"I owe you a great debt. We both do," Arthur told us. "If there's anything I can do in return... Perhaps some new dresses?"

"Arthur!" Gwen scolded, outraged at his blatancy.

"They like clothes," Arthur shrugged, and she lay her head back on his chest in thought. I shared a look with Merlin before looking back to Arthur.

"There is one thing," Merlin said.

"Name it."

"Remember what saved her, Arthur," I told him. "Sorcery."

"It was also sorcery that bewitched her."

"There are powerful Kings who reign in darkness, sire... But there are also those who reign in light," I pointed out, and he looked thoughtful. "It is not the power of sorcery where evil lay. It is in the hearts of men. Our request is merely that you remember this."

"You have my word," Arthur conceded with a nod.

"And one more thing," I began. "I have some information that may be of interest to you..." I looked between the three of them. "All of you." They looked more attentive.

"There was a young lady who we recently met, one with blonde hair, who spoke very highly of all of you. And the... gangly boy as well." I almost sniggered at that, remembering that was what Merlin called himself earlier.

"Ariella?" Mordred stepped forward, a look of hope alongside a heartbreaking mixture of happiness and sadness in his eyes.

"Yes," I nodded. "She is doing very well. She told me she's been on a journey to find herself."

"Will she be back anytime soon?" Mordred asked, and it suddenly seemed not only as though we were only speaking to each other, but as though he knew exactly who he was talking to. Which wasn't unlikely. I knew he wasn't stupid. I hadn't even realized how long I had waited to answer until Mordred spoke again. "Please, I have to know," he begged.

"She indicated she would still need a few more weeks on her own," I told him, and he looked uncertain of how to feel. "She seemed determined to be more involved in a few things in Camelot, how she desires to aid her King. Though she has admitted that she is still uncertain about the person she wants to become."

"More involved?" Arthur asked, and I looked to him. "How?"

"I think you'll just have to wait for her to come and tell you herself, sire. Just make certain you keep an open mind."

"You know," he said thoughtfully, shifting his weight a bit. "I can't help but feel like she'll be kinda like you when she gets older."

"Er..."

"Minus the... magic, of course."

"I'm going to... go... get the gangly boy," I told him quickly, tripping a bit as I turned and walked off, sparing one last glance at Mordred. He looked... Well, I'm not certain. It frustrated me how I used to be able to read him like an open book and recently, I had no way to even hope to understand him half the time.

I turned back around and went down the hill, the exhaustion beginning to take hold once again. I heard Merlin talking from over the hill and I began peeling off the ugly dress. It wasn't long before Merlin came over the hill and began scrambling to get out of everything.

"What's the incantation to turn myself back into my own age?" I asked, and he did it to himself, me following close behind. I helped him get back to himself before I gave him a tight hug.

"I'm going to miss you," he told me quietly.

"And I you." I pulled away. "Take care of everyone for me. Including Mordred. Please."

"On my honor," he agreed.

"Thank you." I glanced back to the hill again. "You need to go before they come looking."

"Wait, I have to warn you," he called, and I nodded. "Morgana isn't far from here. We ran into her on our way here. You have to get out of here as soon as you can."

"I'll head south at first light," I agreed. "I'll be safe closer to the Mountains of Isgard."

He nodded and gave me one last hug before he left, and I sighed, exhaustion and sadness taking over. I let myself fall against the rocks, leaning against them. I was out like a light.

~:~:~:~:~

Two Weeks Later

~:~:~:~:~

It was late. Very late. And I was coming upon Camelot quickly. I was exhausted, but I couldn't wait to surprise everyone.

That was when I heard it.

Kara.

Mordred's voice, as he used to speak to me, through our minds. But why was he calling for Kara? It had been years since I had last heard her name.

I slowed my pace, trying to listen to everything around me. It was a minute or so later when I heard voices, and I walked slowly toward them to see an overhang concealed by ivy, light emanating from just beyond the curtain.

