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Chapter Text

“Merlin, you have done much, but its time to return. The fate of Albion has been lost. The witch has won, Mordred is to betray the king and magic is to be locked away”.

“No, no way there has to be another way”.

“I’m sorry my child there is no more to be done”.

Fury and sadness blew over Arthur like a storm and then…

…

The space was familiar, dark yet comforting, but something wasn’t right, something has changed.

“Ahh” Arthur woke up panting.

“My lord your finally awake” said Leon, one of his most fearless knights.

The room was dark, it was the throne room with something missing. Many things missing. There was no windows nor any door to leave. This was wrong.

“Leon where are we” Arthur asked looking his man in the eyes, but as he waited for an answer another voice jumped in.

“Sorry queenie, but we do not know. We all woke up here. Surprisingly it took you the longest time to wake up, you looked almost comfortable while we all woke up immediately. The pressure is too strong for us apparently”.

Gwains voice was as horrible as ever and he was of course annoyed. Sleeping on the floor while the queenie slept on his throne which had a damn pillow on it. Royals!

Arthur looked around feeling confused. “What pressure Gwaine?”

Gwaine looked at the prince like he was losing his mind as did the other knights of the round table.

“Your majesty, you can’t feel it?” asked Leon just as confused. “It’s all around, like its keeping us in place, possibly to prevent us from escaping”.

Arthur took in the surroundings. It was dark with no windows, yet the candles have been lit all around the room. It felt like he really was in his throne room yet another look up and he saw what his men meant. The walls and the ceiling were shining, looking very much enchanted, like a barrier was set all around, leaving no escape at all, but it was weird he felt safe. There was no pressure, more like a protective barrier, meant to protect him and only him. It was the first time Arthur felt like he did not need to fear magic.

“It feels comfortable to me, like it wants to protect me”.

The men looked confused, yet before anyone could complain a voice rang around the room.

“I feel the same, o brother of mine.

“Morgana! What are you doing here!”.

The scream was feelt all around almost like it shook the ground.

Artur and Morgana both looked surprised yet Morgana quickly calmed.

“Wish I could tell you, brother yet neither I nor anyone in this room knows. I must say I agree with your knights on this It appears someone wish to keep us here, tho it feels safe to me it may be a trick”.

…

“You are wrong my lieges.”

Morgana, Arthur, the knights and everyone in attendance turned. The light was dancing around the candles, taking away their brightness and circiling around.

“Get behind us, my lord!” Leon shouted and all the knights circled the king.

“No need to be afraid queenie we will protect you” added Gwaine with his signature smirking smile.

“No need to be afraid” the voice said, light finally gathered in the center of the room as the voice continued to speak. “No harm will come upon you, this is a sanctuary for you all made by my son”.

“Your son? Who are you and why are we here” Arthur said stepping forward.

“It does seam rather rude to take us to a place forcefully and then call it a sanctuary” Morgana said fearsomely.

…

“You both are of course right but believe me neither I was capable of knowing this could happen. It was not written anywhere destiny or otherwise” the form spoke as it finally cleared up.

Before them stood a woman, white as a ghost yet beautiful. Like she caried all the goodness in the world.

The room froze before …

“My goddess” screamed a voice.

Arthur and the whole of Camelot party turned again, finding druids on there knees.

Arthur was confused. “Why are you kneeling? Goddess? What goddess and who the hell are you?”

The druid turned to the goddess silently asking her if he can respond. The beauty just waved her hand at him to go ahead.

“My name is Iseldir, your majesty and I am the chieftain of the druids”.

Arthur looked alarmed and steeped back.

“No need to fret my lord we wish Camelot no harm and we had no idea of why we were brought here. We are kneeling as the person you see in front of you is the goddess of Avalon herself.

The knights looked at him suspiciously and the king looked surprised.

“Okay then do explain to me why a goddess is here” Arthur asked laughing at the absurdity of the situation.

Iseldir looked ready to talk when Morgana interrupted “Brother I would kneel as well as the druid is not lying. As a priestess of the old religion, I can feel the power of a god who gives us some of our power during the rituals and I can confirm this is her” Morgana spoke in the most calm voice that Arthur has heard in months.

Arthur turned to look at her, but was quickly surprised. Morgana was on her knees. SHE WAS KNEELING.

Arthur feel to his knees, asking the others to do the same, as they did.

The whole room feel on their knees as the goddess spoke again.

“You posed a question Arthur Pendragon, do you wish to know the answer?”

She spoked softly, not arrogantly as most from Camelot imagined a god would be like. She was soft almost motherly.

Arthur stared for a moment before reminding himself he was asked a question.

“Yes, my lady, I would be pleased to know why you gathered us here”.

The goddess took a breath. “First, I would be pleased if you all referred to me as Macha. My child would not be pleased if I had his friends refer to me so politely. He would blame me for tarnishing his king” the goddess smiled sadly.

“I am here to show you the truth. As one of the triple goddesses and as one my child trusts not to harm any of you”.

Morgana looked weirdly at her god.

“My lady, do forgive my impudence, but since when do the triple goddesses have a child?”

“Ha, if he heard you be this polite he would be happy, but I am not so pleased with you Morgana Pendragon” the goddess snarled at Morgana yet looked almost resigned.

Morgana flinched back.

“No matter, No fear I will do nothing to you as for your question, the triple goddesses have a child, a child you know as Emrys and known to others by another alias. All in this room know him as one or the other, some as both”.

 “Emrys?!” both Morgana and Arthur said at once. One screaming it the other clueless.

“Yes, Emrys my lady, my king yet for now it would be best to forget this information. I am here in his name as a witness to your reactions and to show you what has brought you all to this moment, from the point of a very important person”.

Morgana looked interested yet upset. Not willing to see her weak self. Arthur was curious as who would be important enough to know something he does not know. The knights all wanted to get tf out and Gwaine well he was bored and wouldn’t mind some drama.

“Excuse me, but do we have to watch this” said Mordred clearly uncomfortable.

“Mordred?” Morgana spoke surprised to see him here.

“My lady” Mordred just nodded yet his eyes did not fall from the goddess. He was clearly tired.

“Let me make this easier for you to accept shall I. Morgana you will learn the identity of Emrys and why he does not stand with you,” Morgana smirked wanting to know more, “Mordred you will learn why Emrys never trusted you or why you think he hates you, why he is so keen on abandoning you” Mordred’s eyes cleared a bit, hopeful that there is a reason. “Arthur Pendragon and Camelot company you will know who has been helping you, saving and protecting you and you will see him in a new light” Arthur did look more interested, but also looked upset at someone helping him secretly, not showing his face, “and druids you will learn of Emrys, see what he has seen and see what he has been through” all the druids nodded.

“These are the terms. You can make your own judgments, but do take in the whole story and the position the person has been put in. You can not fight, magic itself has been locked from all of you in most of its capacity and lastly know that this can decide the fate of the world. My child has put his faith in all of you”.

Morgana looked appalled and Mordred looked shocked that Emrys would trust him now.

“Yes, lady Morgana, you know Emrys’s real identity and he never hated you. You will see as you watch and Mordred, he is sorry of what he has done, he blames himself too much, yet he never could trust you, until now. He is putting all his faith in the two of you. Please do not let my sweet child do all this in vain, don’t make him blame himself even more”. Macha looked sad, but continued with a small smile “just something to think about”.

Mordred felt happy. He knew he shouldn’t, Emrys betrayed him time and again, but maybe there is a reason, maybe he can finally learn from him, but it may as well be too late. Morgana just shrugged burying the memories of Emrys attacking her, as the goddess she worships seems to believe in him maybe she will see why. Yet she can not understand why he would stand with a Pendragon, the one who wants magic dead.

“Well let us not waste any more time. Do you accept the terms?”

Morgana spoke first “Yes I am willing to learn”.

Mordred just nodded at Macha.

Arthur looked conflicted

“We will follow you my lord” said Leon.

“Thank you, Leon”.

“I do accept my lady, but I have a question” spoke a voice to Arthurs left.

“Gwen you can’t just accept!” yelled both Arthur and Elyan.

Macha smiled “ Of course my Lady Guinevere, what may I answer for you”.

“Thank you, my lady, I was just wondering someone from our group seams to be missing.”

“Missing!” Arthur yelled looking around. He noted that all his knights were present plus the council members, Gwen was here by his side and Gaius was sitting on one of the chairs nearby looking resigned, even Geoffrey was listening intently nearby, but yes something was missing. Artur spun to his right faster then he ever did and his face fell.

“Where is Merlin” Gwen said and Arthur’s heart broke. Where was he? He should be by his right at all times, how did nobody notice, how didn’t he notice.

Macha smiled contently “So you noticed. No need to be on your guard Merlin is completely fine, yet he is unable to be here in this moment as we will be watching his life and as some of you may know he wouldn’t want to witness it again, but have no fear king Arthur you will be able to talk to him later as will all of you be able to knights, Gwen and Gaius”.

Gaius for the first time since he stepped into this room felt relieved. So, his boy was okay. Then he has no need to refuse as Merlin would prevent this if he did not wish it.

“I accept if that is the case lady Macha” said Gaius, Gwen smiling in the backround.

Arthur looked conflicted even more. Why watch Merlin’s memories, but Gwaine interrupted his thoughts.

“I’m in, sorry queenie, but I would gladly watch Merlin when he was younger, when we haven’t meet. Maybe we will even see baby Merlin. I accept Macha” Gwaine all but yelled out.

Arthur smiled, guess he has no choice “If I can see Merlin be a fool gladly, I accept”.

All the knights nodded along, and the council members agreed as well and lastly the druids were all too honored to be a part of this quickly agreeing.

Mache smiled “then let the viewing begin”

Chapter Text

To say Morgana was confused was an understatement, why of all the bloody humans, why, why, just why that pesky little servant. She knows he has something to do with Emrys, but why HIM.

“Lady Morgana, I can see your hesitance at the boy’s involvement, so I have a surprise for all or well most of you all” spoke Macha gracing them all with a smile.

The room brightened with a blue light and out of in a portal appeared. A black bluish portal.

“NO!” a voice screamed magic behind it shaking the ground slightly.

