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He woke with a pounding in his head that made it feel like it was going to split in two. Someone was shaking his shoulder lightly.

“Emrys. Emrys, wake up.”

“Who?” He asked in confusion. He braced his arms down and sat up carefully so as to avoid toppling over in a dizzy spell accompanied by his sure concussion. Huh. Concussion. How did he know that? “Do I know you?” He asked, opening his eyes and blinked several times at the being in front of him. “Erm. You’re very blue.” He said intelligently.

“You’ve damaged your head, I’m afraid.” They said consolingly. “There isn’t anything I can do to fix it. I believe, in time, your mind will repair itself.”

“Ah. Of course. Makes … sense.” He answered, clearing his throat as his vision became less fuzzy and he got a look at his surroundings. “Where am I?”

“You are in Ismere, Emrys. But you must go. It is not safe here. Call for your dragon and stay with them until you are healed and can remember.”

“I’m Emrys, yes?” He asked, just to be sure, and the creature gave him a small smile.

“Yes, you are Emrys.”

“Right. And I have a dragon, apparently?”

“You have two, so far as I know. One far older than yourself by centuries, and one you hatched. They can help you.”

“Perfect. Thank you. Er, I didn’t catch your name?”

“I am Diomare.” The creature chuckled. “And I will see you again someday, Emrys. There are more clothes above to keep you warm in the cold, make sure you grab them. Take care of yourself, Emrys. Take care with your magic.”

“Magic? Alright.” Emrys stood up with Diomare’s help and brushed his hands on his trousers. “Do I normally dress like this?”

“I don’t believe so.” Diomare chuckled. “Goodbye, Emrys.”

“Bye.” Emrys said, waving as the creature backed away into the darkness of the cave. “Right.”

He stepped carefully through the cavern, looking around at it in wonder. It was an impressive feat to have dug through so much of the earth. There was a freezing wind that came from an opening and he figured that was his way out. He stepped through, hoping that no one was there while equally hoping someone was there. He could remember vague images and faces, along with a few other things, like how his magic felt, but otherwise his mind was fairly blank. 

When he spotted a few fur blankets and coats he quickly grabbed what he could, bundling up so he wasn’t so cold. He wrapped a thick woolen scarf around his face and stepped into the bright sunny tundra. Call to his dragons, Diomare said. Sure. Easy enough. Exactly how does one call a dragon? He felt a familiar stirring in his mind and before he knew it he was growling out strange words that nearly sounded like he was roaring himself. 

“Huh.” He said after. “Guess that’s how to call a dragon.” After several minutes of waiting, a pale creature dropped to the ground in front of him. It was a white dragon. But the poor thing was in very bad shape. “Oh dear. You’re not well are you, little one? Would you like me to try and help you?” 

The little dragon looked up at him in confusion and fear, but seemed to calm when he gave it a reassuring smile.

“I don’t really know what to do, but I can feel my magic wants to help you. Is that alright?”

The little dragon nodded.

“Ok. I’m sorry if this hurts.” He apologized and placed his hands over her neck and body, letting his magic slide down his fingers like water in a stream, until it was smoothing over the dragon and shimmering where it went to work healing.

By the time the magic had ceased, there was another dark spot in the sky soaring toward them. Emrys patted the little dragon gently. The injuries were healing nicely and there was a shine to the pale scales now. 

“What is it now, Merlin?” The much larger dragon asked in exasperation as it landed beside them. 

“Merlin?” He asked in confusion. “Diomare said my name was Emrys. Is that not right?”

“What?” The dragon asked in confusion. 

“I got a concussion. It’s, ah, messed with my mind a bit. Can’t quite remember anything. Got woken up by Diomare. Strange blue fellow, lives down in the caves. Do you have a name? Does this beauty have a name?” He scratched the little dragon on the head.

“I am Kilgharrah.” He answered, sounding unsure. “And that is Aithusa, whom you hatched and named.”

“Aithusa.” Emrys said happily. “Such a pretty name for a pretty dragon.” He cooed, and, apparently, it was the right thing to say, because Aithusa practically climbed in his lap.

“Merlin, look at me, please.” Kilgharrah asked carefully. He looked into the dragon’s eye and felt his hot breath wash over him.

“Diomare said my mind would come back in time.” Emrys complained. “There’s no need to waste your healing on me. I’m perfectly healthy, if a bit hungry. Is there somewhere nearby where we can set up a camp or something? A place we can go and get some food?”

“I flew over some on my way to answer your call. Allow me to give you a ride and get you settled.”

“That’d be great, thanks!” Emrys said excitedly. “Also, you’ve called me Merlin twice now, Diomare called me Emrys. Which am I?”

“Both.” Kilgharrah chuckled. “You were Merlin when we first met, many years ago. But you have always been Emrys, even when you did not know it. If you are more comfortable with Emrys, I can call you that?”

“Can you just call me Em, for now? I don’t feel much like Merlin at the moment, nor Emrys.”

“Certainly, Em. Now hop on, quickly. There are men in these parts that it would not do well to encounter. Aithusa, are you coming as well?”

Aithusa nodded and climbed off of Em, nudging him to Kilgharrah’s back. 

“I don’t know if I ever said this before,” Em said once Kilgharrah had taken flight, “but this is amazing!” 

Em laughed and shouted as they soared through the skies. Even Kilgharragh seemed to be enjoying himself. Aithusa flew along beside them happily snapping at birds they passed.

He had to brace himself to keep from crashing to the ground when they landed. 

“That was incredible!” Em cheered, hopping to the ground. “Thanks.”

“You are very welcome, young warlock.” Kilgharrah chuckled. “Just over the ridge is a stone house that was abandoned some years ago when the purge was new. It will need some repairs done, but it has ample room for a hatchling and yourself. Try and stay out of trouble, if you can, while you heal.”

“I’ll do what I can. I don’t plan to look for trouble if I can help it. Where will you go?”

“I’ll be nearby watching over you should you need anything.”

“Ominous and reassuring in one.” Em hummed, watching Kilgharrah take off. “How do you feel about hunting Aithusa?” 

The little white dragon followed him over the ridge and then took off into the nearby trees, presumably in search of fresh meat. Em wandered through the stone house and let his magic loose to shore up the structure. It felt nice to let go. Almost like he had been holding it in and holding it back for a long time. Which was ridiculous. If he had so much magic, surely he would use it somewhat frequently. Right?

--

After nearly a fortnight, Em had his first uninvited guest. Well. Unintended might be more accurate. A woman and two small children were running and looking extremely frightened. It startled Aithusa enough at first that she snorted fire that caught some of the roof that Em had to quickly extinguish by hovering water over it.

The woman wept with relief and begged him to watch over her children who were magical. 

“Er, shouldn’t they stay with their mother?” He asked cautiously, but still smiling at the boy and girl who were tossing small fish to Aithusa and clapping when they were caught.

“I cannot protect them. Our village is too close to the capitol, to Camelot. I will not have them killed for being born with their gifts. Please. I beg of you. I’ll give you whatever I can to keep them safe.”

“Won’t they be missed?” Em asked, reaching out and making a small fire in his pit and smiling at the awe in their faces. 

“Yes and no. I will miss them dearly, but the others in the village were ready to turn them over if they played any more tricks.”

“The only payment I’ll ask is that you come back once a month to see them. To see the control they’ve learned. And maybe one day they can return with you.”

“Thank you, sir.” She said tearfully.

“Call me Em.” He said, patting her back awkwardly when she threw her arms around him. She broke away from him and went to hug her children and tell them to behave and pay attention to all he could teach them. He was extremely glad that Kilgharrah had stopped by three days after they’d arrived and given him several magic books to try and jog his memory.

And so he ended up as a pseudo parent for Tak and Kala, twins who were around nine summers. They listened well enough and helped him with chores. But they were also children and excitable and very playful. He often fell into bed entirely exhausted at the end of each day after teaching and running after them. But it made him feel young again. 

That being established, he was annoyed to find a third child had somehow appeared with Tak and Kala.

“Where did you come from?” He asked, kneeling down to the small child’s level. He couldn’t have been more than four summers old.

“Camp.” He said bashfully.

“I’m Em. What can I call you?”

“Leagan.” 

“Leagan. That’s a lovely name. Why don’t you come in and have something to eat and then you can play some more, yeah?” The little boy nodded fervently and Em could hear his stomach rumble loudly. While Tak and Kala were tan and had dark hair and eyes, Leagan was dark skinned with bright gray eyes. The color of his skin tugged at memories Em had of a woman and man, brother and sister, most likely, sharing meals with him and teasing him. He remembered boisterous laughter and bright smiles.

Leagan seemed to prefer speaking through his mind instead of out loud, but he laughed happily and smiled a lot, so Em didn’t question it. When a month had passed, and Tak and Kala’s mother did not appear, he began to worry. The next day it was confirmed when she stumbled over the ridge and fell down the hill. 

“Leagan, try and keep Tak and Kala in the house.” Em said sternly and watched the little boy run inside.

“I’m sorry.” She said, gasping for breath, holding her side, which was bleeding slowly.

“Hush. Tell me what happened and I can try and heal you.” He said gently.

“Morgana’s forces invaded our village. Demanding those with magic join her or die. Some told her that my children had had magic but no one else. I refused to tell her where I sent them, not that this place has a name.” She said shakily, wincing as pain lanced through her.

“Your wound is very deep. I need to check it to see what I can do, alright.”

“No time.” She gasped, shaking her head. “I must speak to them. Please.”

“Tak! Kala!” Em shouted, and they were already nearly to them having ignored Leagan’s instructions. 

“Listen to me, both of you.” She said carefully, holding their hands in one of hers. “I will not be able to see you grow like I promised. See you learn and flourish. Be good for Em. If anyone asks you, he is your Uncle. I love you both, so much. Look out for each other.”

“Yes, Mama.” They whispered tears streaking down their faces. 

“My precious babies.” She sighed and her hands dropped as her strength fled and her heart slowed until it beat no more.

The children cried silently for a few minutes before hugging Em tightly. He hoisted them each up in an arm and carried them to the house, laying them down in bed while Leagan sat beside them. When they were asleep, he went back out and Aithusa helped him dig a grave and bury her. He didn’t even know what her name was but would ask the children when they had time to understand and grieve.

When he lifted her in his arms to move her body, he had a flash of a memory. He carried a beautiful young woman to a lake and she died in his arms thanking him for making her feel loved. It hit him like a punch to the gut and he found he needed the children’s company as much as they wanted his. The four of them ended up on a single bed, wrapped up in blankets and just reassuring themselves that someone was there for them.

They took a few days to mourn before they resumed their studies.

--

He started dreaming of a life he couldn’t really remember. He would see himself with a smiling brown haired boy encouraging him to get into mischief with his magic. Then there was an old man with white hair that hung to his shoulders and often looked at him in exasperation mixed with fondness.

He often saw a group of men sitting around a fire together in the woods laughing and smiling together. There were quiet conversations with a man with blonde hair who often sought his advice and did everything he could to make him smile when he was feeling sad.

They were practicing tossing a magical ball through the air when Merlin felt a familiar yet unpleasant magic passing nearby. He hurried the kids back inside before crawling up the side of the ridge and peaking over. Men on horses were hurrying past and he caught glimpses of people that reminded him of the blurred faces in his dreams. 

He went back to the house and told the kids to stay inside and that he would be back before the set and Aithusa would be there to watch over them until then.

He spotted the trick a mile away and instead of allowing the ruse to continue he reached forward and ripped the aging spell away from the woman who was hiding herself. As soon as it was gone, the men turned on her and she was forced to flee. The other woman in the group was frantic to save her father still so they kept going expecting a trap. He knocked as many of the bandits or guards or whoever they were out to allow them an easier rescue and defeat of the angry leader. 

When he returned to his home, the children rushed out to meet him, anxious to see him unharmed. It warmed his heart to know that there was someone to greet him at the end of the day when he’d done something equal parts dangerous and reckless. 

He began to wonder if that was something he’d ever had before.

It took several promises from him that he was fine before they began demanding to know what he had done. Since he had been telling them stories, he told it in the form of a tale, making up who the people were as he didn’t actually know.

Another fortnight went by and another two children somehow found their way to him. 

“Ok, have you all been spreading stories to find the crazy man in the woods who offers his home to whoever finds him?” He asked in faux sternness. Tak, Kala, and Leagan laughed at him while the new kids looked at him sheepishly.

“We saw them playing with magic and wanted to join.” The girl said quietly. “Can you teach us?”

“That depends.” Em said pretending to think. “Can you tell me your names?”

“I am Jana. This is my cousin Milo. We lived in a Druid camp but got separated from them.” 