Slowly, I peeked through to see Mordred and... none other than Kara. Another Druid girl who had a massive crush on Mordred since we were children. One of the many.

"I'm going to help you get better," Mordred told her as he seemed to be doctoring her leg.

"You're a knight," Kara responded.

"Well, that doesn't matter."

"Of Camelot," Kara said hatefully, and he looked up at her with a look on his face. My heart sank at her words. "Why, Mordred?"

"Arthur is a good man."

"I can't believe you'd say that," she laughed sarcastically.

"You don't know him."

"He's your friend?"

"Yes."

Her face was one of complete disbelief.

"And what of Ariella?" She asked.

"She is loyal to him as well," Mordred admitted, and she looked all the more disbelieving. I didn't know why I was listening in like this on their conversation when I could very well just come in and speak with them. I was never one to spy, yet there I was doing just that.

"Does he know who you are?" she asked, a haughty brow raised. "You're Druids. You don't belong in Camelot."

"We believe in Arthur," Mordred told her. "You'll see. One day, it will change." He smiled at her hopefully, but she only looked all the more wary.

My heart flew to my throat and my eyes widened, a fire in my chest as I watched Mordred place his hand gently on her cheek, giving her a look of care.

"No one will harm you, I promise."

She placed a hand on his cheek as well, and he responded by placing their foreheads together, placing his other hand on her other cheek, his fingers in her hair. I bit back a gasp as pain ripped through my chest and down to my stomach.

With that, I stood and continued on my way to Camelot, leaving Kara and Mordred behind.

I took a deep breath. Whatever happened, it would all be fine. If Mordred loved Kara, then so be it. I loved Mordred, and therefore, all I wanted was for him to be happy. I never expected him to care for me the way I cared for him in the first place.

But I couldn't help but allow a few tears to escape as I made my way to the castle. The heartbreak I felt was nearly unbearable, but I couldn't let it rule me. I didn't spend a month and a half away from everything just for it all to be thrown to the wind.

I smiled when I saw one of the guards at the front gate.

"Halt!" he demanded, he and his companion drawing their swords. "Show yourself."

"Goodness, Gwaine, I never thought I'd see you be serious about... well, anything, really," I joked as I lowered my hood, and a grin grew upon his face.

"Well well, look who we have here," he joked, putting his sword away and giving me a cheeky grin before he bowed dramatically. "Milady."

"Kind sir," I joked back, curtsying low, and he looked pleasantly surprised. "What?" I asked teasingly, getting back up and adjusting the pack on my shoulder. "Am I not allowed to tease back?"

"No, no," he insisted, smirking a bit. "You've grown all the more beautiful while you were away," he flirted, and I gave him an amused 'you've got to be kidding me' look. "Well, we know one way you haven't changed."

"Nor you," I said, a small smirk growing on my own lips. "You, sir Gwaine, are an incurable flirt."

"He could flirt with a rock easily," the other guard said, and I couldn't stop sniggering as Gwaine defended himself.

"What's your name?" I asked the man.

"William, milady," he greeted. I felt a slight blush form on my cheeks knowing he meant it seriously.

"William," I greeted with a nod. "Please don't call me milady, by the way, just call me Ariel."

"She can't stand formalities," Gwaine told him before turning back to me. "It's good to have you back, Ariel," Gwaine insisted. "You were missed." He pulled me in for a hug, and for a few moments we held one another, and I smiled slightly. "Especially by Percival," he noted in a terribly quiet murmur. I pretended not to hear him as I pushed my blush aside. "And Mordred." Again, I pretended not to hear as my heart sank to my stomach. Then he pulled away and smiled at me. "If you'd like, I can walk with you to the castle. That way you won't be stopped by guards time and time again."

"Of course," I agreed, and he got another guard from inside the walls to take his place. "I hope to see you again soon, Sir William."

"Just... William, please," the knight said with a smile, nodding to me, and I could see a grin behind his helmet.