Morgana looked at the portal shaking and crying.

“Sister”

As the voice spoke Morgana ran and jumped only for her to be caught by her sister.

“Morgause” Morgana screamed running her fingers through her sister’s hair, crying all the while.

The display was touching for some while the others prepared for battle. Arthur draw his sword as did all his knights and Morgause looked at them coldly preparing to fight.

“Enough!”

Macha’s voice was loud and intimidating, the light appeared blinding the room.

The light danced around from the sorceress to the knights, spinning around them while they could do nothing but close their eyes.

Until all disappeared. The room was dark again candles the only light.

The knights opened their eyes all knowing one thing, their swords were no more. The weight of the object completely disappeared except for one person.

Morgause opened her eyes feeling empty yet free. Magic was locked. Completely and utterly locked. There, but only as a faint whisper.

“I have told you my terms, so no fighting is allowed, lady Morgause that is your only chance, you agreed to the terms, so I did not remove your magic when you entered, but as it seems you want to manipulate even the gods it has been locked as with most of them. The knights I have confiscated your blades, none is to be used”.

Morgause bowed slightly “My apologies my lady I wanted to defend my sister”.

“Excuse me” Arthur’s voice spoke confused.

“You said you’d confiscate our blades, yet my sword is still here”.

Morgana finally looked back shocked, the knights all being at the loss for words while the druids and Mordred smiled.

The goddess smiled at the King.

“That is correct young King, I confiscated all the swords, but yours as it is the gift of Emrys himself, I have no power to take it from your hands”.

“A gift from Emrys? I pulled this sword from a stone, what gift?” Arthur was feeling like he has finally lost him…

Actually no, according to Merlin, he already lost it.

“More on that latter, just let me finish with your gift or we will never start” said the goddess while the Gaius looked sympathetic after all, he deals with Merlin and his King every day.

Arthur did not look satisfied, but oh well he is never satisfied so the goddess just pointed to the Veil opened in the room.

“Right, I forgot about that” Arthur spoke still unsure what to focus on.

“May I come out now lady Mocha, this is rather boring if you ask me” a voice spoke from within.

A familiar voice thought Percival, very familiar.

“You may sir knight, I apologize you had to wait this long” Macha spoke smiling only a bit too wildly.

Arthur glared at the portal and outside it really stepped a knight.

…

“Lance?” Percival looked up at his friend.

“Sorry to leave you all alone my friends” Lancelot smiled and started walking to their direction.

Percival was first to move hugging his brother in arms almost immediately.

“I took care of merlin for you” said Percival, crying on Lance’s shoulder.

“I knew you would thank you and thank you for staying alive” Lance just patted the back of his friend.

“My turn” screamed Gwaine jumping on Lance, Percival expecting this already moved.

“Nice to see you too Gwaine” Lance hugged Gwaine.

“Don’t do this again yeah” was all the response he got as Gwaine laughed.

“I’ll try”.

Elyan and Leon just quickly hugged him, giving sly remarks with Leon being very threatening “Don’t do this again”.

Lance then spun from his friends laughing at him to look at the king and his love Gwen.

Arthur was still stuck in place while Gwen cried.

Lance just extended his arms and she moved. Gwen flew to him and hugged him as tightly as she could, afraid she would lose him again.

Arthur then finally decided to speak “Lancelot, nice of you to join us, but before anything I would like to ask a question”.

All the knights tensed, and Morgana looked at Arthur with interest.

“Yes, my lord?” Lance said as he let go of Gwen and kneeled before his king.

“A while ago you interrupted my and Gwen’s wedding, I would like to know why?” Arthur’s voice was strong yet filled with feelings of betrayal that have been buried.

Lancelot looked at his lord.

“I am sorry my lord, there is no excuse, but I did love Gwen. I will say this much, I would never brake up your and Gwen’s wedding no matter my feelings.”

Arthur punched the wall next to him “Then what happened that day”.

Lancelot looked to the ground as did Gwen, everything quieted.

“Oh, enough brother. That was my fault, I turned him in a shade to brake your wedding” Morgana’s voice was nonchalant, not caring yet annoyed at having her moment with her sister be interrupted.

“Wha-“

“Arthur Pendragon, you will get your answer, just know Lancelot did you no harm it was Morgana. You will learn more as you watch” Macha spoke calmly.

Arthur was infuriated, not knowing what is true and what not anymore. He wishes Merlin was here, yet he feels grateful knowing Lancelot hasn’t betrayed him. Arthur steps before the kneeling knight pulling him up and in a hug.

“Merlin missed you, we all did” Arthur spoke.

“Thank you, my lord, I did as well, all of you”.

Macha clicked her tongue.

“Okay, okay now that this is over, we have two more, who I doubt any of you will be pleased to see so let it be quick.”

At those words all eyes went to the portal yet again reveling two men.

Morgana’s eyes burned with hatred as did Morgause’s. Arthur teared up at first only for betrayal to wash over him.

Two men walked out Uther Pendragon and Agravaine de Bois.

“Father” Arthur bowed slightly to his father until his eyes fell on Agravaine showing nothing but betrayal.

“Arthur, I trust you have been well, how has Camelot been since my departure”.

Uther spoke too casually for Arthur to like, something was missing. He was about to comment, but a voice interrupted him.

“Uther does not remember him time as a ghost and Agravaine does not remember his death as that information would spoil your reaction. All memories will be recovered in time”.

Uther’s time as a ghost. Yes, he did a lot of harm, but what did his father learn that was so important.

Well Arthur can think about that later, now he must hug his father and so he did.

Morgana just looked at Uther with hatred, but decided it was not worth it. He is still dead. No matter what.

Uther hugged his only son, but secretly watched Morgana. Now at least he will know what changed his darling daughter, or more like who changed her.

Agravaine not knowing what to do stepped to Morgana’s side but kept his distance. As when Uther and Arthur broke from the hug, Uther stood by his son.

“Finally, now that this has finished. We can finally go forward with reacting shall we, another thing to note you will be able to hear Merlin’s thoughts or thought of anyone present in the moment. Now let’s begin” Mocha’s voice rose in the room again and this time everyone nodded.

The ground shook and the floor fell.

“Ahhhh”

Everyone screamed, some holding onto each other closing their eyes.

Everyone was still until suddenly the ground could be felt beneath their feet again, sunlight brushing their faces. Arthur opened his eyes only to find himself in the wood’s. It was the woods near Camelot.

Arthur turned to see his knights still having their eyes closed. Gwaine and Percival were hugging, and Gwen was holding onto Lancelot. Even Gaius and Geoffrey were holding onto each other.

“Oh, enough of this foolishness you can open your eyes”.

As Arthur spoke everyone slowly but surely opened their eyes looking around.

“The woods near Camelot” Leon spoke weirded out.

“What is going on here?” spoke Arthur while Uther screamed out magic on instinct. Morgana then spoke.

“This is not an illusion or hallucination, we are actually here? How is this possible?” spoke Morgana before turning to Mocha.

“You are correct this is a time travel spell, not possible to achieve by normal amounts of magic. You all will be able to see all that has transpired. You can touch and feel as well as taste and smell. All your senses will work, the only difference is you will have no impact on the past. No one else will be able to see you, touch you or hear you. You are here just as witnesses to events from Merlin’s perspective.

“And there he is” Iseldir spoke pointing beyond the woods.

Walking towards them was a young boy much younger then now, yet still clearly Merlin with his bag on his back.

Arthur turned to looks and said shocked “He was walking to Camelot, why not take a horse Ealdor has them”

“They are farming horses not traveling ones” spoke Gwen. “You saw they were using them as such when we were there”.

“Right” Arthur responded blown away by the fact Merlin walked all the way.

“So, we follow him” spoke Morgana completely uninterested in the situation.

Druids nodded already being far ahead right by Merlin’s side.

So they followed.

Merin walked slowly, taking his time, watching all around. The walk even from not so far lasted ages until Merlin finally stood right in front of Camelot’s walls.

He looked happy, excited as he stepped inside the walls and walked around looking for the entrance to the palace courtyard until he finally found it. As he stepped inside trumpets were going off and a man was being dragged to the courtyard. Merlin looked up only to see the king Uther Pendragon standing on the balcony.

“Are you serious?!” Morgana screamed. “This is the first thing he sees while coming in the palace, it’s a wonder he didn’t escape. Comping to an execution on his first day”.

Morgana looked sick and Morgause felt disgusted as she realized she will probably see a lot of death.

“Merlin really likes trouble, eh Lance” Gwaine spoke looking disturbed yet not surprised.

“It appears so Gwaine” Lance responded as he watched the younger Merlin knowing this will hurt.

Merlin watched and listened as Uther gave his speech.

Morgana looked sick when Uther called himself a just king.

Arthur looked at Merlin’s eyes they were scared. Iseldir and Mordred both looked disturbed. ‘Hearing this right when he came to Camelot much have been horrifying’ thought Mordred looking towards the executioner.

Merlin watched as the king babbled on about the evils of magic and how he saved a kingdom. As he was over of the speech a woman screeched and all eyes turned towards her.

“There is only one evil in this land, and it is not magic. It is you” A woman started to speak to the king full of sorrow. She was sobbing about the loss of her son to the kings arrogance and swore revenge by the end of the celebrations before disappearing.

Merlin looked disturbed but continued his search for Gaius’s chamber asking the guard for direction.

“Its weird seeing him so lost” Arthur commented walking before Merlin.

“It is my lord, but it was his first time here your highness” Gaius said looking scared for what is coming.

Merlin finally found the room and started calling for Gaius while looking around. He saw the stairs and looked up only to see Gaius and called out for him.

As he called out Gaius finally turned around, but just as he did the railing broke leaving Gaius falling towards the ground. Merlin watched, eyes turning gold and suddenly time stopped.

“Magic!” yelled Uther looking at the boy horrified. “He has magic” he said again before going to sit on the chair thinking of how to get the boy out of Camelot.

“Merlin” Arthur called out confused not knowing what to believe.

Realization hit Morgana and Morgause, both looking horrified yet impressed. Morgause finally realizing what she was missing when she talked to the boy. It was impressive that he managed to avoid detection especially since he must have been the one spoiling every moment. Well she will learn of it all now, and his intentions.

