to him.

"Just because I'm a woman doesn't make me incapable," I spat angrily. "I admit, my sword skills aren't up to par with yours, but have you ever gone against me with my knife? Have you ever seen me use my bow? Set up a target this instant, and I'll show you what I can do. I can be of assistance, and the last thing I plan on being is a hindrance."

"You can't just show up out of nowhere, Ariel, this is dangerous!"

"Gwen is like a mother to me, Arthur!" I insisted, tears filling my eyes. "When your father was here, would you not go to any lengths to help him? To make him proud? To ensure his happiness?" Arthur didn't answer. "I've never had a mother, nor have I had a father, and the two of you are the closest I've ever gotten... Like hell I'm turning back around when, for all we know, I could be a valuable asset in whatever game Morgana is playing." There was another silence.

"You're not a soldier, Ariella."

"I'm not trained," I agreed. "But having to figure out your own way as a Druid makes you skilled in a good few things."

"You need to have quick reflexes."

"That's how I know you've never tested them." Arthur looked hesitant. "I can at least stick with Merlin, help him when he needs it." I was only slightly teasing, and Arthur looked uncertain of whether he should show his amusement or if he should deny me. "Please, Arthur." He sighed and nodded in agreement.

I went back to my horse as Arthur and Merlin went off, and I grabbed my pack, setting it out by the two men.

"Why would they both have that dream?" Arthur asked.

"The poison... must still be coursing through their veins," Merlin reasoned, and I stood, walking to them quietly.

"But the same dream?"

"Arthur, Morgana conjured those snakes, Leon and Percival would be dead if thats what she wanted."

"So what are you saying?"

"She planned for this," I spoke up, and the men turned to look at me as I came to a stop between them. "She planted those visions... In simpler terms, it's most certainly a trap."

"And the tower..." Arthur said. "Thats where she's taken Guinevere."