“I see.” Em said, nodding. “And you have no family left to search for you?”

“No.” Milo answered. “We take care of ourselves.”

“Oh. So you can take care of yourselves then?” 

“Well, yes and no. We are not children. I’m 13 and Milo is 10. But your magic is better controlled than ours. Could you teach us?” Jana asked hopefully.

“Tak, Kala, Leagan, what do you think? Should we invite our new friends to stay?”

“They can have the rooms by the back garden!” Leagan squealed. 

“Oh, yeah!” Kala agreed. “That’s right next to me and Tak!”

“We’ll show you the way!” Tak said, bouncing on his feet and grabbing the other kids’ hands and running them into the house to show them their new rooms. Em sighed as Kala skipped after them. Leagan came over and took his hand watching the others go.

“Papa?” He asked curiously, and Em startled for just a moment, having forgotten, briefly, that Leagan had started calling him that not long after Tak and Kala’s mother had died.

“Yes, Lea?”

“Can we have chicken for dinner?”

“Of course we can. Want to help me pick some vegetables to go with it?”

Leagan nodded and they went to the garden where Em picked out what he wanted and Leagan picked up the old chicken they’d found. They had several chicks now, along with another fully grown chicken, so it wouldn’t be their last one. They prepared their dinner while the other kids played and set up their rooms.

When they sat down for dinner, Em told them another story while making shapes in the fire. After they were all full, and their eyes were all drooping, he ushered them inside and tucked them into bed. He wasn’t surprised to wake up in the morning with five little bodies in his bed with him and Aithusa resting her head next to them.

Careful not to disturb them, he got up and collected the eggs to make breakfast. Once they were all up and fed, everyone went back outside where he could instruct them more. Today was more for gardening and identifying useful plants that he grew. They went over what they could be used for and what happened when they were enhanced with magic. When he heard horses nearing, he rushed the kids in the house telling them they were to stay there until he knew it was safe. 

“Hold!” A man called, and Em had his hands raised, ready to defend his home. “Who are you?”

“No one.” Em said with a scowl.

“Odd name, no one.” One of the men said, tilting his head. 

“Em.” He finally said, through gritted teeth. They were wearing red capes that sent feelings of fear and relief through him, that he wasn’t sure what to make of it.

“Em.” The man nodded. “Pleased to meet you. Have you seen anything or anyone strange through these parts? You’re right at the edge of Camelot, and there’s been news of slave traders working nearby.”

“No.” Em said, frowning, slightly lowering his hands. “No one’s been by here in months. Not since I got here, anyway.”

“Damn.” The man exclaimed, looking at his fellow knights. “Would it be too much of an imposition to rest here for a few hours? There’s a creek nearby and we were nearing a rest anyway.”

“Can I get your word that no harm will come to me or my children?” Em asked, eying their swords and crossbows surreptitiously.

“You have my word as a knight of Camelot under King Arthur.” The man put his fist to his heart and gave a small bow.

“Very well. Erm, Tak, Kala!” Em called out and the kids came out looking at the knights warily. “These men are going to rest here for a bit and then be on their way. Could you show them the easiest way to the creek?” He said out loud.

No magic, alright? I have their word they won’t harm us but I don’t know how they’ll react. 

Yes, Papa. Tak and Kala replied together, holding hands.

“This,” the man said, patting his horse once he’d dismounted, “is Holga. Would you like to say hello?”

“Can we?” Kala asked hopefully, looking back at Em.

“Of course.” Em agreed, joining them with Leagan on his back and Milo and Jana holding his hands fearfully. Each kid reached up and touched the horse gently, giggling when she snorted on Tak playfully.

“Follow us, sirs!” Tak said happily, no longer as afraid as he had been. 

Two men took the reigns of the four horses and led them after the kids, while the other two men stayed behind.

“Would you like something to eat?” Em offered, leading the way back to the house and sending Milo and Jana back inside since they were so pale. 

Stay in my room with Aithusa. She’ll keep you company until they’re gone.  Em said to them through their minds, noticing the tension leave them when they were given permission to hide away.

“Only if it isn’t too much trouble.” The man said gratefully.

“We don’t have much, but we can spare some jerky and a few vegetables for the rest of your travels.”

“You are very generous, thank you. I’m Sir Bors, this is Sir Bedivere. We’re new to our knighthood and this is our first time leading a small patrol of any kind. Our companions that went to the creek are Sirs Gregory and Maren.”

“I can imagine it is a daunting task.” Em said with a smile. “I felt the same when becoming a guardian a few months back. I’d say it gets easier, but, well. That’s not entirely true.” Bors laughed heartily and Bedivere smirked. “It is rewarding, though. So there’s that.”

“Do you have a lot of relatives? Is that how you became the children’s guardian?” Bedivere asked curiously as they approached the vegetable garden.

“I don’t actually know.” Em sighed. “I got a head injury some time back and can’t remember anything. Had to have someone else tell me my name, even. I get flashes sometimes, though. Of people I think I used to know. But their features are a little blurry and I don’t hear actual names, only teasing. Like prat, or arse, or cabbage head.”

“Ah, that happens sometimes. I hope you get your memories back. If not, I’m sure these little ones will help you make more.” Bedivere said, but Bors was looking at him interestedly.

“Where were you when you got your injury?”

“Somewhere cold, I can tell you that much. I think I was kidnapped or something, or on a rescue mission to get some friends safe, but it’s all still so fuzzy.” 

“I bet you were one of the men that Morgana kidnapped and took to Ismere for her work force.” Bors said with a scowl.

“My friend who set me up here did tell me that I always find myself in trouble, so I wouldn’t be surprised.” Em chuckled, picking a few different things and heading for the table in front of the house. “It isn’t much, but I hope it helps.”

“It’s more than we expected. Thank you, Em.” Bedivere said sincerely.

A crash inside had Em sighing while the knights snickered. 

“Should probably see what they’ve gotten into. Excuse me for a moment.” Em left the men and went in the house to find Milo and Jana laughing hysterically as Aithusa looked at him innocently from the floor. Granted, she was now about an eighth of her normal size, having broken a potion that shrank her.

“Em! It was so funny!” Jana exclaimed, clutching her stomach as she rolled on his bed.

“Thusa was flapping her wings, and,” Milo said, pausing as he laughed, “and she knocked the jar over.”

“It landed right on her head!” Jana squealed. “As soon as it touched her, she started shrinking and then it broke on the floor!”

“Well, I’m afraid you’re stuck that size for a few hours, Aithusa.” Em said exasperatedly, waving a hand and clearing the mess away. “Silly dragon.” He told her affectionately, patting her sides and kissing her head. “Ok, now Leagan, I’d like you to stay in here with Jana and Milo while I send the nice men on their way once Tak and Kala get back. Then, we can have a story by the fire and some dinner, alright?”

“Ok, Papa.” Leagan said, dropping from his back and jumping to join the other two on the bed.

“Be good. Or rather, don’t be purposefully mischievous.” Em told them and closed the bedroom door before heading back outside.

“Have you seen the size of these raspberries? And they’re incredibly juicy. You must have quite the touch with plants, Em.” Bors said, popping a fruit in his mouth when he rejoined them.

“Oh, erm, actually, that would be little Kala. She is much better with plants than me, and Tak here is nearly as good. He does better with the vegetables than the fruits, though. That was kind of you two to share your fruit.” Em told the twins proudly, who beamed at him with raspberry juice on their faces. “Why don’t you take some inside to the others?”

“Yes, Papa!” They agreed, moving carefully so as not to drop any on the way.

“We’d like to thank you for your kindness.” Bedivere said, striding over after digging something out of his saddle. “It isn’t much, but we thought you could use the fabric for clothing.”

“Oh, brilliant. Thank you.” Em said gratefully. “I’ve been meaning to go to a town and trade some things, but haven’t had time. This is perfect.”

“No problem. The honor was ours. Maybe we’ll be able to get another patrol out this direction and can bring something else for the little ones.” Bors agreed.

“I’m sure they’d love that. Travel safe, on your way back. I know I’d appreciate not running into more slave traders if you can take care of them. I’ll try to keep the kids close as long as I notice patrols through the area.”

“You do that, Em. I hope we’ll meet again.” Bors said, putting his hand on his heart, Bedivere doing the same, as they gave him a short bow, before they got on their horses and took off.

The kids helped him make himself a new shirt as well as at least three new shirts for the boys. The girls each kept a few scraps to tie their hair back and wrap around their waist, while Merlin promised the next chance he got to go to town he would try and get another dress or even trousers for them if they wanted. 

--

While walking through the woods to collect mushrooms and a few other herbs that Em didn’t grow, knowing they were plentiful in nature, the kids would play sword fighting with sticks. He absently corrected them on their stances and frowned. How did he know sword fighting stances? However he knew it, the kids all demanded that he teach them, and so he spent the next few weeks teaching them basic techniques and how they could work in their magic to use in tangent, but only if the enemy showed their magic first.

Another month had gone by since the knights had visited, when another patrol showed up. They were working in the garden when Leagan grabbed Em’s hand and pointed. 

“Hello!” A man called from his horse, dismounting and approaching cautiously. 

“Hello.” Em said, wiping his free hand on his trousers and taking his other from Leagan to wipe it before retaking it. “Can I help you?”

“Possibly. I’m Sir Kay, and I heard from Sirs Bors and Bedivere that a kind man lived here with his kids and could offer a safe place for respite?”

“Oh. Er, sure, of course. Milo, Tak, can you handle those potatoes on your own?”

“Yes, Papa.” Tak said with an exaggerated eye roll. Milo snickered.

“Don’t think I didn’t see that.” Em said, pointing a finger at the boy. “I’d hate for Jana to hear you being so sarcastic that she puts frogs in your bed again.”

“Alright!” Tak said apologetically, eyeing the house. “Sorry! Yes, we can handle the garden. Go help them. We’ll be fine.”

“Sorry about that.” Em said, walking over to the knight and shaking his hand. “You’re welcome to rest for a bit if you need. There’s a creek just a bit that way, if you need to refresh your horses or refill water skins.”

“Emrys?” A younger man said, looking shocked as he stared at Em with wide eyes.

“Yes. Call me Em.” He said, reaching a hand out and shaking the young mans. “Did they tell you much about me?”

“They mentioned you lost some memories.” Kay confirmed and Em hummed.

“Yeah. I’d really hoped after a few months they’d be back, ya know? I’m sure something will come along that will jog them for me. If not, I’m not too worried. Those are Tak and Milo, this is Leagan, and I also have Kala and Jana somewhere. Leagan, would you go see if we have any jerky or apples left?”

“Can’t Milo do it?” He whined.

“Milo is helping Tak, because otherwise he’d end up stabbing all of the potatoes and we’d not be able to use any of them. I’ll be right here when you get back.”

“Ok.” Leagan said, reluctantly letting go of his hand and going inside. 

“You truly don’t remember?” The young man asked.

“I don’t. Why? Have we met?” Em asked, furrowing his brows. “Your eyes seem familiar. We have met before.”

“Sir Mordred.” The man said, watching Em for a reaction, but Em couldn’t place him. 

“Well, lovely to meet you. Again. Since I can’t remember the first time.” Em shrugged unconcernedly, and waved a hand toward the fire pit. “It’s warm, but you’re welcome to use our pit for a meal if you want.”

“Thank you. We were told you aren’t able to get to town much, so we brought a few things if you're able to trade?” Kay asked.

“Oh, sure. We don’t have much, mostly eggs, some vegetables, those sorts of things. Leagan is grabbing some jerky, I think. Unless he became distracted. Which is possible for a five year old.” Em chuckled.

“Some jerky would be great for the trip back, actually. We brought some more material, in case you needed it. And also,” Kay reached into his saddle bag and pulled out a bottle, “some of the King’s wine. The Queen insisted if there truly was a man offering safe respite, that we show the gratitude of the throne.”

“That’s very kind of her.” Em said, accepting the bottle as Leagan came out with a sack that they kept the jerky in. 

“Here.” Leagan offered, handing the sack to Mordred who looked at Leagan and smiled.

“Thank you. Leagan, right?”

“Yes.”

“I’m Mordred.”

“Nice to meet you.” Leagan said, meeting Mordred’s eyes and smiling.

Papa, he’s like us. Leagan said through his mind, and Em looked at the knight appraisingly, before giving him a nod and smirk.

Hiding in plain sight, clever. Em said to Mordred, chuckling when he nearly dropped the jerky.

The knights stayed for a few hours, but left so they could be back before the sun set.

I hope to see you again, Emrys. Mordred said, smiling at him fondly before turning away.

When they were alone again, the kids sat around the fire singing, but Leagan was sitting quietly.