To say Morgana was shocked would be an understatement.

‘He understood me, then why? Why did he do what he did? Why protect the man who wishes him to burn’.

All the moments rushed into her head. All the things she said to him, that HE said to her. He wasn’t exajirating. But why didn’t he help her.

“WHY DIDN’T  HE TELL ME!” screamed Morgana, tears welling into her eyes.

Mordred looked at the druids lost for words.

“He can stop time” he said breathlessly.

Druids all looking horrified with only Iseldir to respond “Apparently so” looking as impressed as all the druids together.

Lancelot looked proud as did Gaius underneath the fear he felt for his boy.

Gwaine just looked impressed as he knew there was more to Merlin then he let on and the knights looked surprised, but not horrified. Mostly impressed he managed to keep the secret this long.

Only Leon, Arthur, Uther, and the council had varying expressions.

Uther was regretting ever letting him inside his castle.

The council members were horrified magic was so close to them.

Leon was just thinking of all the moments that something supernatural happened and Merlin was always there, being proud but worried for his friend he looked at Arthur, afraid of what he might think of his friend.

Arthur was crying.

‘So, this is what he was hiding all this time. Magic is evil… but Merlin has magic. When did he learn it? How many times did I talk about the evils of magic to him? Did he betray me?’

Arthur was asking himself these questions, but he knew the answer to just one. Merlin in not evil and he did not betray him. This was certain of, but it still stung. He knew Merlin didn’t betray him, but he didn’t trust him either why and more importantly what should he do.

He continued to watch. He needs to know more to judge his friend.

Macha looked at the king proudly. She expected him to throw a tantrum, but Merlin was special to him.

‘Time will soon come my son, when you can stand in front of your king proudly being yourself’ she smiled looking at Merlin in the past.

Merlin searched around the room, trying to find something to help the men from falling to his death as his eyes noticed a bed. Thinking of what he wanted to do the magic followed his thoughts dragging the bed underneath Gaius to break his landing, this time his eyes just barely turning gold, almost unnoticeably.

Mordred took a breath.

‘That should not be possible, the gold is the sign of magic, no one can control it, How?’

Morgana noticing the same whispered to her sister “Is it possible for eyes to not turn gold?”. Morgause raised her eyebrow thinking of all the spells she tried, of all the sorcerers she saw perform magic and back at Merlin.

“No, the eyes glowing is a sign the magic a person possesses has connected with natures own magic, no gold means no connection to nature so no magic should work” Morgause whispered back more and more impressed.

‘No wonder he evaded ever being suspected if he can control magic with no gold as a sign of his crime in Camelot’ she smirked in Uther’s direction.

If druids were shocked before now some of them fainted at the glory. Stopping time itself is mostly impossible to achieve, but well it was Emrys he is the impossible, but no gold in his eyes, no incantations to be heard or emotions to be seen was not only impossible it was unnatural.

Iseldir took a seat on the floor thinking of how much this boy was capable of while this young. Uther noticing all the criminals acting weirdly raised his voice.

“What is going on, its just magic, crime mind you, but nothing to be impressed about”.

“Ha, you really are a fool Uther Pendragon” Morgana spoke hatred burning in her eyes.

Uther quickly shut his mouth, having no explanation.

Gaius grounted as he fell on the bed, looking confused he looked up at the boy.

“What did you just do?”

Merlin was scared, he just arrived and he already showed magic. Even knowing his mother told him Gaius knew of magic and could teach him he could not tell him straight up.

“I don’t know what happened, this has nothing to do with me” Merlin murmured uncomfortably.

Gaius smiled at the look in his boy’s eyes. Saving him the second he came to Camelot.

‘I should have guessed then that you would be selfless to a fault’.

“I know what it was, I just want to know where you learned to use it” Gaius spoke voice deep, meaning to find the truth.

Merlin muttered as Gaius repeated the question asking him where he studied.

“I didn’t study it or have been tought” Merlin answered flustered and scared at being questioned.

“Are you lying to me boy” Gaius asked suspicious.

“What do you want me to say” Merlin asked not knowing what to do.

“The truth”

And the truth came spilling out.

“I was born like this” merlin answered expecting to be called a liar.

“Born with it!” Arthur looked at his father horrified. “You said magic can only be learned not born with, no one can be born evil!” Arthur screamed at his father’s face.

Uther just looked away and stared at Gaius.

One of the druid elders spoke up. “Excuse me, your majesty, but that is mostly correct, but also not. People can be born with magic yet the magic itself will not appear for quite a while. It depends on the amount of magic you have been born with”.

Arthur looked at the druid.

“I haven’t caught your name?” Arthur spoke.

“It’s Eric, my lord. I am an elder of the druids in the forest of Nemeth kingdom”.

Morgana spoke up, laughing at Arthur’s knowledge of magic. “Did you think I wanted to use magic in Camelot where that was a crime. How fullish you are oh dear brother”.

Arthur ignored Morgana’s comment taking in the information and looking back at Merlin and Gaius.

Gaius spat “This is impossible” looking away from the boy before asking for his identity.

Arthur looked at Gaius with raised eyes.

“Gaius what did you mean with impossible”.

Uther interrupted before Gaius could speak.

“It’s like I told you son, the druid lied like all with magic lie. Magic is a thought art, none can be born with it”.

Arthur looked at his father sternly. “Excuse me father, but I asked Gaius this question”.

Gaius shared a look with his past friend.

“Your highness, I meant that I have not heard of a soul who could use magic like I had seen without being taught even if they had potential for magic since they were born”. Gaius spoke calmly avoiding Uther’s stare.

“So, you can be born with magic?” Arthur asked calmly, but Gaius refused to answer.

“No harm will come to you Gaius not here, not back in Camelot”. Arthur looked around remembering he is in Camelot and changed his wording “I meant our Camelot”.

Gaius took a breath, bowing slightly at Uther then turning to Arthur. “Yes, my lord, people can be born with magic, just can’t use it from birth.”

‘Except one man’ Gaius thought but kept it to himself. They will realize that themselves.

Merlin searched his bag and gave Gaius a letter, later explaining he is Hunith’s son Merlin. Gaius told merlin where to take his bag.

Merlin meant to follow his direction, but ask he walked turned back to Gaius.

“You won’t tell anyone about-“

Gaius looked at the fear in boy’s eyes and answered with a resigned no.

“Gaius you betrayed me” Uther said, and Gaius closed his eyes, knowing he will be hearing this a lot.

“Although Merlin, I should say thank you” Gaius spoke and Merlin smiled at him a bit confused as he went to the room.

“I am not going into that small room especially not one that stinks with sorcery” Uther spat not moving from the seat.

“Well it is to small anyway so we can’t fit in, lucky for you father” Arthur said still avoiding his father’s eyes as he entered the boys room, knight’s following him as well as Mordred and the two sisters. The council gladly staying with Uther and the druids looking at the fool room, resigned to see it another time as they will probably spend a lot of time here.

Night fell and Merlin was getting comfortable in the room. He walked over to the window, Morgana avoiding him as she did not want him to go through her. Merlin opened the window looking at the kingdom’s view, Lancelot smiling at the happy expression on his friend’s face while others were just trying to make place for them to sit.

In the other room Druids and the council with Uther were sitting far from each other. Druids looked as Gaius started to read the letter Merlin gave him, smiling slightly yet clearly being worried. One of the druids went to read the letter so everyone in the room could hear him. Uther and the council scowling all the way while druids feel sympathetic to Emrys’s mother.

Quickly the scene changed startling everyone from their relaxation, some where even sleeping as did Merlin from the illusion.

Uther recognized the scene as he saw himself walking to Morgana.

“Morgana what is this, why are you not joining us at the feast” Uther spoke as Morgana looked at him sad about the whole thing, pitying the mother while Uther berated his justice to her. Ordering her to attend at the end before he left.

“And then you wondered why I betrayed you and Camelot, if this is what happened while I went against Uther, why I did not trust you, Arthur. I still wonder how Merlin was able to” Morgana said looking disgusted.

Arthur wanted to comment, but just looked down ashamed, yet not prepared to admit he was completely wrong as Uther was looking at Morgana heartbroken.

The scene changed again and now they were in the forest, Uther recognizing lady Helen, remembering the incident which will take place.

“What is going on with changing locations” Arthur asked looking at Mocha.

“We are following the events. Mostly you will see things from Merlin’s perspective, but other events are also important. Mostly it will be about the people attacking Camelot, so you will see who it was that was actually at faut. It is made so you will know the full story not just everything Merlin” Mocha answered.

In the forest lady Helen was singing in her tent, until she heard a sound. She turned around searching for the sound finding nothing, calling for her guard to ask if everything is fine. As the guard leaves, she is murdered by the old woman who swore revenge on Uther. The woman’s face changing to the image of Lady Helen

“See this is why I say it is evil” Uther screamed.

“You took her son!” Morgana screamed at Uther. Arthur wanted to calm the two, but again they were transferred back to Merlin’s room.

“Merlin” called a voice disturbing Merlin’s rest.

Arthur jumped at guard hearing the voice.

“What was that” called out Uther looking around.

‘The voice sounds familiar’ the past king had a bad feeling.

Merlin wakes looking around the room, yet not commenting. He stands from his bed going to Gaius who gives him something to eat. As Gaius walks past Merlin he knocks over the water on purpose watching as Merlin stops the water in midair, before looking at Gaius and dropping it.

“You tested him” Geoffrey looked at his friend as he spoke and looked in wander.

“I wanted to see if he would do it with no spell again, as I was not sure”.

Gaius asked Merlin exactly what Gaius answered to Geoffrey just now.

“I don’t know any spells” Merlin defended leaving Gaius with more questions than answers.

“Well, we better keep you out of trouble” Gaius answers as Marlin cleans the water which fell on the floor.

“Why do I feel like this is not gonna happen” said Gwen looking at his friends.

Arthur just smiled “Cuss it’s Merlin”.

“Damn right, this is gonna be fun” Gwaine yelled.

Gaius gives Merlin two concoctions to take to two people, asking him to watch that sir Owen doesn’t take all at once, Merlin being Merlin does as he is told taking the two potions, but being too late to explain to Sir Owen he shouldn’t drink all of it.