"William, then," I agreed, nodding once again before I walked with Gwaine, chatting idly and telling him a little of my travels, glad to keep my mind off of Mordred for a time.

It was nice to talk with Gwaine, and I was surprised when we ran into Leon and Percival. Their faces lit up like it was Christmas when they saw me, and I was beyond shocked when Percival ran to me and gathered me into his arms, twirling me around. I couldn't stop the incessant giggles that erupted from my lips until he sat me back down, and my friends were beaming at us, laughing at our antics as well. We all walked back to my old room chatting and talking quietly, as to not disturb those we passed by. When we finally made it to my room, I was beyond relieved.

"You must do me a favor," I begged the men, and they all agreed. "Get me an audience with the King and Queen first thing in the morning, but you have to figure out a way to hide that it's actually me who is coming."

"A 'weary traveler' you are, then," Leon grinned widely, and I grinned back.

"Thank you," I beamed at them, giving them all hugs.

"Wait!" Percival said in realization, and I turned to him, confused. "He's going out tomorrow morning to see if he can track down the saxons."

"Saxons?"

"This afternoon we found a carriage filled with cargo, a load of new weapons bound for Camelot," Gwaine began. "There were several knights who were assigned to the carriage..."

"They had been attacked by saxons. All of them were dead," Leon finished, and my heart began racing. Could it be...?

"Where?" I demanded.

"Not... two miles southeast," Percival answered, confused by my reaction, and my heart sank.

"Is anything the matter?" Gwaine asked, concerned.

"N-no," I insisted, swallowing hard, backing toward my door as the realization of what Kara participated in hitting me hard. How could she do all of this? I took a deep breath, rubbing my eyes in exhaustion. "Today's been a long day... Just er... I'll be up early. Just get me an early meeting, or... whatever is best for the king."

"We'll... let Alyssa know you're back..." Leon offered hesitantly, and I nodded.

"Thank you," I said one last time. I reached behind myself and opening the door, walking backward into it.

"Wait," Percival took ahold of my arm gently yet with a slight firmness, just as he did that day at the pond, and I looked to him as he grew closer and lowered his voice. "Sometime soon... May we speak?" I nodded hastily, if only to allow myself some freedom.

"Good night," I offered a bit hastily to all three of the men before shutting the door and stripping off my clothes as I walked to the bed, tying my hair back into a scarf to keep it off my neck, only in my bindings as I crawled into my bed, breathing in the clean smell and refusing to think of anything, focusing on meditating - something I learned to do on my travels when too much weighed on my mind - until I fell into a deep sleep.

~:~:~:~:~

The next morning, I was awoken by an excited Alyssa tearing the curtains open and chattering excitedly as my bath was brought in by-

"Merlin!" I exclaimed, trying to keep myself covered so neither of them could see that I was in my underwear.

"Ariel!" he said happily, walking over to me.

"No! No, no, Merlin you're going to have to wait until after I've had a bath," I interrupted, and he froze, looking confused.

"Why?" he asked slowly.

"Let's just say I got in very late last night and I didn't have the patience, nor the energy, to get decent."

Merlin looked confused for a moment before a look of realization crossed his face and he began backing away, pointing over his shoulder.

"I'm just gonna..." he backed away. "Er... you get ready... I'll see you in an hour."

Merlin shut the door behind him, and Alyssa hid her giggles as I got out of bed in my bindings, shooting her a grin.

"Go on," I egged. "Laugh."

And we did.

~:~:~:~:~

I insisted upon wearing a traveling outfit I hadn't taken with me, one that wasn't worn. So it was nice enough after a month and a half of worn clothing to have some that were still nice. Hell, I even wore the corset.

"It all fits differently," I noted with a sigh as I looked at myself, feeling a bit exposed with the way I seemed to stretch the fabric with my newfound muscles, exposing more of my figure.

"Your body has gotten stronger in your travels," Alyssa noted. "It's changed quite a bit. You were very thin and gangly before."