“What’s going on in that head, Lea?” Em asked, nudging him.

“That knight, Mordred. He’s like us. He can speak with his mind.”

“Do you remember him?” Em asked curiously.

“No, I don’t think I ever met him. But I don’t understand. He’s a knight for a king who hunts those with magic. But he has magic?”

“He’s hiding in plain sight.” Milo said, joining their conversation. “Perhaps he’s trying to help the king see how good and right magic is?”

“Wouldn’t that be something?” Em said wistfully. “Could you imagine it? A world where magic was celebrated and loved instead of feared?”

“I do dream of that.” Jana said with a thoughtful expression. “I dream of a king with pale hair and a man who looks a bit like Papa, actually, guiding him and teaching him. Maybe you can do that one day, Papa. Teach him how pretty and lovely magic is.”

“I wouldn’t mind doing that, darling. But to do that, I’d have to know the king. Unfortunately for us, I don’t know much of anyone right now.” As Em was speaking Kilgharrah arrived and the children cheered for him.

“Yes, yes, hello, younglings.” He chuckled. “You’ve quite the nest going here, Em.”

“Suppose so. Any word from the dragon’s view?”

“The kingdoms seem to be doing well. Though Morgana still garners her forces, she seems to be spending her days plotting instead, now. How has schooling been going? Hm? Are you all listening to Emrys and following his instructions?”

“Yes, Killy.” The kids said exasperatedly.

“He’s very specific and makes sure that we follow exactly as he says. If we get it wrong we have to run around the clearing five times!” Milo whined.

“Five times! Goodness, if it were me, I’d make it ten!” Kilgharrah said, laughing when the kids’ eyes widened. “How about tonight, I tell you a story, hm?”

“Yes!” “Story!” “Tell us, Killy!” The kids all shouted. 

“Years ago, when I was chained beneath a castle, I felt the magic of a powerful warlock nearby and called out to him.” Kilgharrah said, while the kids all settled around to listen. Leagan was in Merlin’s lap and Jana and Tak were leaning against his sides. “I called out to him in his mind, for my voice could not reach him. His magic was unlike any I had ever felt before, even from my dragon lord.”

As Kilgharrah told his story, Em found himself getting flashes of memory; of wandering through poorly lit stone corridors and the big dragon chained to a rock in the middle of a vast underground cavern. There was a blonde man, not much older than him, a woman with bright green eyes and dark hair and another with dark skin and a kind smile. There was an old man with white hair who looked after him, telling him he wasn’t a monster.

“Are you alright, Papa?” Leagan asked quietly, wiping his face. He’d started crying at some point apparently.

“I’m fine.” Em said, reaching up and touching his face. “Strange. It’s like my head wants to remember, but can’t quite make the connection yet.”

“You should all get to bed.” Kilgharrah said, standing up and spreading his wings. “I’ll be back as soon as I can. Goodnight, children. Goodnight, Emrys.”

“Good night, Killy!” The children said sleepily. 

“Ok, you heard him, time for bed. Go on, now.” Em ushered them to the house, carrying Leagan, who’s eyes started drifting closed.

--

It was only a week later that there was another patrol passing by. He was starting to think they were coming here on purpose. Sirs Bors and Bedivere were with the group again and came over and pulled Em into a hug and shook the hands of each kid, but the others in the group were staring at Em as if he were something unexpected.

“Merlin?” One man whispered, stumbling forward with wide eyes. Em tilted his head at him curiously.

“Em, actually. But I have been called Merlin once before by someone else.” Em shrugged and stuck out his hand. “Bors and Bedivere can give you my tragic backstory. For now,” he grunted when Tak jumped on his back, “this is Tak, that’s Milo, Jana, Leagan and Kala. Kala! Come get your brother before I sit on him!”

Tak cackled as he clung to his back when Kala came over and started tickling her brother. Eventually he fell off and landed on both Kala and Jana.

“Aren’t you supposed to be washing the clothes today, Tak?” Em asked in faux disappointment. “Since you haven’t gone to do it yet, we can all head to the creek together and show these new knights the way, yes?”

“Ok!” They agreed happily, scrambling to their feet and running to grab the basket and soap.

“Now. I didn’t catch your names?”

“Er, Gwaine.” The man said, looking as if he’d been poked between the eyes. “Sir Gwaine. Knight of Camelot for King Arthur.”

“Percival.” The very large man croaked, looking at Em with a sort of sad gleam in his eyes.

“Emrys, you can call me Em. No fancy titles or anything.” He shook hands and smiled, while Gwaine just kept staring at him.

“No titles aside from accidental father to the lost children in the woods.” Bedivere joked.

“Well, yes, aside from that.” Em laughed. “Alright, come along everyone!” Em clapped his hands and the kids ran ahead, Leagan tugging his hand to urge him to go faster.

Gwaine was hurrying to keep up, as if afraid to lose sight of him, but Bors and Bedivere were walking along and chatting pleasantly. 

“Emrys!” Mordred called, having gone to the creek first, apparently, waving frantically at him.

“Hello, Mordred! How are you?” Em asked, accepting the hug offered.

“I’m well. It’s good to see you again. And how are you all? Leagan?”

“Good. Killy came by and told us some new stories. I think they’re about Papa and the life he can’t remember.” Leagan said thoughtfully, rolling up his trousers and dipping his toes in the water. 

“Did he? And did your Papa remember anything?”

“Not yet. I think he’s close, though.”

“Kala, Jana, don’t get too far!” Em called as the girls swam further out into the creek.

“Don’t be such a worrywart!” Jana called back, while Kala laughed.

“Papa! Watch this!” Milo yelled, and jumped off a tall rock and splashed the girls, making them squeal.

“Bravo!” Em cheered, clapping for him. “When you’re done, help Tak with the wash. It’s your fault that there was so much blackberry juice all over those shirts.”

“Ugh!” Milo groaned, flopping under the water dramatically. 

“Papa, get in with us!” Kala called.

“Ok, ok. I suppose I could. What about you all? Care to cool off for a bit?” Em asked, looking at the knights.

“You’re swimming?” Percival asked in confusion. 

“Yeah, I love swimming. Besides, if I don’t get in, the kids will whine and eventually gang up and drag me in.” Em chuckled, ignoring the confusion and shock on Percival and Gwaine’s faces. He didn’t know what they were thinking about but water had always been something he’d loved, he could feel it.

“We’d love to.” Mordred agreed at the same time, while Bedivere and Bors were already setting their armor down and looking ready to jump. 

Em slipped his shirt off and tossed it to Tak before jumping in and splashing the girls as Milo had done. 

“Papa!” They sputtered, splashing him back.

“Hey, Em? I don’t suppose you have any more of that jerky, do you?” Bors asked as he floated on his back.

“I do. I tried a bit of a new seasoning this time, so you’ll have to let me know how you like it.”

“Sounds great. Mordred, you getting in?” Bedivere called. Mordred was sitting on the bank by Leagan.

“I’m alright here. Think I’ll keep Leagan company for a bit.” Mordred said, splashing at them.

Em swam over and started helping Tak and Milo clean their clothes. After a while, when everything was clean, they gathered them in their basket and he whistled to gather the other kids to the banks. They hung their clothes on the lines when they got back to the house. Leagan was staying close to Mordred and pulling him along excitedly chattering to him. Em was sure that there was a completely different silent conversation going on as well.

He jumped when a hand landed on his shoulder. 

“Sorry.” Gwaine said apologetically.

“It’s fine.” Em said, chuckling as he held a hand over his chest. “Something on your mind?”

“Do you know where you got all these?” Gwaine gestured to the scars on Em’s body.

“No.” Em sighed. “They’ve got to be some good stories though, right? I mean, they’re rather extensive, but I’ve no idea where they came from. Had a friend offer to tell me some of them, but he doesn’t know where I got all of them either, not really. Only has guesses. So. You’ve not been here before, how do you find it?”

“Oh, well. It’s a lovely home. Quiet. Peaceful. Well.” Gwain corrected when Jana ran by screaming as Tak chased her with a garden snake he found. 

“Yeah, it can be a bit lively.” Em laughed, watching the kids fondly. “Feels like home, ya know? Familiar. Like something I must have grown up with. But it also feels like I got the chance to start over, in a way. These kids … they had a rough go, even if they don’t have scars like mine. Someone needed to look after them, protect them. Felt like the right thing to do while I tried to remember.”

“You’re a good man, Em. Far better than I ever was.” Gwaine said in a sad tone, watching the kids pick up their play swords and start chasing each other again. “You teach them that?”

“Yeah. Don’t know how I knew what to tell them, but as soon as they started playing around I was correcting their stances and instructing them how to parry and block.” Em shrugged.

“We could teach them a few moves.” Percival offered, looking like he desperately wanted to interact with the kids. 

“Go ahead. I’ll get the jerky and a few other things together for you. You all only have about an hour before you’ll need to leave. Otherwise you’ll never make it back before dark.” Em said, before whistling for the kids. “How do you feel about improving your swordplay with Sirs Gwaine and Percival?”

“Really?” Jana asked excitedly. 

“Really.” Percival promised, kneeling down. “But only if you want our help.”

“Will it make me big and strong like you?” Tak asked hopefully, Milo nodding like his head was going to fall off. Percival laughed lightly.

“It might. As long as you eat right and listen to your Papa, there’s no reason you won’t be big and strong.”

“Well?” Em asked, waving at the empty space by the side of the house. “Line up and show them what you’ve learned so far.” 

The kids quickly lined up and Em disappeared into the house where Aithusa hid when the knights popped by, getting the jerky and tossing a few pieces to her before grabbing some dried fruit pieces and heading back out.

“Now, I tried something new with drying out some fruit and making it almost like a sweet. I think you’ll like it.” Em handed the small bags to Bedivere who secured them in his travel bag.

“Since winter is coming soon, we decided to pitch in, and we bought some extra material to make these ourselves.” Bors handed over several packages surprising Em.

He opened the top one and saw a finely made cloak for each kid and him.

“I can’t … I can’t accept these! They’re too much!” Em argued, but his eyes were stinging.

“You can accept them, and you will.” Mordred said firmly. “You’re doing an amazing thing here, Em. The least we can do is drop by provisions when we can.”

“Thank you. I’ll make sure they’re taken care of.” He promised, setting them on a table before he wrapped each knight in a hug.

“Don’t get soppy on us, Em.” Bors said, but he looked choked up himself. 

“Har-har.” Em said, sniffling a bit. “You all better be off. And just so you know, you’re welcome to come by anytime when you just happen to be in the area instead of diverting your patrols to me.”

“Good to know.” Mordred said excitedly, and Em nodded at him with a fond smile. He didn’t know why, but he felt the need to take Mordred in as much as he had the other kids. 

“Keep practicing and you’ll get it.” Gwaine said, patting Tak on the shoulder as they rejoined the rest of the adults. “Em. It was wonderful to see, er, meet you. I will absolutely be by in a fortnight, if not sooner, to check on your progress, and see how you're all doing.”

“And Percival?” Milo asked, looking at the large man who grinned at him.

“Of course I’ll be here with him. We can’t let Gwaine wander off on his own or he’ll get into too much trouble.” The children laughed and cheered and hugged Percival and Gwaine before running back into the house, where, moments later, there was a loud crash and a voice shouting ‘It was Milo!’.

“I, er, better go sort that. Be safe heading back, and tell whoever made the cloaks that we are incredibly thankful.” There was another crash, and Em winced. “Come back any time!” Em waved them off and ran into the house as a plate flew at his head and crashed on the door.

As soon as the kids saw who it was, they froze for all of a second before they started talking over one another. Em whistled and they stopped.

“I’m not mad, I swear. And while I’m curious who did what, I’m more interested in if you can fix what you’ve broken. Each of you will pick a broken item and use the spell I taught you for repairing and see who gets it first. Ok? Winner, gets to pick the story for tonight.”

Instead of any sort of argument, they each rushed to a pile of broken crockery or glass and held their hands out. It took them a while to calm down enough to fix the broken dishes instead of shattering them more, but they eventually got it. Leagan was first, but he was always more calm than the others. 

--

Not even three days later Mordred was back, along with a few new faces. They weren’t knights, though. Em studied them quizzically as their eyes widened in shock at seeing him. They started bowing and he felt his face heat up. 

Emrys! They all exclaimed in his mind, and he jumped.

“Ah. Er, hello. Good that you know my name already.” He chuckled nervously as he continued trying to tug a shirt away from Aithusa who was trying to play with him. “Oh, go on then. It’s about time for that to be a cleaning rag anyway.” He huffed tossing the shirt to the dragon, who scampered off happily with her treasure.