Arthur and Gwaine start to laugh at Merlin while Gaius just holds his head but smiles slightly at merlin’s familiar antics.

The scene changes and they are in the courtyard. Arthur noticing the change promptly shuts up looking at his knights.

“Don’t judge me here, I was a bit of aa prat, but its in the past” Arthur says to his men and Gwen just smiles noticing past Arthur in the courtyard.

Gwaine suddenly looks very interested and Arthur wants to run.

Merlin is walking through the courtyard noticing the commotion. Stopping he sees a young prince Arthur teasing a servant, making him run with a target as he throws his daggers.

Gwaine scowls “It seams you really were a prat”.

“He was like this since younger but changed when Merlin came” Leon answered looking at a scene he was familiar with when he was still a young knight before Merlin came.

Arthur looks a bit offended, but doesn’t disagree.

“How much do I bet that Merlin will stand up to him” Elyan teases and Gwaine just looks at him.

“This will be no bet, we know its coming” Gwaine says as they all start to laugh except Arthur who is covering his face with his hands.

The servant keeps running with the shield as Merlin looks at the prince horrified. Gwen is also looking at the scene from above looking disapprovingly at the prince. As Arthur’s dagger hits the target again the servant drons the shield who goes tumbling on the floor right to Merlin’s feet, Merlin steps on the shield completely stopping it.

“Here we go” Elyan said, eyes shining nearly as bright as Gwaine’s.

The council scowls “Like he will do anything to the prince”.

Arthur sinks to the floor as the knight’s giggle at the stupidness of the council.

“Hi, come on this is enough” Merlin says as he looks at the prince.

Arthur slowly turns around “What?” he says confused on who would dare to speak to a knight that way.

“You’ve had your fun my friend” Merlin smiles.

“Do I know you?” says the prince as he is stepping towards Merlin.

“No, I’m Merlin” he offers his hand

“This is how you two met, oh this is hilarious” Gwaine is already laughing.

“So, I don’t know you” says Arthur mockingly as Merlin answers calmly a no.

“Yet you called me friend” he smirks.

“Oh, here it comes” Elyan says as he is on his toes.

“Yeah, that was my mistake, I’ve never had a friend who can be such an ass”.

Gwaine and Elyan fall to the floor laughing, Lancelot looking proud yet conflicted, Percival trying to cover his giggles and Leon being utterly speechless.

Gwen laughs with them remembering watching this and Arthur is trying to think on how to bury himself.

Mordred who was as close to Merlin as possible looked at Merlin and Arthur scandalized.

‘This is how they met?’ Mordred just stared at the two of them.

Morgana snickered at the scene with Morgause following, both surprised at the insolence, Morgana looked even a bit proud that someone stood up to him like that.

Uther and the council looked like they were just punched. Uther especially looked like he was the one insulted.

“Or I one who could be so stupid” Arthur said to Merlin teasing him further.

Arthur scanned him before saying “Tell me Merlin, do you know how to walk on your knees”.

Leon froze and looked at Arthur.

Gwaine stopped his laughing and stood up looking impressed while most of the audience froze.

“Tell me you didn’t say that” Percival was the first to speak.

Arthur looked at them, not knowing what they were implying as Morgana started to genuinely laugh and soon everyone followed.

“What is it? What is so funny?” he responded confusion on his face.

Morgana calmed down a bit answering.

“Oh, my dear brother you were just flirting with Merlin, first checking him out then saying something like this” she said smirking.

The king flushed a bright red color “Wait, no. I didn’t mean it like that”.

“Oh, no worries Queenie we understand, Merlin is handsome after all” Gwaine joked.

“That he is, I wouldn’t blame him if you wanted a piece of him right there and then” Lance joined the teasing.

Flushing even further Arthur looked to the floor.

“I- I didn’t-“

“Don’t worry Arthur we understand, like who could resist” Gwen said through her laughing.

Arthur promptly shut up.

Uther looked at his soon scandalized.

‘What is that? There is no way that my son is gay?!’ his mind was screaming, but he pushed it down. For now.

“No” Merlin looked letting his eyes wonder all over the prince’s body. “Would you like me to help you” Arthur responded looking intrigued, he usually wouldn’t do this, but the commoner was testing his patience, he wanted to see how far he would be willing to go. It’s not everyday that a commoner picks a fight with a prince.

“You have no idea” Merlin said, still intrigued by the hints the prince was giving him.

“I feel like we should not be watching this” Gwen said looking away from the sexual tension that was happening right in front of her although it was from the past.

“This is nonsense, I for one never saw ‘Merlin’ like that then” Arthur tried to argue, Morgana just looked at him as she spoke “Then? So, you do now” a smirk playing on her lips. “NO!” Arthur yelled, infuriated she was even insinuating it.

‘Merlin is my best friend, he may be handsome and cute, has nice round lips and perfect blue eyes you could get lost in… wait no stop that, he is my best friend, my servant and supposedly my sorcerer…’

“Be my guest” Arthur kept teasing wanting to see how the man would react. He held his arm’s open invitingly “Come on!” he repeated frustrating the servant who had finally thrown a punch. The prince being a knight, well he saw it coming, quickly blocking the attack throwing another threat “I’ll have you thrown in jail for that”.

Merlin looked at the prince expecting a bluff “Who do you think you are? The king”.

“No, I’m his son Arthur” he whispered in Merlin’s ear closing the distance before getting him on the floor.

“Damn, you two didn’t have a nice start” Percival said still holding on a grin from all the sexuall tension displayed.

“No, far from it in fact” Arthur took a breath, finally happy it was over… for a while anyway.

“How could you allow this to go on for so long! You were giving an example that NOBLES could be stood upon and disagreed with” Uther spat, “And why didn’t you inform me of this, I would not have made him your servant, I would have him banished at the spot”.

“Father, I was young, and I think you are wrong, I am still glad Merlin stayed. I did not wish to see him banded after he saved my life, so I have not said a word, I meant to fire him”.

Gwaine smirked “And how did that go?”.

Arthur just looked at him and Gwaine quickly gave up, Lance smiled and patted Gwaine on the back.

Gwen smirked and Morgana was finally able to relax.

‘Why am I laughing at them? They would have me dead’ she looked up at the sky of Camelot she hasn’t seen so bright in quite a while. ‘Guess it brings back memories’. Morgause looked at her sister conflicted.

Macha appeared before them.

“Do not make any decisions left, there is much to see, much to understand” she looked at Morgause “For both of you” Mocha smiled before going to his son’s side, she will always be near him, if she can, be it past, present or future.

‘I wish all of us could be together’.

The scene changed as the spectators watched Merlin be walked to prison.

“Emrys in jail the first time he arrived” Mordred looked like he would faint. Druid’s who were watching the boy be thrown in jail were stooped. This is so wrong. Their meeting should be stuff of legends not this.

Out before the palace the lady Helen has arrived, as she walked into the palace the reflection showed he true identity, but no one had seen it then. She walked right up to Uther bowing slightly before him. Uther looked disturbed ‘How could I not sense the evil that is magic’. Both of them exchanging pleasantries as the night faded into day.

“Why do the days go fast here?” Leon looked questionably at Macha.

“Because there is much going to be happening in the days we do watch, which is not every day, but there is much to cover. We see just the important events of the days something happened, no worries as you will not get tired through all of this as long as you eat and drink”.

Leon wanted to continue getting answers, but “Merlin, Merlin” a voice spoke getting Leons attention.

“Again?” Morgana said looking around the cell the servant was in. “What or who is that” said Arthur being annoyed that the voice was interrupting Merlin’s sleep AGAIN.

Merlin jumped looking around the cell not even noticing the footsteps approaching, until he heard the cell door opened with Gaius bursting in “You never cease to amaze me” Gaius spoke and Merlin looked away ashamed. “The one thing you should be doing is keeping your head down, and what do you do? You behave like an idiot”.

“I’m used to that now” Gaius spoke.

“As am I” answered all the knights together with Gwen.

Morgana didn’t know what to think, but one thing was for sure. Merlin has acted like an idiot, a troublesome one, but an idiot none the less. This hasn’t changed wherever they were friends or enemies, she smiled to herself. ‘Maybe Merlin didn’t change, but I did’.

Gaius told Merlin he pulled a few strings to get him released, before adding there was a price to be paid. Merlin looked at Gaius confusedly before being taken to the stocks.

“Guess our first meeting is coming up” Gwen said looking nervous.

While Merlin was laughing at the experience of being at the stocks Gwen walked closer stopping right before Merlin introducing herself.

Merlin being awkward gave her his name and offered a hand even as he was, Gwen smiled at the situation, Gwen telling Merlin how impressed she was with him.

“I could beat him” said Merlin confident, Arthur rolled his eyes.

“Really, cuss you don’t look like one of these big muscly kind of fellows” Gwen said, merlin just looked at her smiling “Thanks”.

Elyan looked at his sister “Really?”, Gwen blushed.

“No, no, I’m sure your stronger then you look” Merlin looking puzzled as Gwen continued “It’s just Arthurs one of these real rough, tough save the world kind of men”.

“Thank you, Gwen, I did not know you felt this way about me” Arthur smirked happy he wasn’t the one being teases… for a while.

Elyan widened his stare “Really??”

Gwen looked away, clearly red.

“And well you don’t look like that”.

“Wow, that was hard my lady. Give the guy some slack” Gwaine laughed.

Merlin ushered her closer whispering “I’m in disguise”.

“Damn does he flirt with everyone, and we just don’t notice” Gwen said impressed. Quite a few situations appeared in everyone’s head.

“Omg?” said Leon.

“How did I not notice that!” Lance looked enlightened.

Even Morgana looked like she got an image in her head.

Gwen laughed with Merlin before escaping as the kids prepared their ammunition to shoot at Merlin.

Finally, the punishment was over and he returned to the physicians chambers, everyone just trailing after him. Knights a very close distance wanting to protect Merlin even if they knew they couldn’t, Mordred behind them, Uther keeping the distance as far as he could without being pulled by the force that kept them close to the character important.