"Are you calling me fat?" I teased, and her jaw dropped open, her eyes growing wide as she shook her head. "I'm joking, Alyssa," I said before I started laughing, and she grinned. "Now here's the question..." I began, turning back to the mirror, turning more serious. "Should I wear something else? All my other leggings were stretched from use, I'm not sure I feel comfortable in something quite so fitted-"

There was a knock at the door.

"Ariel? It's time for the meeting," I heard Percival call, and I sighed.

"I suppose that answers my question for me."

My heart was racing as I gave Alyssa one last hug and was off.

I wondered what their reactions would be. What Mordred's reaction would be.

I tossed on my cloak, putting the hood up, and I made my way out to Percival.

"Hello, Percival," I greeted him with a small smile, putting my arm through his.

"Hello, Ariel," he reciprocated. Then we were off to the throne room. We were silent for a short period of time before he finally spoke up. "I was sad that I didn't get to say goodbye," he admitted, and I felt guilt shoot through me at that.

"I'm sorry, Percival," I told him quietly. "I didn't mean to hurt you. I didn't mean to hurt anyone, I just..."

"I understand," he insisted. We reached the doors to the throne room, and we turned to look at one another. "I just want to make sure it wasn't because of my... Unwelcome advances."

"Percival..." I began, and then I heaved a sigh. I shook my head. "It had nothing to do with your advances. I had no idea you even felt that way about me, and I admit, it came as quite a shock, but... I never got the chance to tell many of my friends goodbye." I locked my eyes with his. "I care for you, Percival," I told him. "But I needed time to care about me."

Percival nodded, and reached into my hood to tuck a stray curl away, and he smiled.

"I'm glad you had time to do so," he told me, completely convicted, and I felt a slight blush forming on my cheeks before he motioned to the huge double doors. "Ready?" Percival asked, and I shook my head.

"Absolutely not," I laughed, and he grinned at me.

"It'll be fine," he insisted, and I nodded before the doors opened and we walked in. A giant smile was on my face and I made my way inside. Halfway to the King and Queen, I lowered my hood.

First, the pair looked shocked before grins grew on their faces, and they both stood. Arthur embraced me first, and then Gwen.

They both had a dozen questions, but I was looking for Mordred. He wasn't there. Which meant he wasn't in the castle.

My heart sank. He was still with Kara, wasn't he? All night long? Which meant he wasn't there to see me. I couldn't stop the many many ideas of what he could have possibly been with her all night long for. And I tried desperately to move such thoughts from my mind and ignore the ill feeling in my stomach.

I pushed the feelings of disappointment aside and focused on the happiness I felt.

I saw Gaius grinning at me, and sent him a small smile.

"You must dine with us tonight," Arthur insisted, and I looked back to him. "Tell us everything that happened, everything you discovered."

"Of course, sire," I agreed.

"And... have you thought more about the conversation we must have?" There was a bit of a silence.

"I have," I agreed, looking to the floor. "I still believe it is a conversation saved best for the right moment," I admitted.

"I see," Arthur's voice was a bit disappointed. "And now is not the right moment?"

"I'm afraid the right moment will be very specific, sire."

"How many times must I ask you to call me Arthur?"

"Apparently at least once more," I said with a mischievous grin, peeking up at him, and I saw him grin at me. "But there are a good few things I wish to speak with you about this evening."

"Of course," Gwen agreed. "We were told you would."

"Highness?"

"Gwen."

"Gwen?"

"We came across a couple people who told us a few things," Gwen told me with her own mischievous smile. "But we'll save that for dinner."

~:~:~:~:~

Third POV

~:~:~:~:~

Modred walked back into the castle, ready to begin his day.

"Where have you been?" Mordred froze when he heard Merlin's voice, and he slowly turned to look at the warlock.

"Nowhere," he denied lamely, and Merlin looked at him.

"You're lying," Merlin insisted.