“Sorry to be back so soon.” Mordred apologized, looking shy all of a sudden.

“No, no, it’s fine. I already told you you were welcome here any time. The kids are around back in the garden, I was just going to finish sorting the laundry and head to check on them.”

“I’ll do it!” Mordred burst out, blushing. “I mean, Iseldir and his Druid Elders wanted a private word, so I can go say hello.”

“I’m sure they’ll be excited to see you again.” Em nodded and pulled him in for a quick hug before sending him off around the house.

“So it’s true. Emrys is friends with Mordred.” The man in the front said, and Em looked at him curiously. 

“Should I not be? Has he done something to me? In the past? Because I don’t have any memories of him aside from flashes of a scared little boy running through the woods.”

“It’s not what he’s done, but what he’s prophesied to do.” A woman said firmly.

Em groaned and looked up to the clear sky seeking patience. 

“So I should hate him for something that some crackpot said he’d do, is that it? What a load of shit. If he’s destined to do something terrible, do you not think treating him so suspiciously, don’t think I didn’t notice your wary glances, is going to change it? Or would you find it easier if you didn’t care for him, so when he inevitably betrayed you it would hurt less? Because if it’s the latter, that is a terrible way to live. The sheer amount of stress you put on yourselves that way will shorten your lives.”

“You don’t believe in the prophecy, then?” The man in front asked, drawing attention back to him.

“I didn’t say that. I don’t know your prophecy. I can tell you that I think it unwise to judge someone on an action they have not committed, therefore dooming them to the fate you already saw coming.” Em shrugged. “I care not for prophecies in general. Kilgharrah tried telling me one, but even he couldn’t seem to remember all of it, nor how certain events were to play out. If a thousand year old dragon doesn’t even understand it, how could we mere mortals hope to?”

“But-” The woman started, but Em held up his hand to stop her.

“I’m not interested. If it’s prophecy or fate or destiny or whatever, then it will happen or it won’t, simple as that. Now. If you are interested, I can give you a tour of our home and perhaps you can talk with the children. Some of them came from Druid camps, but I doubt very much they’ll want to return.”

“You took in Druid children?” The other man of the trio asked interestedly.

“Sure. They were lost and in need of a home. I already had a brother and sister here who’s mother was afraid for their lives living in a village that had taken notice of their magic. The Druid children came next. They’re all quite gifted, actually. Leagan, the youngest, is rather fond of Mordred. So I’d advise not looking too warily at him once you meet them. You might end up with antlers or a frog down your pants.” Em chuckled and led them around to see what the others were up to. 

Aithusa was laying on the ground, sunning herself, apparently, while Milo and Tak were practicing with their wooden swords and Jana and Kala were practicing their shield spells between the boys. Leagan was sitting on Mordred’s shoulders and watching while shouting out encouragement.

“Can you feel that?” The man asked the older man in the group.

“Yes.” He said, a smile evident in his voice. “Their magic is happy and in balance. Remarkable for how young they are.”

“Papa’s a good teacher.” Leagan said as they came to Mordred’s side.

“I’ll bet he’s a wonderful teacher.” The woman said with a bright smile, patting Mordred’s arm and smiling proudly at him as well. “They aren’t as good as you were at that age, yet.”

“They’ll get there.” Mordred replied, looking pleased and bashful.

“I’m sorry, I never got your names, that’s terribly rude of me.” Em said, smacking his forehead.

“I’m Iseldir,” The older man said with a chuckle, “this is Tarok and Lena.”

“Well, Iseldir, Tarok, Lena, this is Leagan, that’s Milo, with the curly hair, that’s Tak, and the green dress is Jana, and the blue dress is Kala.”

“How did you come to care for these children?” Lena asked curiously, clapping when the girls threw up another shield successfully.

“Tak and Kala’s mother stumbled upon me when I’d been here a full month and asked me to watch over them and teach them control, promising to return within another month to check on them. Leagan showed up about a fortnight later, and I’m still not sure where he came from, but he was so little I couldn’t leave him. Plus he was really only comfortable with mindspeak at that point. When Tak and Kala had been here a month, a few days more, actually, their mother came back but she was badly injured and there was no time to heal her. I’d say maybe another month, maybe less, is when Jana and Milo showed up. They got separated from their traveling companions but they had no family, so they told me. So it’s been us, Aithusa, and occasionally Kilgharrah when he feels like dropping by for, dunno, around half a year now.”

“You are truly gracious to take them in, while also struggling with remembering another life.” Iseldir said sincerely, his eyes shining with approval as he watched the girls start making little balls of light that floated around the boys.

“Suppose.” Em shrugged. “Felt like the right thing to do. It’s dangerous for those with magic, though I can’t tell you how I know that much. They deserve to be protected.”

They all watched the children for a little while longer until Em whistled a few notes and the boys gave the girls the wooden swords and they traded roles. Leagan clambored down Mordred and went to go add his own magic to what was happening. 

“You’ve created a haven for lost children, Emrys. And we thank you. We must take our leave now, though, we’ve intruded long enough on your family. If you ever need us, you can call out with your mind, or send your dragon. I’m sure she’ll be able to find us and share your message.” Iseldir said, patting Em on the shoulder, and gesturing the other two to follow him.

“Thank you for showing them.” Mordred said gratefully.

“Thank you for coming by. You better get on, though. I don’t want you out wandering alone in the woods.”

“I’m a knight.” Mordred said, straightening up his shoulders, but his eyes looked wary.

“If you’d like,” Em said slowly, “you’re welcome to rest here for the night. That way you can return in full daylight to the castle and not have to worry so much about thugs in the woods.”

“Could I?” Mordred asked hopefully, and Em chuckled.

“You’re welcome any time, Mordred. I already told you as much.” He whistled to the kids once more to get their attention. “What do you think? Is it alright if Mordred rests here for the night?”

“Can he?” “Yes!” “Obviously!” They all exclaimed.

“There’s your answer.” Em grinned. “Come on you lot. We’ve got to get dinner going and show Mordred a room he can stay in.”

“I’ll show him!” Milo shouted, jumping up and down.

“You can all show him once you’ve cleaned up and put your things away, yes? Good. Off you go.” Em waved his hands and they scattered to clean up their training things and wash their hands and faces at a bucket before coming over and grabbing Mordred’s hands and pulling him through the house to the room he could stay in.

After the kids were sent to bed, Em and Mordred stayed up by the fire pit sharing a bit of the mulled wine that the knights gave him at their last visit.

“I’m really happy that I’ve gotten to know you, Emrys.” Mordred said sincerely.

“Tell me a bit about yourself.” Em prodded. “I know you were a Druid, and I know we met when you were a child, but not much else.”

“Well, I met you in Camelot when I was a boy. My Uncle was my guardian as my parents had died of a fever sickness when I was too small to remember. But we were ratted out by a man we were picking supplies up from. The guards came and my Uncle was caught. I was slashed on my arm by a sword while he helped me escape. That’s when you found me and hid me away. Protected me. Even though it could have cost you your own life. My Uncle was executed by King Uther. Between you and the Prince and Lady Morgana, you all got me safely out of the city and back with the Druids. For a time, anyway.

“Then Morgana’s magic started to manifest and she came seeking help from the camp I was in. But there were knights that came thinking she had been kidnapped and I had to run again. You helped me escape then, too. I never found another camp, though. I was taken in by some unsavory people who used me for my magic and because I was small enough to get into places they couldn’t. After they were caught and most of them killed, I was on my own again. I’d have given anything to find a place like this, then. 

I was around 12, I think. And completely on my own. Eventually, I took paid work from a man who was picking up slaves for Morgana in Ismere some time back. I couldn’t believe how much she had changed from the woman I had known as a child. She’s just so bitter and angry and fueled by her need for revenge. I stopped her killing the King, the same man who had been a Prince helping me escape, and helped him get to safety. He thanked me by knighting me. I don’t know if he remembers me, though. Nor that I’m a Druid.”

“I’m sorry there wasn’t something like this for you. Sometimes I wish I understood what people were so afraid of when it comes to magic and Druids and all that. But I suppose they might be more afraid of getting caught by the King, than what the magic actually does.”

“With Uther as King, I can see that. Arthur, he’s a good man. I think he’ll be a great King. And maybe one day we can be free from all this fear. Would you be interested in helping?”

“Not sure what I could do.” Em shrugged. “I mean, if he’s interested in seeing how we live here, I suppose I could invite him to a chat or something. But I’d have to know that my family was safe from harm. You know that we never use magic when the knights are here, and Aithusa stays hidden away. If you think he’s open to seeing magic as a natural element, open to it being something good, then I can help.”

“I think I’m going to tell him about me. See how he reacts. If it isn’t bad, then I think we might be able to make some progress there. If it isn’t good …” Mordred took a deep breath.

“If it isn’t good, then you are welcome to come here. We have the space, this house is big enough, and the kids love having you around. It’d be nice to have another adult to chat with now and again, too.”

“I really appreciate that, Emrys.” Mordred said, sounding choked up.

“Get some rest, Mordred. I’ll send you off with breakfast in the morning before the kids are up. Otherwise they’ll never let you leave or try and follow you.”

“Goodnight, Em.” Mordred whispered, and went in the house, wiping his face subtly, as if he’d been crying.

“Goodnight, Mordred.” Em whispered back. He put out the fire and went inside to try and get some sleep himself. It would be an early day, and he was exhausted from the talk of prophecies earlier.

--

The day Mordred left, was the day that Mikal showed up. He was about 14, and looked like he’d been running for days. Em cleaned him up and gave him some stew before setting him up in a room with Aithusa watching over him. Mikal had wrapped his arms around her neck and passed out for nearly a full day.

He couldn’t speak, not out loud anyway. So Em helped him learn to sign so he could still communicate when they weren’t alone and relying on their mindspeak. He’d never be able to pass that off when the knights came around again. 

Which was barely a week later.

“Em!” Gwaine shouted, picking him up and spinning him around in a hug when he’d jumped off his horse.

“Gwaine.” Em said, laughing as he was set back down.

“Good to see you again.” Percival said, shoving Gwaine aside and hugging him as well. 

“We have a new face!” Gwaine said excitedly, spotting Mikal hiding behind Milo.

“This is Mikal. He’s only been here a little while, so don’t spook him, will you.” Em chastised playfully. He quickly signed over to Mikal that they were safe, and Mikal looked at the knights skeptically before signing back asking if he was certain. Em nodded and signed safe, again. 

Percival watched and held his hands up and signed his name so Mikal could see, and Mikal smiled at him before signing his own name back.

“Just full of surprises, aren’t you?” Gwaine teased, shoving Percival. Or he tried to, but it was a bit like trying to move a house.

“No one else with you this time?” Em asked, looking around, surprised it was only two of them.

“Nah, Elyan was trailing us, so he’ll probably crash the party soon. So! Who’s ready for some new lessons?” 

“We are!” The kids all cheered, while Mikal looked slightly confused. 

They dashed off to get their wooden swords and shields and Gwaine started running them through basic drills. Percival motioned for Mikal to watch and then signed to him about each move. Em was pleased to see Mikal took such interest in it, but he was pretty sure it was mostly because he could communicate with someone again.

“Alright, Gwaine, stop hiding already!” A voice exclaimed, breaking into the clearing from the tree line. He stopped dead in his tracks as he spotted Em, dropping his reigns as his horse wandered off to join Gwaine and Percival’s. 

“Hi. You must be Elyan. I’m Em. Welcome to The Respite.” He said cheerfully.

“The Respite? Really?” Gwaine called sarcastically. “Absolutely not. No. We are coming up with a better name before we leave and getting you a fancy sign. That’s a terrible name. Honestly.”

Em rolled his eyes, but held his hand out and shook Elyan’s. “Do you need to sit down? You look like you’ve had a bit of a fright.”

“Gwaine!” Elyan snapped angrily. “Why the hell haven’t you told anyone you found Merlin?”

“I’m guessing you haven’t spoken to Bors, Bedivere, or Mordred, then, have you? They’ve been stopping by a few months now, it feels like. Also, not exactly Merlin. I’m Emrys, go by Em. Long story short, had a head injury a while back and can’t remember anything. Was told my memories would come back eventually and that I should rest until they do, but, well, I sort of ended up taking in lost kids. Please, sit down. You’re making me nervous as much as you’re swaying.” Em pushed him over to a chair and forced him to sit by where the kids were practicing with their swords. 

“Gwen is going to be furious when she finds out you ended up a father of, what is it,” Elyan hesitated and counted, “six. Six! Gods, Merlin, er, I mean Em. That’s insane.”

“The others can tell you our story. I’ve got to go pick a few things from the garden, are you alright to stay here?”

