Oh Mary!

[ look at how she jolts out of bed to reply. ]

How wonderful! Are you with him now? Is he alright? Does he need anything? I cannot believe it. The Gods have shown us kindness at last.

Morgana.

[ Oh boy. The way he says her name already means this isn't about asking how she is doing. ]

Arthur.

It's Samantha. I can arrange for a public meeting if you were comfortable working together for the Teacher's Council. We can meet wherever you like, though I'd like somewhere in view of the public if that's alright.

Samantha.

[ a greeting, first and foremost. ]

Would one of the parks do?

The prat's up and left again, but I know where he is. Looks like we're going to be in Utgard for a couple days until he's calmed down some.

Did you need anything from there?

[ A heavy sigh. This is not much of a surprise, Arthur is carrying heavy burdens and they have only became heavier as of late. She knows well that she cannot help him when he is like this, but Merlin...

Well, a good idea, yes. ]

If you shall see any fabric, bring it to me. Red, I think, or green.

[ wait and - ]

Perhaps something sweet, for Mordred. The child is still shaken, I think.

[ a smile; she looks as if this is all she wants to say but. ]

Merlin - most importantly, keep yourself and my brother safe. Bring him home when he is ready.

[ The lady was busy reading. The library became her favorite place as of late. Reading was something to do and Morgana needed a distraction aside of sewing.

She lifts her gaze as the second grape hits her nose, eyes Arthur, noticing he looks as if sleep has not graced him in days.

Naturally, she flings a pillow at his head as a response. ]

What are you doing?

[ sup bb bro, come in ]

[It's a simple message, and earnest.]

Come walk with me?

[ Her hair is braided back, her clothes are more comfortable. She tries for a more relaxed attitude. There is no point in finding a battle disheartening. It will come whether you will it to or not.

As it turns out, she is a Pendragon. One good thing about Pendragons, they don't show fear. ]

I will be out in a minute.

[ a small smile; we cannot show fear. ]

Morgana. [He sounds like he's trying very hard to stay calm, but failing miserably.]

Have you seen Arthur today?

[ .... ]

I thought he was wit you. Perhaps in the Citadel - his bracelet?

Morgana, I know there's something bothering you. Can you talk to me?

[ she replies one hour later. just to keep him waiting ]

Everything is fine, Merlin.

Morgana? [Merlin looks a little confused.] Came to wake you up for breakfast, but you weren't there. Where'd you go?

[He's a little put out that she didn't reply to his first message, but she could just be busy.]

Have you been to the festival yet? I thought we could have a look together this evening if you wanted to go.

Morgana? We are all worried - Merlin is beside himself. Please, if you are listening to this, let us how you are.

[He hesitates for a moment, unsure of how to make his point.]

You have always been truthful to me, even when what you had to say was difficult. I cherish that about our friendship, and very much wish to save that. Whatever might have occurred - we can all find a solution to it together, you need not suffer on your own.

Morgana? Morgana are you coming home?

....are....are you still here?

[ This is not fair. She managed to ignore all the others but Mordred is something else entirely, a child. She has no reason to avoid him, nothing to punish him for. ]

I am here. We shall see each other soon, Mordred.

[ Unlike the others, Arthur does not spam Morgana's bracelet with failed attempts to reach her. He sends only one message, short and quiet, video only because he will not hide from her, not now not ever. ]

Morgana.

[ But he is somber. A quiet resignation, a tiredness in his eyes. He knows, or he thinks he knows, because he would wish (had wished) an escape from it all as well. A pause, eyes lowering; he has only one thing he can say. ]

Please be well.

[ He cannot bid her return, and he will not demand explanations. He will do nothing, because what can he do to the woman that has done everything to make certain he has nothing left to give? Not the same, and yet very much so; either way, he wishes only one thing. Be well, because he cannot see you safe any longer, and he may never see you happy.

The message ends after only a brief pause, one moment's hesitation, the same one that will always stay his hand against her. If only he could do more - ]

Your family stands right here, all but begging you to notice. I ask naught of you but to listen - listen to how loved you are, how cherished. Listen and try to think of what can be accomplished if you take your bitterness and change it into cooperation. A kingdom built by both you and Arthur will be far stronger and more fair than any kingdom built by either of you separately. You say it yourself, your anger - your justified anger - is at the kingdom built by your father. But you yourself know that Arthur is different. You begged me to protect him and I swore I would with my life. I also swore to protect you and I shall do that, even if the foe I face is yourself.

[Outside of Morgana's door a small pack of her favorite chocolates is left.

On it is a little note, unsigned.

There is goodness still, you need only choose to see it.]

I know it's not my voice you want to hear right now. [And he can't blame her.]

I just thought you should know...Gwen's back. I know you care for her still. At least talk to her and Arthur, if no one else.

Don't shut yourself away.

[ It takes her hours to answer to this; at first she thinks to ignore this one like all the rest but then he speaks of Gwen and she freezes. Gwen, Gwen who Morgana wished for more than any other, Gwen who Morgana still feels for because of this city -

But Gwen who would sit on her throne, Gwen who will steal what is rightfully hers. She shouldn't care that she's back, a servant girl who was once friend and will come to be her enemy. Her former friend who chose Arthur.

She shouldn't care but she does. ]

Then I hope she'll find her place well among you. I want nothing to do with any of this, I told you that already Merlin.

[ more than once; and yet he torments her.]

[This is one conversation he does not want to be having. Or expected to ever have, really.]

...we should...probably talk about what happened yesterday.

You could at least show your face.

[ she's only gloating because he doesn't. Inside, she's just as unsure and awkward. But have this exact smirk, Merlin. ]

[Backdated to this post.]

Lady Morgana, my name is Martha Jones. I'm a new arrival here from Sigyn's house, and I'm a doctor. I also am one of the Doctor's companions if you know him.

[What's the good in being the Doctor's companion if you can't use it in a new situation? Hopefully, she's not someone whom he's not gotten on with.]

I'd like your permission to take Mordred to the market place to get some wood to help him make his castle.