"What right have you to question me?" Mordred asked, though not haughtily, and Merlin shrugged, looking away.

"Why are you doing this?" Mordred begged. "Everything I do, you think the worst." Merlin moved from his spot leaning against the door to stand in front of Mordred.

"I saw you let a Saxon go," Merlin told him. "Maybe I should tell Arthur."

"Merlin," Mordred begged quickly. "She's a Druid. I knew her. Ariel knew her. She was wounded, what could I do? Let her be captured?" Merlin sighed. "She had an arrow in her leg, she can not walk!"

"You're taking a risk," Merlin scolded slightly.

"I can't let her die... She's..." Merlin raised a brow to get him to continue. "Someone... I can't explain."

"Where is she?"

"She needs a few days." Merlin huffed, shaking his head. "She'll be gone, she means no harm. Please you mustn't tell anyone. You know if Arthur catches her, she will be killed. Please, Merlin, I beg you..." He lowered his voice to a whisper. "She's one of us." Merlin still looked uncertain, and Mordred raised his voice back to a normal tone, though he kept it stern. "Promise me."

"Your secret is safe with me," Merlin agreed hesitantly, and Mordred nodded, obviously relieved. "You have my word."

Mordred nodded and turned to go.

"Mordred," Merlin called, and the young man stopped in his tracks. "While you were out with your friend, you missed the arrival of another." Mordred whirled around to look at him.

"Merlin!" Arthur's voice called, and Mordred knew he had to get out of there before the King came. He hesitated for a moment.

"I could see they were disappointed, despite their attempts to hide it," Merlin admitted, and Mordred looked confused before he realized he had to go. He turned and left, walking quickly, his mind racing.

All the while, out on the training grounds, a young girl was working hard, training as she had been for a good month and a half, using the time to try and dispel all the negative emotions she felt.

~:~:~:~:~

Ariella POV

~:~:~:~:~

Leon came to the grounds hours after I had begun my training to tell me a young woman was captured not far from the city. A young lady who made an attempt on Arthur's life, and was one of the Saxons from the night before. He said she was imprisoned, and no one was allowed to see her, but she would be brought before the King the next day, and I was asked to be there as well.

My heart sank and I nodded in thanks before I realized the time and went to get ready for dinner. Leon offered to walk with me, and we caught up with Gwaine on the way as well.

"You'll pay, Merlin," I heard Mordred's voice growl, and I froze when I came around the corner to see Merlin up against the wall, Mordred glaring at him from a foot away.

"What's going on?" Gwaine asked, and the two men turned to us. My heart fell through my stomach when Mordred saw me and his eyes widened slightly, but I could still see the anger in his eyes.

"What's this about?" Leon asked.

"Nothing," Mordred said simply, passing between the two men and hitting Leon's shoulder, his eyes trained on me as he just passed me by, and my heart shattered into a million pieces. I took a deep gulp of air as pain ripped through my chest, severing my lungs and piercing my heart. I couldn't catch my breath, and tears were already forming in my eyes.

Not a word was said.

He just walked past me.

As though I were nothing.

"Merlin?" I heard Gwaine ask.

"Nothing," he agreed before he turned and walked off as well.

Something was terribly wrong. Did something happen when I was away? Was Mordred angry with me? Did I do something? When did he get back?

"Ariel?" I looked up quickly to see the men looking at me, concerned. "Are you alright? You look pale."

"Fine," I agreed, looking past them to the door. "Just... feel a bit... ill all of a sudden." It was true, in a way. I felt like I was going to be sick any moment. They glanced at the doorway I was staring at, the one through which Mordred had disappeared, but nothing was there.

"Will you be alright?"

"Perhaps... I should get to sleep a bit early tonight... I'll... ask Alyssa to... inform them..." I began to walk past them, numbing my heart until I could get to the sanctity of my room. "Good night."

The men were silent as I walked off quickly, and I didn't care to see why. I just wanted to get to bed.

And when I did, I just let myself cry until I fell asleep.