“Fine, fine. Go on, then. I’ll just stare moodily at Gwaine and tell him he owes me at least three rounds at the tavern.” Elyan waved him off and scooted closer to Percival and Mikal. 

Em chuckled and headed for the garden, knowing the kids were safe with at least two of the three men. If Elyan was more worried about getting drinks off of Gwaine, then he wasn’t too worried about him, either. Something about him felt so familiar it sent a pain through his head. Like they were close, once. And he’d mentioned a Gwen. Could be his sister. Could be connected to the flashes of memories he had of a time past. 

When he was done in the garden he checked on the kids who were all slouching by the shade of the house to rest, while Gwaine and Elyan demonstrated how the moves all worked together. Percival was going over some sword movements slowly with Mikal, making sure he got them, signing between movements so he could correct his stance.

“How long are you lot staying?” Em asked, eyeing the sun that was getting lower in the sky.

“How long are we allowed to stay?” Gwaine asked, sheathing his sword.

“Oh, er, well. Hm. You can stay the night, but unless you want to start schooling tomorrow when we pick back up again, then you’d probably better be off.” Em said, fighting back a smile when the kids all groaned. 

“Well, we have two days off, so we’ll stay tonight, and head out tomorrow afternoon, how’s that?” Gwaine suggested.

“What do you think?” Em asked, looking at the kids. “Should we take the morning off from classes tomorrow and show these fine knights around our home a bit more?”

“Can we?” Kala asked pleadingly.

“I’ll give you the morning off in exchange for one additional chore each.” Em agreed.

“Deal!” Tak and Milo shouted.

“We brought meat for stew, so you don’t have to use your stores.” Percival offered. 

“I also brought another gift.” Gwaine said with a crooked grin, and the knights went to fetch their items from their bags. “The court physician wanted you to have this.” Gwaine handed him three books and a letter on top with Merlin crossed out and Emrys written under it.

“I knew the court physician?” Em asked curiously.

“Yeah.” Gwaine nodded. “He misses you. Said it’s too quiet with you gone, but as soon as he has a break from the illness that was going around, he’s going to come out here and see you.”

“Oh, oh, well that’s … sure, fine. Why not? And he wanted me to have these?” Em asked, looking at the different books. One was definitely a spell book, though he was pretty sure the knight didn’t know that.

“He said they were yours anyway.” Gwaine shrugged. “Mind if we cook for you tonight?”

“Can you cook?” Em asked, an eyebrow raised in disbelief. 

“I’ll have you know I was once a man of the road, and accustomed to fending for myself, including cooking.” Gwaine replied, a hand on his chest in mock hurt. The smirk on his face did not inspire innocence.

“Fine. But no tavern tales or the like around the fire until the kids have gone to bed.” He said sternly. Elyan snickered.

“Ugh. You are no fun, Em.” Gwaine said dramatically. Percival gave him a shove and they went to start getting a dinner together for everyone. 

The excitement came when Aithusa tumbled out of the door smelling the cooked meat. 

“Dragon!” Elyan yelped, but Percival and Gwaine looked positively gleeful.

“Well. Good job, Thusa.” Em sighed in annoyance. “Don’t be shy now, come on.” He waved her over and she sat by him, flopping her tail in Mikal’s lap and looking at the knights interestedly.

“She’s beautiful.” Gwaine breathed, kneeling down by her.

“Gwaine, Percival, Elyan, meet Aithusa. Aithusa, say hello.” Em introduced.

“Hello.” She mumbled, her lips pulling back in an attempted smile, when Gwaine fell over and Percival jumped.

“She can speak!” Elyan exclaimed, but came closer to try and pat her.

“Of course she can.” Em huffed. “She’s a creature of magic. She’s going to outlive all of us, I daresay. Besides, if I had to guess, I’d say she’s younger than Leagan.”

“Four.” Aithusa agreed, and Leagan smiled.

They spent the rest of their dinner with the knights offering bits of meat to Aithusa and patting her affectionately. 

“You keep her hidden.” Percival pointed out, when she had gone inside to bed with the children.

“Well, she’s a dragon, isn’t she? I can hide her while she’s still a bit small, keep her safe. She’s not done anything too bad. Just got caught with the wrong person for a little while. Now she won’t leave me alone. Nor Leagan or Mikal. She’s quite fond of Mikal. I’m wondering if there was a dragon lord in his family.”

“Six kids and a baby dragon. You are officially mad, Em.” Elyan said, shaking his head, but smiling happily. “Truly, incredibly, mad.”

“I’ve got chickens, too.” He argued, and that sent the knights into peals of laughter. 

“And chickens.” Elyan agreed, wiping tears from his face. “Oh. This has been a great day. I’m really glad that I got to follow you nitwits.”

“You’re welcome.” Gwaine said cheerily.

“Since you’re on our schedule tomorrow, you all might want to turn in. Did the kids show you rooms earlier?”

“Yeah, we know where to go. Thanks for letting us stay, Em.” Percival said appreciatively.

“Yes, yes, you’re welcome. Now go to bed. I’m beat.” Em mumbled, ushering them in the house.

“Goodnight, Em.” They called, yawning widely.

“Goodnight.” Em chuckled, going to his own room and falling asleep nearly instantly.

--

The kids waved the knights off a little sadly the next afternoon, but they’d promised to return as soon as they had time. Gwaine swore he’d divert the next patrol if it came down to it, which made them brighten up a bit.

They went over a few more spells, practicing until dinner and then going to bed worn out but happy with their success. A few days later, Bedivere, Mordred, and Elyan showed up with an older man with white hair who needed help down from his horse. Em was surprised he’d been able to ride at all.

“Should you be traveling like this?” Em asked concernedly, was the man stumbled a bit.

“I never thought I’d miss the sound of your voice so much, my boy.” The man sighed and wrapped him in a tight hug.

“Oh, er, well, stick around and I’m sure you’ll be tired of it again in no time. We have some more lessons this afternoon and the kids tell me I tend to drone on.” Em chuckled, patting the man’s back. “I’m Em, by the way, though I’m sure they already told you.”

“Gaius.” The man said, putting his hands up to Em’s face and holding it steady while he observed him. Em frowned. 

“No need to try and diagnose me.” He said petulantly, but stopped when Gaius raised an eyebrow at him. “Sorry.”

“Ah, the eyebrow.” Elyan snickered. “It has that effect on everyone.”

“What are your lessons for today about, if I might ask?” Gaius moved back a few steps, still appraising Merlin’s health and fitness.

“Valerian root.” Jana groaned, joining them. “Papa says we need to know our herbs and roots to be able to be effective healers.”

“He’s right.” Gaius agreed with a bright smile. “You should have seen your Papa when I was teaching him. His eyes would glaze over and he would nearly fall asleep.”

“He did?” Kala asked excitedly.

“Oh, yes.” Gaius chuckled. “Your Papa always learned better with hands on, than through my lectures.”

“Sounds like Tak.” Milo chuckled, shoving the other boy a bit who was blushing.

“What? It’s easier to learn when I can feel it and actually see it.” Tak grumbled.

“How would you feel about me taking over his lesson for today? To give your Papa a break? I’ll try to keep it interesting if I can.”

“You don’t have to.” Em argued weakly, but the idea of a break was hard to pass up. “You’re a guest here, and-”

“I’m offering.” Gaius said sternly, raising his eyebrow at Em again. Em winced as memories of that eyebrow being raised at him over many years shot through him. He rubbed his head to try and ease the pain. “Go sit down by a fire and take a break, my boy. You’ve done wonderfully but you need a break. Have you any headache remedies? It looks as though you need one.”

“I’ll get you one, Papa.” Leagan said, looking at Em with concern, echoed on each of his kids’ faces. He tried for a reassuring smile.

“If you could, please. Sometimes when the memories come back they just make my head sore is all. I’m fine, I promise.”

“We’ll keep you company.” Bedivere said, putting an arm around him and guiding him to a spot next to the fire pit that Mordred had started a fire in.

After Em took the remedy, he started to feel better. He noticed a new sign at the edge of the clearing and raised his own eyebrow at Elyan who had walked back to join them after pounding it in the ground.

“Gwaine promised you a sign and a new name.” Elyan shrugged.

“Oh yeah.” Em nodded. “So, what did he decide to name our little hideaway?”

“The Lost Merlin Sanctuary.” Elyan grinned.

“Lost Merlin? Really?” Em asked, looking at the knights in fond exasperation.

“What? A merlin is a falcon, too, not just a person’s name. And you’ve found six little lost birdies that you’ve offered sanctuary to, well, seven if you count Aithusa.” Mordred agreed.

“Do I know Aithusa?” Bedivere asked, looking in confusion at the others. 

“Nah, she tends to hide inside most of the time.” Em shrugged. “She’s a complicated one, Aithusa.”

“Not fond of strangers? I understand. Most magical kids are afraid of knights of Camelot.” Bedivere sighed. Merlin smirked at the shocked looks on the other knights’ faces. “What? I was there swimming with the kids that day. Three of them had Druid markings.”

“That’s true.” Em chuckled. “Would you like to meet her?”

“Only if she’s comfortable with it.” Bedivere tried to shrug, but his eyes were full of hope.

“Mordred, would you be a dear and see if she wants to come say hello?” Em asked, smiling as the Druid-turned-knight jumped to his feet and ran in the house, returning a short while later with the white dragon bounding happily behind him.

“Oh, she’s beautiful.” Bedivere cooed, standing up to kneel beside her.

“Thank you.” Aithusa replied, preening under the compliment.

After a few hours, Gaius returned with the children in tow. Tak looked nearly asleep on his feet, as usual, but the girls were chatting excitedly, signing their conversation as Mikal added comments now and again. When they were ready to leave, Gaius stopped Em and held him at arms length, studying his face as if drinking everything in. 

“I will try and be back in a month. Please look after yourself, Emrys. And these wonderful children you’ve taken in.”

“Of course, Da.” Em said without thinking, but snapped his jaw closed and looked at Gaius bewildered about why the endearment rolled off his tongue so easily.

“I’m pleased you think so fondly of me. You always were like a son to me, after all.” Gaius pulled him in for another hug and Em melted into the embrace. They parted reluctantly and Gaius silently wiped the tears from Em’s face before he went to his horse and he and the knights were gone. 

“Is he our grandpapa?” Leagan asked curiously, taking Em’s hand.

“I think so.” Em agreed, his voice a little raspy.

Jana and Milo made dinner that night, letting Em take another break. They all piled into his bed at the end of the day, staying close to him, sensing he needed the comfort.

--

They were tending their garden a few days later when a group of unknown men showed up, and Em was immediately tense. The men were thugs, bandits, and were attempting to force him to hand over anything valuable. He didn’t even pause to think, when the men’s eyes landed on the kids. He lashed out with his magic sending them flying back several feet. One of the men escaped on horseback before he could stop him, but the others were knocked out. He called Kilgharrah who took the men and dropped them off somewhere far away, looking furious that they’d tried to attack this sanctuary. 

“I am sorry, Emrys.” Kilgharrah said, once he’d returned. “I should have seen them, should have stopped them.”

“It isn’t your fault, Killy.” Em said tiredly. “I should have known that we’d be targeted or found by the wrong sort of men one day. Thank you. For coming when you did. Though I fear that more trouble is yet to come. One of the men got away. I’m not sure where he was going, but it can’t be anywhere good, now that he’s seen my magic.”

“Do not fear, Emrys. You were protecting your nest, your younglings. You were within your rights to do so.”

“He’s right, Papa.” Tak said, taking his hand, while the other kids crowded around him.

“As long as you are all safe, that is all that matters to me. I don’t even want to think of what could have happened.”

“Nothing did happen. You protected us. And we love you and will protect you, too.” Jana said firmly.

“Have I ever told you how grateful I am to have you all?” Em said with a wet chuckle. 

“Only every day.” Milo sighed exaggeratedly, making him laugh and hug them all close.

They gathered the horses that were now wandering around and took off their saddles, taking care to brush them down and get them water and hay to eat. Leagan and Mikal grabbed some carrots as well, smiling and laughing as the horses nuzzled them once they’d been fed. 

So Em began teaching them how to care for horses and how to ride, over the next several days. They were able to clear away some more land with the horses so they could be able to plant once the winter was past. 

--

When solstice was nearing, the group of knights returned. Gwaine, Percival, Elyan, Mordred, Bedivere, Bors, and Kay. It was a bit strange to see them all together. There was also a woman. She was dark skinned, like Elyan and Leagan and had waist length hair. Each knight dismounted, but didn’t rush over to hug him as they had in the past. Gwaine and Mordred had started to, but were stopped with a look from Percival and a nod toward the woman who was being helped down by Elyan.