“I know your still angry with me” Merlin started as he ate with Gaius. “I promised your mother I would look after you. What did your mother say about your power’s” Gaius questioned.

‘Now this I would like to hear’ Morgause looked interested at Merlin.

Merlin smiled at his food “She said I was special”.

“You are, the likes of which I had never seen”.

Uther froze and looked at Gaius.

‘This can’t be possible, Gaius and I knew multiple sorcerers Nimueh among them. Is he saying they don’t compare to this BOY’. Uther now looked furious.

‘I need to get the boy out of MY KINGDOM’.

“This is true, none can compare to him” Iseldir said proudly looking at young Emrys.

Leon and Arthur tensed.

“What is he capable of?” Arthur asked carefully.

Before anyone could answer Mocha joined “I’m afraid this is not for disclosure yet, you will see his capabilities soon”.

Morgana and Morgause smiled and Uther prepared.

 “What do you mean” Merlin inqured looking at Gaius.

“Well magic, requires spell, incantations. What I saw you do was elemental, instinctive”.

“What is the point if it cannot be used” Merlin said saidly. Morgana knew how he felt, It was similar. He was telling the truth when he said he understood. Morgana looked tired.

“That I do not know, You are a question that has never been posed before”.

“This is true even to this day, his magic eludes all of us” Eric said. Knights and Gwen looked at Merlin mystified how he has been able to hide all this. Mordred looked proud, yet unsure of where he stands in all of this for now. Morgana and Morgause just stared at him.

Merlin being corious continued to dig questioning Uther’s intentions. Gaius used to telling this story started “Uther banned such practices as the people used it for a wrong end at that time and it threw the natural order into chaos, Uther made it his mission to destroy everything, even the dragons”.

“Ha, such a convincing lie for Uther Pandragon, It makes him into a hero” Morgause laughed.

“How dare you!” Uther stood up “I gave everything I had to rebuild this kingdom from destruction because of magic”. “No, you are a hypocrite, we both know that you just chased some fictional revenge” Morgana screamed. Uther looked at her sad “I gave everything for this kingdom and order”.

…

“Then why did magic make Merlin” Mordred said looking at the previous king.

“Made?  What nonsense are you talking about” Uther questioned looking at the druid boy together with everyone. Morgana looked at Mordred looking confused. Gaius looking furiously at him.

Mordred remembering that is not for them to know stopped and turned to Merlin and Gaius.

“There was one dragon he chose, not to kill. Make it an example. He imprisoned it deep under the palace, where no one can free it”.

“And where that brought us “Arthur said looking at his father disappointed, what of exactly he did not know, the whole hunting dragon’s thing or not killing him.

“You told him” Uther questioned, but this time Gaius answered.

“He wanted to know and should know it as he was a magic user in Camelot.”

“HE shouldn’t have been here in the first place other to be burned!” Uther screamed, Gaius again looking away tears in his eyes.

“Now take this to lady Helen for her voice” Gaius said Merlin taking the potions and going on a search. Merlin arrived in her bedroom putting the potion on the table as she wasn’t in the room, but as he put it there something caught his eye, a straw doll. Merlin touched it as, but quickly became more interested in a book next to the doll. He examined the book, but had no time as he heard lady Helen approaching. Merlin gave her the potion and left immediately after going to the town.

‘Here we go again’ Arthur sighed.

Merlin walked past Arthur which prompted the prince to make fun of him.

“How’s your knee walking coming along” Artur teased, but Merlin just continued to walk. “Oh don’t run away”.

“Oh, you said the magic words princess” Gwaine grinned victoriously being given coins from Elyan, Gwen just looked at the trade knowingly.

“From you” Merlin threw back. Prince was having fun so he wouldn’t stop anytime soon. “Thank god, I thought you were deaf as well as dumb”. Merlin turned around looking at him “Look, I told you you’re an ass, I just didn’t realize you were a royal one”, Arthur looked shocked yet amused.

Everyone started to laugh.

“He got you there” Gwaine said between his laughter. Even Arthur couldn’t resist a smile gracing his lips at this.

Arthur span around looking at the knights with him “Oh, what are you going to do. Got your daddies men to protect you” Uther looked at past Merlin horrified. “How dare he” as Morgana began to laugh again at the insolence.

Arthur laughed “I could take you apart with one blow”, Merlin looked unimpressed “I could take you apart with less then that”.

“Is he really this stupid?” Elyan asked. “Well if he could do magic it’s true” Percival answered and Arthur glared.

‘There is no way’ Arthur looked closer knowing what to look at during the fight.

“You sure” Arthur asked, Merlin just took off his jacket and Arthur laughed.

“You are really that oblivious?” Gwaine said looking at the prince with wide eyes, Arthur just looked at Gwaine with raised eyebrows.

“Answer is yes” Gwaine said “Good to know”.

“I’m warning you, I was trained to kill since birth” Arthur says spinning the mace in his hand.

‘Show off’ Merlin thinks, Arthur looks offended “I am not”.

“And how long have you been training to be a prat” Merlin asks innocently.

“Ha, got him” Elyan laughs.

Arthur laughs a bit “You can’t address me like this”

Merlin quickly adapts his posture, smiling gently “I’m sorry, how long have you been training to be a prat, my lord” Merlin makes a slight bow.

“Merlin” Lance sighs impressed at the insolence of his best friend.

Gwaine falls to the floor as does Elyan, Morgana again looking impressed before shooing the expression.

Uther and the council stare menacingly, Uther appreciating everything he ever did to the boy.

Druids with Mordred just stare at Emrys, THE EMRYS fighting with the once and future king.

Mordred smiles after a minute after all it is a bond they have.

Arthur threw Merlin a mace with Merlin catching it very slopy. Clearly showing he has no idea what he is doing. They start to fight which attracts a crowd of people. Merlin runs through the Market avoiding the mace. Merlin falls to the ground Arthur a few steps in front threatening him, Merlin uses magic, discreetly without his eyes turning gold gaining the advantage. Arthur ends on the floor after a few magic tricks before noticing Gaius and stopping immediately. Arthur smacks Merlin with a broom.

“Wow, Gaius you made him lose” Gwaine says. “Good show though”.

“That was magic, but why didn’t his eyes shine gold” Arthur says. “This was definitely magic, yet his eyes weren’t gold”.

Gaius quickly speaks up “You are correct, Merlin can avoid his eyes turning gold. It’s something special and I do not think anyone else can do this.”

Arthur looks at the druids who nod along, even Morgana and Morgause nod slightly before looking at Merlin with wander all over again.

“This is not important, I am more interested in what you did with Merlin” Gwaine says before turning to Merlin still on the floor while guards are dragging him up”

“Wait, let him go” Arthur says looking at Merlin with amusement “He may be an idiot, but he is a brave one”. Lancelot would have to agree with the prince on this one. Merlin is just a very brave idiot, he smiles softly while imagining what Merlin has done for him.

“There’s something about you Merlin. I can’t quite put a finger on it” the prince looks puzzled at why he is so interested in him.

‘Well, I doubt I will see him again’ Arthur leaves with his knights.

“Bzz, you were wrong there princess” Gwaine always the one to tease says. Arthur gives him a stern look “Why are you calling me a princess again wasn’t it queenie”. Gwaine smiles happily giving an explanation “Princess is the past you being dumb cuss well you were and queenie is you now”, Arthur rolls his eyes, not willing to bother anymore.

Uther looked at this scene with disgust. Not only did the boy make a fool of his son and him, but he also used magic and got away scoot free.

‘The insolence’.

Merlin goes bac with Gaius being berated for his behavior, yelling at each other until Merlin blows up “If I can’t use magic, then what have I got” Merlin looks straight into Gaius’s eyes “I’m just a nobody and I always will be. If I can’t use magic, I might as well die” Merlin said before rushing to his room.

Arthur’s heart broke.

‘He can’t think that, can he. It’s Merlin, his friend, his servant, his perfect Merlin’ eyes flow down his face.

Knights all look heartbroken, Gwaine punching one of the walls nearby, Gwen crying holding onto Elyan.

Lancelot looks up like praying, knowing Merlin is watching “Never think this my friend, you were always worth it, even without magic” he whispers to the sky.

Leon and Percival both look like they need Merlin there so they can hug him, tell him he is perfect either way.

…

Morgana feels something move in her chest.

‘Sympathy, it’s been a while since I felt that’ she says looking at the closed door to Merlin’s room. ‘I feel the same now, magic is just who we are none can change it’ she looks at Uther who is grinning as the servant new his place, Morgana’s eyes light in rage ‘and no one should be able to change it’.

Mordred knew Emrys didn’t have high self-esteem, but this was more then he ever imagined, but he knew the feeling, as he had to hide the magic to the king and the knights. It hurts to hide, yet he can’t even imagine not having magic. It would hurt.

Gaius comes to his room ordering Merlin to take his shirt off and he does. Lancelot’s breath catches as he looks at his friends unscared body, he feels tears well up, knowing how he once looked and how he does now.

“Where are you staring Lancelot” Gwaine teased while clearly looking in the same direction.

“You’re one to talk Gwaine, like everyone smart isn’t ogling Merlin” Lance jokes not expecting lady Morgana to join. “Thank you for calling me smart sir Lancelot” Morgana smiles as she watches Merlin.

“But we all know who is staring the hardest” says Elyan looking at a prince who is too busy ogling his manservant to hear.

“That would be Queenie and Mordred” Leon adds while looking himself.

Mordred hears him, but ignores it over watching Emrys, but a blush is clear to see.

“I’m not a monster, am I?” Merlin asks almost desperately, needing answers which Gaius doesn’t have.

Everyone’s heart breaks again falling straight out of trans they have been in since of Merlin’s bosy back to sadness.

Morgana remembers feeling like this. ‘Maybe this can show me something after all’.

“Merlin, Merlin” he hears a voice call. Merlin sits up deciding to follow it. Sneaking out of the chambers (not before he covers Gaius with a blanket) he ends up in the dungeons finding an entrance to a staircase leading in a cave.

“NO!” Uther screams at the boy wanting him to listen and obey. He jumps in front of the boy, only for him to be walked through. The council goes as back as possible, knowing what is in the cave they do not want to be anywhere near it.

