[It takes him a long time, dead air where there should be words, before he finally speaks.]

Morgana.

....Merlin?

[ Tentative. ]

I know you haven't spoken to Arthur-

Have you?

Just once, when he acted like an absolute idiot.


[ The 'why are you asking' is implied in her tone. ]

He is-

[Merlin takes a deep breath.]

If you see him, or hear from him, would you contact me? Immediately. And in the meantime, if there's anything that you need or...anything you would go to Arthur for...

[His life is so awkward right now.]

You can come to me.

Merlin -- what in Camelot's name is going on? Haven't you seen him? I thought he was with you.

[ the confusion is very, very evident. ]

I would go to him to understand how he feels of his father, and Camelot -- Merlin, where's Arthur? How is it that you...I thought that you'd know.

He's not with me.

And I would imagine that he's heartbroken.

--- Do you know where he is?? What happened?

I don't know where he is. And he won't let me know.

The enchantment that made him what he was when you spoke to him was my doing. Arthur's furious with me.

But you did it to save him, Merlin, he'll understand. We'll make him see sense.

[We'll make him see sense. Merlin's voice suddenly becomes sharp, alarmed.]

No.

Morgana, he hates magic more than ever right now. As much as Uther did.

What?

[ And now she sounds as alarmed as he is. ]

No Merlin, not Arthur. He is not his father. Remember the Druid boy - he helped him. And you and me -- here. He cannot.

He has no stomach for magic right now.

[The next part stings, and he knows they'll both feel it.]

Or anyone who has it.

[ Something in her shatters, right then. ]

Merlin -

[ and she feels for him and for herself. ]

Just-

Be careful.

[He doesn't really believe that Arthur would come to violence with her. But he does think a conversation between them could be ugly right now.]

I will.

Merlin -- how are you? How are you coping?

Oh. I...

[He takes a deep breath and exhales it slowly.]

Arthur is my king. I won't abandon him, no matter what.

Merlin -

[ her voice softens. ]

He will see sense. But regardless, I am very happy he has you.

I hope. Anyway. Uhm...I'll talk to you later.

Until next time, Merlin.

[ Her tone implies there would be next time, and sooner rather than later. ]