The kids all wore their cloaks, as Em did since the weather was cold and they expected snow soon. 

“Emrys of the Sanctuary-”

“Lost Merlin Sanctuary.” Gwaine corrected, while Kay rolled his eyes.

“Yes, Emrys of the Lost Merlin Sanctuary, may I present Queen Guinevere of Camelot.” Kay bowed toward the woman, the knights following suit. Em and his children, looking wide eyed and clinging to him, did the same.

“Please, call me Gwen.” She said, her voice soft yet commanding, as she approached him. 

“If you say so, your highness.” Emrys muttered quietly, but it was loud enough that Gwen heard him and chuckled. 

“I’ve missed you, Merlin.” She said wistfully, titling his head up to look at her. “Or should I say Emrys?”

“Em is fine.” Em said, smiling and straightening up. “These are my children, Tak, Kala, Jana, Milo, Mikal, and Leagan. Say hello.”

“Hi.” They said meekly.

“I’ve heard so much about all of you. I’m afraid I can’t stay long, but I had to see this place for myself. See you all. And I wanted to bring you some gifts for the upcoming Yule. Do you celebrate Yule?” She asked, clasping her hands as if to keep from reaching out to any of them.

“We’re celebrating the Solstice.” Leagan answered, looking at the Queen curiously. “You … you look like me.”

“I sort of do, don’t I? Well then, I bring gifts for your Solstice celebration, if your father, or Papa, is alright with that?”

“You didn’t have to, my lady.” Em blurted.

“No, but I wanted to. I’ve missed my friend, Merlin, desperately, fearing him dead all these long months. But I see him in you. In what you’re doing for these children and your life. I see his kindness and heart. It’s only right that I show my appreciation for what you are doing for them as well as the knights you’ve helped.

“Can’t argue with royalty, then.” Em agreed with a crooked smile and Gwen laughed heartily. 

“That would be a first for you, I believe.” She said between her laughs. “Sir Gwaine, Sir Mordred, if you would?”

The knights stepped forward with a few bags and began taking out parcels. There were two for each of them, including Em. Percival stepped forward when the gifts were set down and handed over a sapling gingerly.

“It’s a rowan sapling. Traded for it a week back. It’s sacred in the Old Religion, as well as with the Druids. I hope that it protects you and yours as you and it grow.” Percival said quietly.

“Thank you.” Em whispered, accepting the sapling and feeling it hum in his hands, before kneeling down and allowing the kids to reach out and touch a small branch, each smiling excitedly, before they rushed at Percival and knocked him down as they hugged him. 

“I’m really proud of you, Em.” Gwen said quietly, looping her arm through his when he stood back up and watching the children with adoration. 

“I don’t really have words to thank you, Gwen. I was afraid I wouldn’t be able to give them anything for Solstice. And you’ve … anyway, thank you. Truly.”

“When the weather turns nicer, I’d like to invite you and your family to Camelot.” She said, leaning her head on his shoulder in a familiar way that sent a sharp pain through his head. Memories of them spending time together, chatting and gossiping and enjoying meals assailed him. He rubbed at his temple trying to push the headache away. She looked up at him with a worried frown.

“It’s fine. Just memories coming back. We were really good friends once, weren’t we?”

“Yes.” She agreed, looking teary eyed. “Best friends.”

“I’d like to come see you in Camelot, I would, really, but I don’t know if that’s a good idea just yet.”

“Because your children are Druids?”

“Partly.” He hummed.

“They will be safe, I assure you. Sir Mordred and the King have been working with the Druids to broker peace for a little while now. He’s learning a lot about them, their practices, their magic. If you prefer, we can always come here instead? Would that be alright?”

“I-” Em gulped and remembered the fear from when the bandits had shown up, “only if you can swear that no harm will come to anyone or anything in this sanctuary? We had some men come and try attacking us a fortnight back, and I can’t have anything like that happen again.”

“You were attacked?” She asked, suddenly looking like a fierce warrior. “Sir Bedivere, Sir Kay.” Gwen called, and the knights extracted themselves from the kids and approached. “Start a regular patrol through this area as soon as we return to Camelot. Bandits attempted to attack this haven, and we cannot let it happen again.”

“Yes, your highness.” They agreed instantly.

“Good. I’m sorry to cut this short, but I must be going or the King will discover that I’ve gone off and taken some of his best knights with me.”

“No worries, your majesty,” Gwaine said with a crooked grin, “Leon is running interference for us.” Gwen rolled her eyes and Em chuckled.

“That’s not as reassuring as you think it is. Leon cannot lie to Arthur like some of us. We best be off. Have a good Solstice, Emrys.” She leaned forward and hugged him, kissing his cheek.

“Happy Solstice, Emrys.” The knights said, as each took a turn hugging him and ruffling his hair, careful of the sapling he still held.

You’re welcome to come join our celebration, if you’d like? Em said to Mordred as he mounted his horse. Mordred looked back with hope and longing in his eyes.

Can I? Mordred asked, sounding breathless even in mindspeak. Em gave him an exasperated look. I’ll be here. I promise.

Good. Be safe. Em nodded, waving the knights off along with the kids.

“I can’t believe we met the Queen!” Jana squealed once they were gone into the trees once more.

“She was beautiful!” Kala agreed.

“Where should we plant the sapling, Papa?” Milo asked, brushing his fingers on the little tree.

“I was thinking we could plant it in front of the house.” Em said thoughtfully.

“Can we open our gifts?” Tak asked, picking up the parcels.

“Is it the Solstice?” Em asked, raising an eyebrow, and Tak rolled his eyes. 

“You almost look like grand-da doing that.” Leagan grinned.

“Probably why it’s so effective then.” Em sniffed, making the children laugh. Tak and Mikal took the gifts in the house and came back out to make a circle where they were intending to plant the sapling. 

Em set it down reverently and joined hands with Leagan and Mikal, while the others around the circle did the same. He whispered words of magic, the kids joining in, as they watched the tree shiver and sink into the ground, shining with a golden light as it accepted its place. Aithusa joined them, leaning her head on Em’s shoulder and humming along with their chant until the sapling had grown a few inches and the glow subsided.

--

When the morning of the solstice arrived, everyone was bouncing around and helping with cooking and setting out flowers in remembrance of their lost loved ones. Mordred arrived around mid-morning, helping finish the decorating, looking very happy to be involved. Percival had come along as well, wanting to remember the time he’d spent with Druids after his family had died.

When the sun was set and the fire was blazing Em stood up, and everyone quieted down.

“Tonight, we celebrate the turning of the days. Tonight we celebrate those we have loved and lost. Tonight … we celebrate magic.” When he said ‘magic’, the sapling sent a pulse of magic through the air around them. The others stood up and they held their arms up toward the sky, chanting a prayer in the ways of the Old Religion, chanting to the earth and sky about the turning of time and the changing of seasons. When they were done, the fire sent up a plume of sparks that took the shape of a woman watching over them, a gentle smile on her face. They each tossed a sprig of the rowan that had dropped to the earth into the fire as an offering and she burned brighter before she was gone in a rush of white smoke.

“It’s time you open your gifts now, I believe.” Em said with a grin to the kids, who eagerly sat down and began opening their packages. He tossed a small package to Mordred and one to Percival who looked startled to be receiving anything. 

It wasn’t much, just a necklace that he and the kids had each put charms of protection and care into. 

Each child had received a small sword with a leather scabbard that was embossed with the Druid triskele. Leagan got a dagger, since he was too small for a sword. They also each got a hat and gloves that were knitted with care. Emrys received a hat and gloves as well as a thick leather bound tome of magic that he suspected Gaius had picked out.

Em allowed each of the children to have a small amount of wine before finally sending them to bed, while he stayed up with Mordred and Percival. After another hour he showed them rooms and went to bed himself. 

It was a lovely solstice, and a good omen for the new year, when the knights departed the next afternoon.

Em and the kids became used to frequent visits from the knights as the days wore on, and the season started to change once more into spring. With spring, comes warmer weather, and the wear of their clothing starts to show. Not to mention the growth spurts each one was hitting. The twins were now 10, Milo 11, Jana 14, Mikal 15, and Leagan approaching six. Em had been there a year already, and was no nearer to remembering who he was when he settled.

He didn’t mind, though. It was nice spending the days clearing the land and teaching the kids. But he really needed to go into a town and get some more material to make some more clothes. 

“We know you need to go.” Jana said quietly one morning.

“Just be safe and be back before the day’s over, ok?” Milo added, squeezing his hand.

“Are you sure you’ll be alright?” He asked uncertainly.

“We’re sure. It’s only a day. And Aithusa is here. If it will make you feel better, call Killy and he can stay with us as well.” Jana added, seeing his hesitation.

“Yes, I think that would make me feel better, actually.” Em sighed, patting her hand and kissing her head before standing up and calling the older dragon. 

“Of course I’ll watch over your nest, Emrys.” Kilgharrah huffed. “Now get going or you’ll never make it back before dark.” 

Em rolled his eyes. He collected what he had to trade and took one of the horses, sending one last long look at his kids before spurring the horse on. It was a lovely town, and they all seemed confused as to who he was, but were more than willing to trade with him. He got a few herbs he needed and another chicken, as well as enough material and thread to make new clothes for the kids. One man seemed rather desperate to be rid of a pig and offered it in exchange for one of the talismans that Merlin had strapped to his horse saddle. He was reluctant to trade it, but eventually accepted the trade and put a rope around the animal, leading it off with his horse. He couldn’t go as fast, having the short legged creature along, but it would be worth it.

Naturally, the kids were beyond excited to have a pig. Milo, Mikal, and Jana quickly put a pen together for him. They promptly named him Sir Oinks, and Em had to hold his hand over his stomach when he doubled over in laughter at how proud and delighted they all were with his name. 

“You can fix their clothing tomorrow, Emrys. Let’s have another story before I must be gone.” Kilgharrah said, settling down by the fire pit and snorting into it to light it.

“Can we have some chocolate?” Kala pleaded, and Em was defenseless against her begging when Leagan and Tak joined in.

“One piece each.” He said sternly, and they ran off to grab a chunk before returning to the fire.

Kilgharrah told a story about letting his anger and bitterness get the better of him when he tricked a young warlock into freeing him before attacking the city he was trying to protect. He spoke of fire and smoke and screams. Then he spoke of a boy discovering who his father was, finding him and connecting with a family he never knew he had. How that was stripped from him viciously by a sword and how he was powerless to stop it or save him. Em knew he was crying; he could remember holding his father in his arms as he spoke his last words, and he told him he was proud of who he was and had to become. 

Kilgharrah continued on, speaking of how this young warlock then rode out to meet the dragon with his Prince, before he commanded the dragon in the ancient language they shared and then showed him mercy. How he did not wish to kill the creature and sent him away to protect them both. One from his own bitterness and the other from a death sentence. He spoke of how it was this act of mercy, of kindness, that allowed him to see the young warlock for the incredible person he truly was.

“I’m not telling you this to deter you from acting on your anger. I’m telling you this so that you know there is always someone there that will see past that. Someone who will see you for the broken thing you are, and love you regardless. Or perhaps because of it.”

“His name was Balinor.” Em whispered, swiping at his eyes, before looking up and meeting Kilgharrah’s. “My father. His name was Balinor.”

“It was.” Kilgharrah said sadly. 

“He was hunted by Uther, that’s why he had to leave me.” Em sighed and rubbed his temples. “I can’t remember it all, but I remember bits.”

“I’m glad we found you, Papa.” Milo said, staring into the fire. “I’m glad you accepted us so easily and that we were able to finally have a home. A place to call our own where we weren’t afraid.”

“A place where we could rest and let go of our hurts.” Jana said, reading Mikal’s rapid signing.

“A home.” Leagan said with a sigh.

“I love you all.” Em said sincerely. 

“Get some rest, little ones.” Kilgharrah said, huffing a breath over them all before taking off.

Em tried sending them all to bed but they ignored him and marched into his room and snuggled into his bed, saving a space for him.

--

They were rudely awoken by a loud pounding on the front door. The kids started in surprise, fear evident in their eyes. 

“Stay here. Don’t move from the bed. Aithusa, guard them.” Em commanded and kissed each of their heads before heading for the door that was being pounded on once more.

“Please!” A strained voice called, sounding desperate, by Em knew a person could manipulate their tone to sound anxious. 

“Who’s there?” He called, his voice low and commanding.

“I’m Sefa, I used to work in the castle, but I had to leave. Please, Morgana is chasing me, I’m seeking refuge.”

Em cracked the door open, and spied the frantic girl who gasped and jumped back in alarm.