Merlin arrives at the edge of the cave and hears a voice chuckling, Uther takes a deep breath knowing what he will see as does Gaius, Council members have stayed just in viewing distance as they cannot go further back.

“Where are you” Merlin says into the cave just as a dragon flies into the air “Here” he says. Arthur looks at the dragon remembering the events. ‘So, he was here, locked’. Leon jumps back as he sees the dragon remembering the battle better then Arthur.

Merlin and the dragon study each other. Merlin looking curiously at him as the dragon starts to speak “How small you are for such a great destiny.”

“Great just something Merlin needs to hear” Morgana scowls at the dragon, knowing manipulation at a glance.

“Why, what do you mean, what destiny?”

“You’re gift Merlin, was given to you for a reason” dragon reveals.

“So, there is a reason “Merlin’s eyes sparkle a goldish color, excited he finally may have a reason to use this power.

“Hook, line and sinker” Morgana says watching the dragon.

“Arthur is the once and future king, who will unite the land of Albion” Merlin looks at him confused what Arthur has to do with this “Right”.

“But he faces many threats from friend”, Morgana looks at the dragon sternly, “And foe alike” Morgause looks at the dragon no emotion on her face.

“I don’t see what that has to do with me”

Gwaine scowls “We can see you two didn’t get along as Merlin is usually the first to jump into fire if you are in danger Arthur”.

Arthur ignores Gwaine looking at Merlin with concern and dragon with wonder.

“Everything, without you Arthur will never succeed, without you there will be no Albion”.

‘What nonsense, my son the once and future king of Albion? He dragon must have lost his mind in the cave” Uther scowls.

“What Albion, once and future king? Is this why Merlin is always with me, because of some grand destiny” Arthur says looking furious.

“Your highness” Lancelot starts to speak gathering Arthur’s attention “Do you really think Merlin would stay with you for so long because of this, seeking no credit?”

Arthur thinks and yeah no. Merlin is to stubborn to stay just because of some destiny, there has to be something more, something Merlin sees. He takes a breath looking back at the dragon.

“No, no you’ve got this wrong” he looks at the dragon like he is insane. Him and Arthur yeah no way.

“Hey! Merlin” Artur wants to seriously punch this manservant of his.

“There is no right or wrong, only what is and what isn’t”

“I’m serious if anyone wants to go and kill him, they can go ahead in fact I’ll give them a hand” he says nonchalantly.

Knights starts chuckling except Gwaine who is dying, Gwen is holding her laughter, Arthur looks at him insulted, Gaius giving him his signature look.

“Yeah right, anyone within Arthur’s reach is a potential threat” Morgana said rolling her eyes.

“That’s not true” Arthur says shocked she even suggested it, Morgana just raises her eyebrow and looks away.

‘Maybe I could try my luck’ comes across he mind, but she doubts she would be allowed to watch if she tried.

“None of us can chose our destiny Merlin, and none of us can escape it”.

“No, no way no, there much be another Arthur cuss this one is an idiot”, Arthur is just over it, but still “Merlin!!”.

“Perhaps it’s your destiny to change that” Arthur looks at the dragon insulted.

“He changed you for the best sire” Leon says chuckling. Even Leon betrayed him now, great.

The great dragon took flight as merlin screamed after him.

Gaius wakes him up a few hours later, telling him to bring him some herbs while also getting the potion for nightmares to Morgana. Merlin takes the potion and leaves.

Merlin walks in the room without knocking watching as lady Morgana is getting prepared while she thinks she is talking to Gwen, insulting Arthur. Merlin being in the room hands Morgana her dress Morgana expecting Gwen to talk he just makes a sound, faking a woman’s voice as he holds Morgana’s cape to cover himself.

“I need some help with this fastening” Morgana says and Merlin does not know what to do just as Gwen comes in, Merlin sighs of relief.

“What a gentleman, he did not peek even once” Morgana says looking at Arthur who scowls “Yeah right”.

“I remember that he was so glad I came”

“Much better then Gwaine, at least” Arthur says.

“Hey, not fair” Gwaine screams.

“And we are in ‘Helen’s room’ now” Arthur says looking around, seeing the mirror still covered.

A servant arrives to present lady Helen fruit basket. While making small talk the servant uncovers the mirror revealing the true identity of lady Hellen so the sorceress kills her.

“See Arthur this is why magic is evil” Uther points at the scene in front of them.

“That is your fault for killing her son” Morgana screams.

“Enough, the feast is starting” Arthur says looking around to another change in scenery.

Feast is starting and people have gathered making small talk and enjoying themselves. Merlin arrives with Gaius stand the middle. He looks at the prince who catches his attention while Arthur looks at Morgana who enters the room.

“God have mercy” Arthur says as he looks at her.

Arthur flushes. “This was before I knew you were my sister and the dress was more gorgeous than the person” Arthur explains, Morgana just smirks at him and he knows he lost.

Arthur walks to Morgana and suddenly Merlin does not know who to look at anymore, both looking striking.

“Wow, seems Merlin has no preference” Percival says and the royal siblings both flush.

Gwaine whistles “That’s my boy”.

Gwen steps to Merlin, making small talk, hoping Morgana will one day be queen.

“I don’t wanna be her, who would want to marry Arthur” Gwen scowls

Elyan smiles “Well you were very close to that” Arthur and Gwen look at each other, flush then smile at the memory.

“Come on Gwen, I thought you liked all there rough, tough save the world kin of people” Merlin teases.

“No, I much prefer ordinary men like you”.

“Oh, believe me Gwen I’m not ordinary”.

Gwen gets flustered so she tries to correct herself “No I didn’t mean you, I just meant I like much more ordinary men, like you”

“Good job Gwen you confused him” Elyan says and Gwen punches him in the arm.

“Thanks” Merlin says before they both turn around. Trumpets start to sing as King Uther walks into the room. Uther introduces lady Helen to everyone and she enters the room going to the dais. As she starts to sing it begins to make everyone fall slowly asleep. Merlin looks around as cogwebs ingulf everyone. Merlin watches as Helena draws a dagger and points it at prince Arthur. Merlin’s eyes flash a golden color as he makes the chandelier fall on top of her.

 Uther looks stunned “So this is how he swindled his way into my kingdom”.

The court begins to awaken, but as her final act the witch throws the dagger towards Arthur. Merlin stares at the witch before he makes a run towards the prince pushing him out of the way, the dagger implanting himself in the throne.

“So, this is how it played out” Morgana says impressed he managed all that, but she was unsure of why. Why did Merlin save someone who he had a fight with not long past.

‘I will never figure you out will I Merlin” were the thoughts of two people. Morgana who is surprised by Merlin’s selflessness and Arthur who always gets surprised by Merlin.

Uther and Arthur stare at Merlin in shock.

“You saved my boy’s life. A debt must be repaired” Uther said, but Merlin really didn’t want anything so he just murmured “Oh, well…”

“Don’t be so modest you shall be rewarded.”

Merlin really wanted to get away from Uther so he tried to be respectful “No, honestly, you don’t have to your highness”, but once Uther makes his mind there is no stopping him “No absolutely. This merits something quite special.

Merlin saw there was no arguing, but he still tried “Well...”

“You shall be rewarded a position in the royal household. You shall be Prince Arthur’s manservant” Uther announced. The court claps while Arthur and merlin stare at each other in disgust.

“This is how he became your servant! “Mordred yells, surprised that Emrys saved him, even more so became so loyal to him.

Arthur looks to the floor “Yes I remember it as clear as day.”

“As do I, it was a spectacle” Morgana unhelpfully added.

“Never knew him meeting you would be worse then when you meet me” Gwaine said laughing, Arthur adding “That was Merlin’s fault.

As Gaius and Merlin return to the book Gaius approves of using magic to save others giving Merlin the book of magic before Merlin runs to his duties as a manservant.

Macha looked at everyone. “Well, this is the first important day finished.

Gwaine looked around “Guess he had the most eventful few day out of any of us when we arrived in Camelot, like standing up to the prince”

Arthur sighed “I know I was an ass that weeks after we meet”.

“Did you ever tell him that” Gwen said looking at Arthur.

Arthur looked back at her. “I don’t think so”. Gwen just smilled “Guess you should”.

“Yes I should”.

Chapter Text

Macha looked around, Morgana was looking impressed, but also a bit hurt, Arthur having the sam hurt in his eyes, but at least he didn’t look like he was too angry at Merlin.

‘So, my son is it time yet’ Macha said looking at the sky of Camelot.

A voice rang in Macha’s head “Not yet, give it time mother, I will reveal myself soon, although Lance knows already, he is my best friend after all.”

‘Then so it will be, my son. I hope they make a good decision.’

“I as well, I’m sorry mother, I have to go, this is … tiring.”

Macha smiled slightly before turning her face to the group.

‘Ha, all of them are still split?’ Macha looked to see multiple groups. The knights being with their King, the council being near their past king, Druids together and the sister’s together with Agravaine just being at the back. Mordred looked the most split, not knowing if he should be with the knights or with the druids.

Arthur turned to Macha beginning to speak “How many of these event’s will we see?”

“Quite a lot my king, Merlin and you had a lot of adventures and it’s only fair for all of you to know all that he did for Camelot,” Macha said looking sternly at one Uther Pendragon.

Uther scowled.

“Well than, if you have nothing else for me to ask let us continue.”

The scene began to change again, Arthur looked around, not recognizing the place.

“Where is this?” Arthur asked looking at some kind of shop.

Gwaine spoke after looking around “This queenie is a place called a shop, more specifically a magic kind of shop. They are forbidden in Camelot, but there is a lot of them around other kingdoms”.

They were beginning to be pulled along as a man walked to the counter.

“Who? Wait, isn’t that the knight I fought?” the knights all looked surprised at the kings words except for Leon who thought the same.

“I understand you have a shield for me,” the man spoke. The man stepped away getting the shield, the man following after. The shopkeeper held a shield in his hand’s and began to speak “With your sword skills and this shield, I guarantee you will win,” the man smirked.

“Valiant!” Arthur spoke remembering the man.