“You’re being chased by an irritated sorceress and you found your way to my haven. Were you followed?”

“Merlin?” She breathed, still looking surprised.

“Were. You. Followed?” He demanded.

“No, no I lost them in the last town. I ran through the stream in the forest so I wouldn’t leave tracks. They can’t follow me. I swear.”

“If you are lying, and any harm comes to my family, I will hold you responsible.” He swore, before opening the door and ushering her inside. “I imagine you’ve been gone from the castle for a while, because I’ve not been there in some time. Ever, that I can remember. Which brings the point; I had an injury some time back, just over a year now, and lost my memories. I’ve built a new life here. I go by Em.” As he spoke he guided her to a chair and heated some water for tea and set it in front of her. “You need to take some deep breaths or you’re going to hyperventilate and pass out.”

“Thank you. Thank you, so much, for allowing me sanctuary.” She practically sobbed as she wrapped her shaking hands around her cup. “I swear I lost them. I swear it.” 

“Breathe, Sefa.” Em encouraged. “Follow me, yeah?” He pried one of her hands from her cup and put it on his chest and took a deep breath, Sefa following his example and was able to calm down. Once she was calm, he was able to get a good look at her. Her dress was worn and torn in several places, and she was obviously cold as she was still shaking. Her boots were worn and barely held together. He reached a hand toward the fire and floated a few more logs over to it, allowing more warmth to seep through the house.

“You have magic.” She whispered, eyes wide.

“Did you not know that?” He asked, brows furrowing. 

“No, no I did not. My father had magic. He was a Druid, once. Before he joined Morgana. He said the prophecy was taking too long to come to fruition. I wish he’d only waited or talked to other people.” She said hurriedly. “I heard about your sanctuary from some people in the town. They said they knew someone lived here, but not who, and that there were children here as well. They wouldn’t talk about where it was, only the general direction.”

“Are you wanted in Camelot for any crimes?” He asked softly.

“They arrested me for passing information to my father, but it was really him they wanted to catch. I don’t believe I’m wanted.”

“I only ask because we often have knights that visit us. They’ve met and become friends with my family, knowing their Druids. Knowing they have magic, but not about me. Do you have magic?”

“No, I didn’t get the gift.” She sniffed, sounding disappointed.

“There’s nothing wrong with that. Now, if you’re calm, I’m going to reassure my children and tell them they are safe and we’re going to have breakfast. You look like you could use a meal. Then, the girls will take you to a room where you can get clean and rest for a bit. Is that alright?”

Sefa could only nod as she wiped tears away. Em got up and retreated to his room, finding the kids huddled together on the bed.

“There’s a young woman who is here seeking sanctuary. I’d like to get her some breakfast and let her rest for a bit while we figure out if you all think it’s safe for her to be here, alright?”

“She won’t hurt us or turn us in, will she?” Kala asked shakily.

“No, she won’t hurt you or turn any of us in. She’s just scared and tired. When she wakes later today, you can ask her questions, alright?” Em said, kneeling down at her level and taking her hands in his. “I’ll never let anything happen to you, ok? Never.”

“Promise?” She asked quietly. His heart felt like it was breaking a little at how small her voice was.

“I promise.” He said certainly, before pulling her in for a hug and tugging the other kids into it as well. 

Slowly, they made their way out into the main room once more, and Sefa stood suddenly, watching them fearfully. When her eyes landed on the children, her shoulders relaxed and she slumped back into her chair, trying to offer a smile. When she saw Aithusa, she nearly tripped on her chair in her haste to back away.

“That’s a dragon.” She whispered, looking pale.

“This is Aithusa.” Em agreed, patting the dragon. “If she and the children are alright with you staying, then you can stay. Once you’ve rested we can talk more. For now, I’m going to make some breakfast.” 

The kids helped get ingredients out and passed bowls to one another, Jana hesitantly handing one to Sefa, before hurrying away. When breakfast was over, and Sefa looked ready to fall asleep at the table, Em directed Kala and Jana to show her to a room where she could wash and rest while they tried to clean and repair her clothes and shoes as best they could, offering a spare pair of trousers and large shirt that Em often wore for sleeping. 

Em worked on repairing her clothes while the kids worked in the garden, pulling weeds and readying the ground for planting when it was warm enough. When he was done with the clothes, he went back inside and set them beside the door, hoping it was enough that she wouldn’t freeze if she left. He’d added subtle temperature spells to keep her comfortable.

When she rejoined them, looking more awake and less frazzled from her travels, it was late afternoon, and Em was teaching the children a somewhat complicated spell. He was explaining the principles and theory and Sefa quietly sat on a chair behind everyone, curious about what they were doing. They weren’t able to get the spell yet, but they were getting the pronunciation down correctly, so it was a good start for the day. While the children were putting their supplies away, and getting food together for dinner, Sefa approached Em.

“You’re teaching them magic.” She said certainly, yet quietly. “I’ve never seen it explained so fluidly.”

“It’s part of their heritage, they should have a complete understanding of what I’m asking them to do, should they not?”

“No, they should. This place really is a sanctuary for them. It’s … it’s incredible. I’m glad they have you.”

“Papa!” Leagan shouted, running over excitedly and thrusting out a hand. He was holding a handful of nuts that he’d found.

“Look what you found!” Em said happily, kneeling down. “That’s wonderful, Lea. Why don’t you grab some and put them in a bag so we can make something of them, yeah? Good job.” He kissed his head and sent him running along. 

“Papa! The soup is nearly ready! Are we eating inside or by the fire?” Kala called.

“Let’s eat by the fire, sweetheart. Spend some time studying the stars before you have to go to bed.” Em replied, chuckling at the several groans he heard before the door shut and there was a muffled argument. “They like to just watch the sky change colors and spy the stars, not study them.”

“I always loved when my father would teach me about the stars.” Sefa said wistfully. “He’d tell me about their nature and then the stories that went along with the patterns they make. I miss him terribly some days.”

“What of your mother?” Em asked curiously.

“She died when I was a little girl. It was always just my father and I. He died in his attempt to rescue me from the dungeons, not realizing it was a trick to get him there.”

“I’m sorry for your loss, Sefa.” Em said sincerely, as the kids came out carrying their bowls and handing one to Em and Sefa, before pulling him down to a seat squished between the kids.

“Thank you all for sheltering me.” She said, looking at the children. “I’m sorry I frightened you this morning with my arrival.”

“We’re alright, now.” Milo said around a full bite. Jana swatted his arm in annoyance.

“It was just a rude awakening.” Kala agreed. 

“How long are you wanting to stay?” Tak asked warily.

“If I could take a few days, just get some rest, I should be able to leave.” She replied, setting her bowl down and leaning toward the fire.

“Stay as long as you need.” Leagan said confidently, nodding at her in reassurance. 

“We know what it’s like to be on the run.” Jana said, reading Mikal’s sign.

“He’s right,” Jana agreed, “we all know what it’s like to be running from place to place trying to find something safe. You’re welcome to stay as long as you need, like Leagan said.”

“Really?” Sefa asked, tears gathering in her eyes.

“Really.” Em nodded, smiling at his kids. “If they say you can stay, you can stay.”

“Thank you all.” She sniffled, wiping at her face. “I will do everything I can to repay you for this kindness.”

“Just don’t join Papa in making us read about plants.” Milo grumbled, and Sefa barked out a laugh, the other kids snickering and rolling their eyes.

“You’re trying to get me to send you to bed without studying the stars, and it’s not going to work.” Em said with a grin. “But it was a nice attempt.” He reached over and ruffled Milo’s hair affectionately.

They stayed out for a couple hours once the sun had set before they were yawning too much to absorb anything. Em sent them to bed, Sefa as well, before going and collapsing in his own bed. He wasn’t surprised to wake up and find three of the kids in bed with him, nor Aithusa who was sleeping in front of Sefa’s room like a guard.

--

A few days after Sefa arrived, a patrol passed through, looking very rough and in need of medical care. It was a new group, none of them were knights that Em recognized. Between him, Sefa, and the kids, they were able to sort out the worst injuries and make sure they were on the way to healing. 

“Merlin?” A man with curly strawberry blonde hair questioned, as soon as he regained consciousness. 

“Shh.” Em shushed. “You were attacked, by the looks of you all. You’re safe to rest here. Call me Em.” He wiped a cloth over the knight’s head, feeling carefully for the cut that was at the edge of his hairline. “You shouldn’t need stitches, but it’s going to hurt for a while.”

“You’re alive.” The man gasped, reaching up and holding onto Em’s wrist.

“Yes.” Em said gently, patting the hand that was wrapped around him. “Though it’s a long story. I’m sorry if you remember me as someone else, but I’ve lost my memories. I’ve been slowly getting them back, though. So that’s something. You need to rest, so don’t stress about me, or who you knew me as. I’ll be here to answer your questions when you wake up.”

“Ok.” The knight said, his eyes already slipping closed from the sleeping potion he’d slipped in the water for each of the men who were injured. “I’m not leaving until we talk, Merlin. ‘S been boring without you.” He slurred as he fell asleep.

“Sefa, could you help Tak and Milo prepare some sandwiches for when they wake? It won’t be more than a couple hours.” Em asked, carefully prying the hand off his wrist and setting it on the ground beside the knight. 

“Of course.” She agreed readily, heading in the house with the boys.

They were eating dinner when the men began to stir. They were offered a sandwich and ushered over by the fire to warm up while they ate. When the man who recognized Em woke up, he hugged him tightly and patted his back as if to reassure himself that he was real.

“God, Merlin. We all thought you were dead. No one could find you after Ismere, and no one remembered even checking for you. I lost my voice for a few days because I yelled at them so much. The King was furious as well, but took it out on everyone in training once they were cleared for duty again. And here you are,” He said, leaning back and looking around at the kids and back to him, “living in the woods with a bunch of kids you took in. How many of those do you have, Merlin?”

“Calm down.” Em said gently, sitting him down by the fire. “First, I’ve no memory of anything before Ismere, unfortunately. I had a head injury and lost it all. A friend brought me here and set me up with the house hoping I’d regain them again with rest. I’m going by Em, at the moment. As for my kids, well,” Em sighed, running a hand through his shaggy hair, “they came later. I’ve taken in six, just so you have the number. Before I go further, though, how are you feeling? Any dizziness? Headache?”

“Headache, yes. Dizziness, no.” But Em saw the flicker in the man’s eyes and frowned.

“Kala, darling, can you grab a headache potion and the one for dizziness?” Em called, and she came over handing him the vials requested. “Thank you dear. It’s getting late, why don’t you gather your brothers and sister and head inside. I’ll be in shortly.” She nodded and relayed the message, all the kids retreating inside the house.

“We won’t impose on you.” The man started to argue and Em raised a challenging eyebrow at him.

“You are not well, yet. Spend the night here by the fire and rest. You’re safe here, in this sanctuary, I promise. In the morning, before you leave, I’d like to hear about what happened and how close it was so I know if I need to worry about being found by the wrong sort of people.”

“Are you telling me this as a physician or as a father?” 

“Both. You need rest to heal enough to ride without falling off your horses. And I need my children to understand that rest is an important part of healing. We’ll talk in the morning. Now lay down and go to sleep.”

“Yes, Merlin.” The man said, laying back and sighing in relief when he was flat on the ground once more. Em went to check on the kids, tucking them in, before returning outside and keeping watch over the knights who were recuperating. He was exhausted when morning came, but the kids brought him tea and bread for breakfast.

“Hey.” Em said, nudging the man awake. “I’m sorry to wake you, but it’s morning and you shouldn’t linger long.”

“Right.” The man said, yawning and sitting up rubbing his face, looking startled when Milo handed him a cup and piece of bread before moving to the others to do the same. “Thank you.” 

“You’re welcome.” Em said, smiling at his kids.

“I owe you information.” The man said, sipping his hot drink and sighing as it warmed him. “I’m Sir Leon, Head Knight of Camelot. We were on patrol and came across a group of mercenaries. We dispatched as many as we could, but several of us were injured and unable to make the return journey until we rested and tended our wounds. Several of the others mentioned a sort of haven this direction, so I knew if we could get here that we would be able to do that. And here you’ve taken care of all of those concerns.”

“Were all the mercenaries taken care of?” Em asked to be sure.

“They were. They won’t be bothering this area again.” Leon assured him.

“That’s good.” Em hummed. “We’re sending you back with a few provisions, but your journey shouldn’t be long. You can have Gaius double check our treatment, but I’m sure he’ll be happy with it.”

“You remember Gaius?”

“Sort of.” Em shrugged. “He’s visited a few times, with the knights who keep returning, so he’s helped with teaching the children a bit.”