Valiant looked at the shopkeeper asking him to show him how it works. The man smirked and started to incarnate at the shield, after he finished the snakes came out.

Valiant jumped away, Arthur who stood the closest to the knight walked away from him slightly, remembering what happened at the tournament.

“What is this sorcery!” Uther yelled watching the knight.

“It’s an artifact which contains incarnated snakes, who appear as one speaks the incarnation ,no magic power needed of the user” Morgause spoke looking bored at such useless magic.

The shopkeeper gave Valiant the shield and started to laugh as Valiant smilled.

“Kill him.” Valiant spoke and snakes took a bite, the shopkeeper falling to the ground dead.

Arthur looked at Valiant disturbed. Gwen turned away from them.

“This is why, most sorcerers chose to stay far away from people. Most of those who seek out sorcery these days are the arrogant types who would do anything to succeed, and this!” Morgause pointed at the dead shopkeeper “Is the result of such trust.” Morgause looked down feeling sorry for the man.

‘He just wanted to use his magic ability for something to make him money, such a waste’ Morgause spoke knowing he enchanted the shield himself.

Arthur looked conflicted at the scene, Uther scowling looking at his son.

Valiant walked away. Soon seen riding in his knight’s outfit, the shield in hand coming to Camelot.

“I’m here for the tournament, Knight Valiant of the Western Isles.”

“Welcome to the tournament.”

“Wow, wasn’t this to easy?” spoke Gwaine looking at the scene.

Arthur looked at his knight “All are allowed as far as they are nobles, we did not search people for magic artifact, which we wouldn’t even recognize.”

“So, Merlin will probably deal with it?” asked Morgause looking at his sister.

“I do not know, all I remember is the snakes came out during the match, but Valiant did look surprised then.” Morgana spoke looking interested in what really happened.

‘I probably have just half the story,’ she looked at Arthur who was schowling at his father ‘he probably knows even less then me .’

The scenery changed again, now showing Arthur and merlin outside the castle, with merlin holding a sword.

“Wait!” the knights yelled, Gwaine looking the most alarmed looking directly at the king “Why does Merls have a sword?”.

“What were you thinking Arthur, he could have hurt you, or worse himself!” Elyan looked alarmed.

Percival and Laon just looked at Arthur with a disapproving frown.

“He helped me train for the tournament. It’s his job!” Arthur looked at his men and Gwen who was smirking at the corner.

All the knight’s looked at the prince, but refrained from commenting.

‘What did I do wrong? Arthur thought looking back at Merlin.

“Ready?”

“Would it make any difference if I said no” Merlin looked at the prince clearly uncomfortable.

The knight’s scowled.

“Not really.” The prince said spinning his sword.

‘Show off!’ Merlin thought, but got into a fighting position.  

“I am NOT a showoff!”

“Body, shield, body, shield,” Arthur spoke while swinging his blaide, giving Merlin instructions.

“Your being to rough on him, my lord.” Gaius spoke looking at his king. Arthur looked at him “What do you mean, this is the usual. I didn’t know he was that useless back then.”

“My lord, that was the first time the boy held the sword or did… anything actually.”

Arthur looked confused, “What do you mean Gaius.”

“He came from a farming village, which was not used to fighting, he only did house chores at home. He got no training at all when he came to the palace, especially not as a manservant as that was a sudden decision made by king Uther,” Gaius said looking at the fighting before him.

“Even this much is already impressive for the first time.”

Arthur looked ready to pass out.

‘First time holding a sword! FIRST TIME SEING ARMOR’ he looked to the sky.

“I was a serious prat to him then as I thought he had training. I was berating him for everything at that point.”

The knights and Gwen looked at him.

‘Well at least he knows it’ thought Gwen as she remembered how he was to Merlin then.

She turned back to the two fighting.

“Shield, head, head!” Arthur said hitting him on the helmet.

“Come on Merlin, you’re not even trying,” Arthur said continuing his barrage of attacks. ‘I can see why he apologized, this is way too much for first time, especially with him complaining constantly,’ Gwaine thought. Honestly the apology was the only thing holding him back from screaming at the princess, now if only he can say it to Merlin later.

The attacks continued, each getting worse with the prince getting annoyed.

“Come on Merlin, I’ve got a tournament to win,” he mocked annoyed.

“Can we stop now, please.

Arthur didn’t listen continuing his attack, screaming his next move, while Merling got continuesly hit.”

“That’s a bit much to expect of someone who was not trained as a knight, don’t you think so brother” Morgana looked at Arthur who looked regretful.

“Yes, at the time I was only thinking about the tournament.”

Morgana looked away knowing why, she chose to stare at Uther Pendragon who was scowling at the display of incompetence.

Merlin finally fell to the floor after a particular hit on the head.

Arthur looked at him impressed “You’re braver than you look,” he smiled.

Morgana’s and Leon’s eyes widened.

“I didn’t know you knew how to compliment someone at the time, was he an exception,” Morgana smirked looking at her brother whose cheeks reddened. “No, just he took so many blows to the head, never running… I was impressed.”

“Is it over” Merlin looked almost pleadingly…almost.

“This was just a warm up,” to Merlin’s eyes that was a threat especially with the was he was looking at him.

“How’s your mace work coming along,” Arthur smirked, Merlin just gave up.

“Wow, brutal princess.”

“Right, it’s worse then with us at some points.” Elyan was honestly shocked Merlin stook around for as long as he did.

“I would definitely left,” Mordred said looking at Merlin like he was a saint.

‘How does Merlin have so much faith in the kin if he did all of that to him, second day,’ both Mordred and Morgana were having these thoughts.

‘There really is something about him, but what?’ Morgause looked questionably at the boy.

The scene changed bringing them to physician’s quarters, Merlin dropping his armor as he walked, Gwaine started to laugh at the scene, most of the knights giggling. Gaius joining them chuckled while looking at Merlin, “So how was you’re first day as Arthur’s servant”.

Merlin looked out of it. “Do you hear clanging” he said hitting his head slightly.

“Omg how did he stick with you this long is a miracle” Leon said looking at the boy with newfound respect. Not that he didn’t respect him now, but this was something else. ‘IT WAS HIS FIRST DAY!’

“I agree,” Morgana said, eyes blown open.

Back in the room Merlin finally started to complain, while Gaius massaged his back.

“It was horrible and I’ve still got to learn all about tournaments etiquette by the morning.”

“He really isn’t even thinking of quitting?” everyone even Arthur was surprised.

‘Not even a thought of quitting. He always complained, but never actually thought of it’ Arthur didn’t know what to say anymore just stared at Merlin..”

“He failed all etiquette,” Gwaine said trying to clean the atmosphere, it worked with all (except Uther and the council, who was still to busy thinking of what Merlin did all these years) giggled.

Merlin started to chant, a book came to his side opening at the right page.

“Damn sorcerer!” Uther spat, hatred visible in his eyes.

Gaius hit Merlin’s head starting to give him a lecture.” Morgana looked at the physician “I am going to get tired of this, he has every right to use his magic, it’s painful to always hold it!” she screamed remembering the pain, the visions. Gaius looked down regretful.

“If I could feel my arms I’d pick up the book myself,” merlin argued.

“Never mind you’re arms, what will I do if you get caught.”

“What would you do?”

Morgause looked closer to past Gaius now.

‘Could he be the reason Merlin stayed?’

Gaius too ka deep breath, “You just make sure it doesn’t happen for both our sakes.”

“Before anyone can ask I would have said I used magic, I’d protect him” Gaius said looking at his past friend, his past king.

Uther was furious “Betrayal!”

 “No, he did not betray neither of us!” Arthur yelled looking at his father. He steeped towards him.

“Not Merlin, not Morgana should have felt the fear from having magic.”

Morgana’s eyes snaped to Arthur.

‘But Arthur hates magic, he said so himself quite a few times, right?’

“Ow” Merlin frowns at the pain. “I save Arthur from being killed and I end us as his servant, how is that fair?”

Everyone turns at Uther who looks at them unwilling to answer.

Morgana gave him a look, Uther frowned, but started to talk “He became a part of the royal household, it was the highest position of someone HIS status could receive”.

Arthur and Morgana frowned, but well what could they do now.

“I’m not sure if fairness comes into it. Who knows it may be fun.”

Merlin smiled mockingly, “You think cleaning Arthur’s horses is gonna be fun. Have you seen my list of duties.”

“Wait clean your horses. That is a stable boy’s job” Leon turned to Arthur.

“I gave it to Merlin, still do in fact. My horses now particularly enjoy Merlin’s company… more the mine sometimes” he said looking aside.

‘I just wanted to give him more work to quit then’.

“We all have out duties, even Arthur” Gwaine scowled at the thought.

“Yes must be really tough for him with all the girls and glory.”

“Hey!”

“Exactly what I thought. This is why Merlin is my best friend,” Gwaine said, Lancelot looked at him smirking.

“He is the future king, there is a lot of pressure that is being put on him,” Gaius says cracking Merlin’s arms.

“That makes two of us”.

“Thank you for being the only one to understand me Gaius” Arthur said faking a tear. All the knight’s looking at him not impressed in the slightest.

Gwen smiled ‘Merlin was right, Arthur is such a drama queen’.

Merlin waked through the town heading to Gwen’s and the lesson began. Gwen was explaining to Merlin all the part’s of the armor with Merlin questioning Gwen’s knowledge not knowing she is a blacksmiths daughter. Gwen explaining to Merlin.

“That’s brilliant,” Merlin smiled sweetly at Gwen who giggled.

“You fell heard for him,” Elyan teased.

“Oh, shut up like your any different,” Gwen showed at her brother.

The scene changed to Merlin putting on the armor on Arthur very clumsily with Arthur berating him.

“Are you nervous?” Merlin spoke trying to make small talk.

“I don’t get nervous.”

“Were you trying to impress him there princess,” Gwaine smirked. Arthur just looked at him, then looked away, but a bit of red didn’t escape anyone’s eyes.

Gwaine’s smirk widened before he looked back at Merlin.

“Really? I thought everyone got nervous” Merlin continued to try.

“Will you shut up!” Arthur yelled.

The knights and the druids all looked at Arthur upset.

Uther was proud at his son for showing the boy he is the one in control.