“Am I the only one who didn’t know?” Leon asked with a frown.

“I can’t answer that.” Em shrugged again. “I’ve met Mordred, Gwaine, Bedivere, Bors, Percival, Kay, Elyan and a few others I can’t remember the names of. The Queen even came out before the Solstice to deliver a few gifts.”

“I can’t believe they haven’t told me, or even Arthur.” Leon said, still frowning as he ate his bread.

“Well, when the weather gets warmer and stays warmer, you’re welcome to return for a friendly visit and I can tell you my ridiculous tale of becoming a guardian for six lost kids.” Em said, playfully nudging Leon’s arm, making him snort.

“I’ll take you up on that.” Leon replied, grinning widely. “Your healing seems to have improved. I imagine having time to actually study and practice has something to do with that. I’m sure Gaius is proud of you.”

“He told me he was. Called me a physician too, not an apprentice, which is apparently what I was for more years than I should have been.” Em sighed. “Makes me wonder what I did with all my time. If I could learn all I needed and apply it to become a physician in less than a year, what was I doing in Camelot? Surely if I was an apprentice my job would be to remain at Gaius’ side constantly. Anyway,” Em shook his head, “you should all get going. It’s a couple hours ride, from what I’m told, and it would be best to do it in the morning before anything is stirring in the woods.”

“You’re right, of course.” Leon nodded, and stood with help from Em. He turned to the other knights who had gotten to their feet, “we make for Camelot, ready the horses.”

“Yes, sir.” They agreed, and went to check on the horses, seeming surprised to find them already saddled and ready to go.

“They were getting antsy waiting for you all to wake up.” Tak said, leading the reigns to Leon’s horse over. “We took time to brush them down a bit more and get them ready to go.”

“That was very kind of you, thank you. All of you, for your help. I hope to return soon to repay your generosity. Take care, Em. I’ll see you before long, I expect.”

“Travel safe.” Em replied, standing back with the kids once the men were all mounted. Leon turned back like he had more to say but couldn’t find the words. Instead he nodded and led the men back into the trees and away.

Em yawned widely, once they were gone and rubbed a tired hand over his face.

“Why don’t you go lay down for a bit, Em?” Sefa said gently.

“Can’t.” Em said, stretching out his stiff body. “Have to finish getting the ground ready for planting and get more water for the reservoir since the creek thawed and I need to get started on the new batch of jerky since Milo got that deer yesterday before all the excitement.”

“It’s a few hours, Papa.” Jana said scoldingly. “We’ll take care of the water and the garden, but you won’t be able to help us if you’re falling asleep on your feet. We promise to wake you if anything comes up and we’ll take Aithusa to the creek with us.”

“Are you certain?” He asked, biting his lip to keep from laughing at her attempt to give him the eyebrow. “Alright, fine. One hour. I’m going to rest for one hour and then get started on that deer. Then we’re all going to take turns having a bath tonight.”

“Yes!” Leagan exclaimed, bouncing on his feet. “Can you make bubbles for us again?”

“Obviously I’m going to make you bubbles.” Em grinned. “Ok, Jana, are you comfortable setting up who does what or do I need to assign them?”

“I can do it.” She said with a proud smile.

“You lot listen to your sister, alright? I’ll be right inside and if I find out you didn’t listen when I get up, then you will be running laps around the clearing until I get tired of watching you do it. Understood?”

“Yes, Papa.” The kids replied in equal measures exasperation and annoyance.

“Good. Remember to come get me if anything happens.” Em kissed each of their heads, waved to Sefa, and was asleep as soon as he hit his pillow.

--

He was rather proud when he woke up a few hours later, because one hour apparently wasn’t enough, to find that they had all listened to Jana who was helping Sefa with the last bucket from the creek. Kala and Mikal helped him finish stripping the deer down and they cut and sectioned off the pieces they needed for their stores and jerky.

The kids wanted to celebrate the summer Solstice bigger than the winter Solstice and so they wanted to start planning right away. They wanted to invite the Druids, and Em agreed that it would be nice to have one big celebration instead of just their small family gathering. Luckily, Mordred came by with Percival, Gwaine, and Elyan a few days after Leon departed so he was able to extend the invitation through him. Mikal was signing nearly frantically with Percival because he was so excited about it and Percival was smiling brightly and laughing at his giddiness. 

“He reminds me of my children.” Percival told him quietly. “I was hunting one day, and when we came back, the village was completely burned up. Everyone was dead. My wife and our two kids. Arian, our boy, was like Mikal. Couldn’t speak except to my wife through his mind. We learned signs to be able to communicate. Arya, our daughter, loved showing him different signs for everything she found. Seeing Mikal … well. It’s like a second chance to talk with my son again.”

“I’m sorry that happened to you.” Em said, patting the man on his shoulder.

“It was difficult moving on at first. But I went to the Druid clan my wife had been a part of before we were married and they helped me find peace again. Them and Lancelot, anyway.”

“Lancelot?” Em frowned as images of a dark haired man with a beautiful smile and a mischievous look in his eyes danced through his mind. “I knew him, didn’t I?”

“You did. You were thick as thieves, you and Lancelot. We got a letter from you one day and came to help and never left. I’m glad we got this chance, again. To see our lost loved ones in new faces. It’s comforting.”

“Em!” Gwaine shouted, and nearly plowed him over as he jumped on his back. “When Leon comes back tell him it isn’t our fault he was too busy in the stuffy castle to come see you when we told him he needed to come out this way.”

“Only if you stop jumping on me.” Em chuckled, dropping Gwaine back to his feet. “You all should be off, or you’ll bring the rest of your merry band here and we don’t have enough food for all of you.”

“Ah, about that.” Elyan said, a crooked grin on his face. “We brought you some things.”

“What did you bring us?” Kala asked excitedly.

“We brought some treats from the royal kitchens of Camelot!” Gwaine said dramatically.

“Stealing from the kitchens again, Gwaine?” Em asked, chuckling, but wincing as he remembered helping the man and even Percival at times steal some food.

“Bit more difficult now that I don’t have inside help, but I make do.” Gwaine winked at him.

“That being said,” Elyan interrupted, pulling out a bag, “ta-da!”

The kids took it greedily and pulled out sweet breads and meat pies and a whole cooked chicken. They didn’t wait for any encouragement or words from Em to wait before they each took a handful of something and started eating, squealing in delight. Eventually the knights left after plenty of hugs and promises to be back for the celebration.

Em was surprised the next morning when there was a note and Sefa was gone. 

“I’m sorry that those men were so close to you. I’m almost certain they were searching for me. I won’t bring that sort of danger to what you’ve built here. I’ll make sure I’m sighted somewhere further away, maybe it’ll draw them, maybe it won’t, but I have to try. Thank you for your kindness and hospitality. Your family was amazing, allowing me a brief refuge. Take care, Em. Sefa.” Em read, once the kids joined him at the table.

“She was starting to grow on me a bit.” Tak said with a sigh. 

“It was interesting being around someone that didn’t have magic other than a knight.” Milo agreed with a hum.

“Well, maybe we’ll see her again, one day.” Em agreed, folding the letter back up. “No time to dwell on it, I’m afraid. Not with the celebration we’re planning.”

--

The kids started to chatter excitedly, and Em winced as he was assailed with the silent voices of approaching Druids. A lot of them if he had to guess. He went outside to greet them, the kids following unsure what he was up to.

“Papa? Is something wrong?” Kala asked curiously.

“You don’t hear that?” He asked uncertainly.

“Hear what?” Jana asked, frowning.

“The … the mindspeak. From the Druids. You can’t hear them?”

“No.” They all replied, looking at him in concern.

“Strange.” Em said softly, just as the first of the Druids came through the trees. They approached and knelt before him. He took a small step back, unsure what they were doing or why. “Erm. Hello?”

“Emrys.” They whispered reverently.

“Yes. Uh, welcome to our sanctuary.” He cleared his throat. “Right. If you all could direct the kids on how you want the decorations set up, I’ll get back to preparing food.” 

He did what he could to steer clear of them, not wanting anymore interactions that he was unsure of, so he decided he’d rather take the Druids in small doses. He hated their emphasis about prophecies and their annoying seeming worship of him. Mordred and Percival showing up the next day helped ease some of his anxiety, since they treated him normally. 

The morning of the solstice, the other knights all showed up in their regalia, representing Camelot and their newly formed peace treaty. As the peak of the day approached, the Queen showed up, with someone else on her arm, that Em couldn’t see through the throngs of people filling his clearing. 

“Everyone, please gather ‘round.” Em called, and the talking ceased as they circled the rowan tree that was shimmering in the slight breeze. “Today we gather to observe the changing of the seasons. Not just in nature but in our very kingdoms. Today we celebrate friendship, new and old, known and unknown.” He spoke with a loud commanding voice, drawing the eyes of everyone present. His kids were beside him, holding hands as they had on winter solstice. “Today we celebrate love. Love of family, of friends, and of the wonder of the world around us. Nature. Sky. Seas. Earth. And magic.” 

The earth hummed at his words, magic reaching up and caressing him. His kids all gasped as they felt what he did since they were connected to each other. He hummed along with the melody he heard, it amplified the tune and resonated in the clearing, warming all who heard it, surrounding them with the magic of the day. Aithusa hummed along, adding to the chorus. Eventually the kids joined in, then the Druids, then the others who had gathered. 

Em raised the joined hands to the sky and the woman who had appeared above the fire before, appeared again, shimmering as she smiled down at them. As she faded, the golden light surrounding the clearing faded as well, sinking into the earth. Em led the kids over to their garden where their crops had started breaking through the earth. They cheered excitedly, wrapping around him in a tight hug, before they broke free and danced around him smiling and laughing happily. His face hurt from smiling so much, but he was having a great time with his little found family.

When the day was winding down, and the Druids departed, the only ones who remained were the knights, the Queen and her companion, who Em finally got a good look at. Their eyes locked for a moment and a thousand memories rushed through his mind. He dropped the glass he’d been holding, his mouth dropping open.

“Arthur.” He whispered.

“Merlin.” Was whispered right back, before they met in the middle of the clearing hugging each other fiercely. 

They whispered each other’s names repeatedly as they clung to each other. 

“I can’t believe I forgot.” Em gasped as he gripped Arthur firmly.

“I can’t believe you’re alive.” Arthur whispered. 

“How could I forget? How? I don’t understand!” Em gasped, struggling to breathe.

“You were injured, Merlin. It wasn’t your fault.” Arthur said, stroking a hand through his hair that helped calm him. 

“Papa?” Leagan called anxiously. Em backed away from Arthur and wiped at his face uselessly, before kneeling down to the youngest boy. 

“I’m fine, Lea. I remember now. I remember everything.”

“Are you going to leave us now?” Tak asked, looking near tears.

“Hey, no, why would you think that?” Em asked, pulling Tak closer. “I’m your Papa and I will always be. Alright? Just because I remember before doesn’t mean I’m going to leave you now. I’m not. I promised you, didn’t I?”

“Don’t you want your life back?” Jana asked, wiping at her face. 

“I’ve been with you all for over a year, or nearly. I’m your parent, I’m not abandoning you. Never that. You’re stuck with me.” Em swore, and pulled them all in and hugged them just as tightly as he had Arthur.

“Don’t worry,” Arthur said gently, kneeling beside them, “I wouldn’t allow your Papa to give this up for anything. I’ll just have to visit when I think I need his advice or need someone to insult me to my face. Would that be alright? Could I come and visit on occasion?”

“You promise you won’t take him away?” Milo asked in a whisper.

“I promise.” Arthur said certainly. 

“It was really beautiful today, Em. We had a wonderful time.” Gwen said, settling on the ground beside them.

“I haven’t been part of a celebration in a long time.” Mordred said wistfully, sitting down by the kids along with Percival, Elyan, Gwaine, and Leon. “It was incredible.”

“I never knew you had magic, Merlin.” Arthur said thoughtfully. “And I’ve never seen magic interact with the world like that.”

“My magic’s always been more feeling than anything else.” Em shrugged. “And call me Em. It’s what I go by now, and I don’t think I can switch back that easily.”

“That’s fine.” Arthur nodded, when Em separated from the kids enough to sit on the ground and let them drape themselves over him. He stroked their hair back and soothed their tears with hugs and kisses and soft affirmations that he was staying with them. “I know it might not be interesting at the moment, but, well, I’d like to hear your story. What happened after Ismere?”

“It’s a long story.” Em chuckled, but hugged his kids and squeezed their hands.

“I’ve got time.” Arthur said firmly, offering a soft smile.

So Em talked and told his story, while the Once and Future king listened and swore to help make the world a better place for his best friend the warlock and his children.