‘How did you stay?’ Morgana questioned.

Druid’s and Mordred were stuck in place. The once and future king YELLED at Emrys. This shouldn’t be allowed. Druids looked positively murderous, Mordred was starting to feel faint. ‘The king yells at Emrys in jest, but this was real! How could this happen? Why does Emrys respect the king so much?’

Arthur sank to the ground feeling guilty and now being certain he will die by the end of this especially when it comes to mocking magic straight to Merlin.

Merlin did effectively stop trying. He clumsily put on the prince’s cloak in silence with the prince looking at him enraged at the clumsiness.

‘What a prat!’

Merlin handed him the helmet, “Great, yeah I think you’re all set.”

“Aren’t you forgetting something?” Arthur looked at the servant.

‘How stupid is he,’ he thought looking at Merlin’s confused face. He frowned “My sword.”

Merlin quickly jumped to get it, trying to smile “Oh, yeah,” he gave him the sword “You will be needing that.”

Arthur looked outraged as he left.

“That went well” Merlin said to himself, smiling.

“How are you smiling?!” Morgana yelled thinking Merlin could hear he, which he did, but it was to early for her to know and he was still exhausted.

“That’s Merlin for you” Lancelot said, giving a fake smile.

The tournament starts with all the contestants lining up, Merlin watches from the side mostly hidden from view. Gwen and Morgana sitting in the crowd giggling to each other as the king arrives. Uther gives a speech and the tournament begins. All, but the first two remaining Uther waits for Arthur, “I trust you will make me proud.”

“And you did at that point, now I cannot say the same,” Uther says disappointed.

Arthur looks down, but Gwen is quick to hold Arthur’s hand. “He may not be proud, but you made the kingdom proud,” Gwen whispers holding his hand. Arthur looks around to his knights (Mordred included) who all nod. Arthur smiles standing straight and proud.

Arthur scores the first win with Merlin cheering from his spot, Valiant wins as well and the day continues as such.

“Knight Valiant looks pretty handy with a sword” Merlin says to Arthur both watching closely.

Valiant walks back noticing the prince, he comes closer.

“May, I offer congratulations on your victory today.”

“Likewise,” Arthur looks at him judgingly.

“Were you really like this princess, you look disgusted with just a look at him?” Gwaine never one to hold his tongue says earning him a slap on the head from Leon.

“Ow.”

Arthur frowns, but looks at Gwaine, “As I said I was a bit of a prat then, I did not want to be challenged so I could make my father proud, It was foolish” Arthur said looking to the ground

“I hope to see you at the reception tonight” Valiant says before leaving, Merlin looking disapprovingly at him, “Creep!” at which Arthur chuckles.

‘Insolence, how dare he speak such things of a knight?!’ Uther really wanted to have Merlin here so he could yell at him or better punished him.

“He made you laugh even back then?” Morgana speaks looking at Arthur. “Back then you used to laugh only when bullying servants, otherwise you were focused on pleasing your father,” she says mockingly.

“He did indeed, I never knew why. I guess his insolence was refreshing.”

‘Refreshing? What did that sorcerer do to my son?” Uther looked at Arthur disturbed.

As Arthur was leaving he gave Merlin a million chores.

‘I can’t let him think it’s alright to speak like that’ he thought as he was leaving.

Night was closing in and Merlin was just casually using magic to finish all the chores. The sword was sharpening itself, most of the armor doing the same while Merlin was reading a book on his bed.

“Magic!” Uther scowled.

Arthur just watched a bit impressed, he turned to Gaius “Was he really using magic that carelessly in the castle?”

Gaius looked at him smiling “That he did sire, still does. I am not sure how he managed to keep his head on his shoulders all this time.”

“Me neither” Arthur said looking impressed.

‘Guess he can keep a secret afterall.’

As Gaius stepped into the room all the objects dropped, falling to the floor. Gaius started to yell, giving him another lecture before sighing defeatedly and leaving, but not before telling Merlin to come eat.

The scene changes to the throne room with Valiant introducing himself to the king. After impressing the king, he is introduced to lady Morgana.

Morgana takes a look at herself, circling around.

‘I was pretty, but what did that help when I was kept a prisoner even if I didn’t know it.’

Valiant starts to flirt with Morgana, Arthur staring from behind looking jealous as Morgana flirts back. The line progresses to Arthur who kneels to the king before stepping to Morgana who starts to tease him.

“They all seem rather impressed with knight Valiant.”

Arthur looks offended “they aren’t the only ones impressed by him” he speaks jealousy written on his face.

Morgana noticing this had to continue “You’re not jealous, are you?”

“I don’t see there being anything to be jealous off” the prince says as he walks away, Morgana losing her smile.

“Let us ignore that, neither of us knew we were siblings at the time, I was expecting to marry her” Arthur starts to defend himself, Morgana ignoring the entirety of the conversation as she continues to look at herself.

“Right, of course princess, you definitely weren’t ogling her.”

“I didn’t know! She was gorgeous yes, but she is my sister” Arthur screams at Gwaine disturbed by the image.

Morgana looks to Arthur a smile playing on her face “Gorgeous? I didn’t know you felt this way dear brother?”

Arthur looks to her flustered “Oh don’t you start!”

The knights, Gwen, Morgana and even Morgause start to laugh at that all becoming more used to being with each other.

Morgana starts to mock Arthur being annoyed he spoke to her that way, she starts to praise Valiant.

The next day begins as Merlin walks to the armory unaware a lot of people follow him as always, but now talking more openly with each other and he steps inside going right to Arthur’s armor. As he picks it up he hears a hissing sound turning around “Gaius?”

Gaius looks at the boy with his signature look.

“Gaius? Really Merlin, the hissing told you it was Gaius” Arthur says disbelievingly at his servant while Gwaine and his knights are busy chuckling, some better, he looks at Lancelot, some worse he turns to Gwaine who is already on the floor.

The hissing continues and Merlin begins to investigate, walking towards the sound, he kneels right before Valiant’s shield looking at it as the snake blinks.

“Wow” Gwaine jumps back.

“That is a good enchantment” Morgause says closing in on the shield, kneeling next to Merlin.

Merlin extends his hand planning on tuching the snake just as a swords points at him with Valiant standing before him.”

Morgause who was next to Merlin as that happened didn’t even notice a sword going through her as she was examining the shield, stepping away when she was done.

‘Well Macha wasn’t kidding when she said nothing can hurt us’ Arthur thought staring at Morgause who stepped back to her sister.

“Can I help you with something, boy?” Valiant said still pointing a sword at Merlin.

Merlin stepped back.

“No, nope I’m good, I was just… gathering my master’s armor” Merlin says before getting the armor and leaving the armory clumsy as always.

Gwaine who was standing protectively at Merlin’s side was not happy at all.

‘How dare he point a sword at Merls.’

He was not the only one, all the knights were feeling fiercely protective.

Merlin brings the armor to Arthurs chambers, putting it on the table as Arthur looks at the shining armor.

“You did all of this on your own?” he asks, eyes wide as he looks at the servant he thought was incompetent.

“Hey!” Gwaine screams offended.

“What I didn’t say anything about you” Arthur looks at Gwaine shocked.

“Well, someone has to defend Merlin while he’s not here” Gwaine says proudly, Lancelot giggling behind Gwaine.

Arthur turns back.

The prince starts with his teasing “Now let’s see if you can get me into it without forgetting anything.”

“You’ll be surprised” Gwaine says, Elyan just looks at her.

‘There is no way Merlin learned how to put on an armor on the prince in a night’ Elyan turned to Merlin who started to work.

Merlin very quickly and efficiently, without as much as a faulter dresses the prince, giving him the helmet as a finishing touch and looking proud his arms crossed while looking at the shocked prince.

“How?” Elyan was speechless.

“Two days and he can do it that efficiently?” Leon looked at Merlin with sparkling eyes.

“That’s my Merlin” Gwaine screams, Lance just looking at the prince with a smirk.

“That was much better” Arthur admits before remembering himself, “Not that it could get any worse.”

“I’m a fast learner.”

“I hope for your sake that’s true.”

“Good luck” merlin manages to say as Arthur starts to leave.

Merlin follows Arthur to the arena, going back to his spot from the previous day as Arthur raises his hand at the cheering.

Gaius walks up to Merlin.

“Is it my imagination or are you starting to enjoy yourself” Gaius asks knowingly.

Merlin sighs “It isn’t totally horrible all the time” Merlin corrects Gaius, smiling when he looks at Arthur.

“Wow you two have grown close fast!” Gwaine says smirking in Arthur’s direction.

“Quite so my lord, I don’t believe you have gotten that close to someone this fast,” Leon comments looking at Arthur.

“I would agree, even when you knew me for years you never really paid me attention until Merlin came along.” Gwen said looking definitely impressed.

Arthur ignored all of them, he is better than comment.

The first match starts and is quite brutal, both Valiant and his opponent being fearsome in their own way. The battle continues until finally Valiant pushes the knight to the ground and for the first time he uses his shield. As he chants the snakes come alive biting the knight as Valiant holds his helmet in hand victorious.

“Is he dead” Morgause says curious as she steps closer.

Gaius recalls the incident answering, “I believe he wasn’t dead yet, but he did die later on.”

“I see.” Morgause says stepping away from the body and steps to her sister. She starts to whisper to her “Poisonous snakes, nothing that impressive with this level of magic, but there is no spell to bring them out, but the one they belong to.”

“I think they came out during the last duel with Arthur and Arthur slayed them. I don’t recall Merlin having anything to do with this, other then knowing about the snakes and warning Arthur.” Morgana said thinking about the whole event.

Morgause started to tap with her foot “We will see.”

Arthur and Merlin watched the duel, Merlin quickly noticing the knight isn’t getting up. Gaius walks up to the knight as Valiant celebrates his victory.

Night falls and Merlin returns to the chambers.

“How is he?” Merlin is quick to ask the second he puts the armor down.

“It is most odd, look at these two wounds,” Gaius speaks pointing to the wounds. “It looks like a snakebite.”

Merlin looks up at Gaius confused “How can it be a snakebite. He was injured in a swordfight.”

Morgana held her head “Did he really forget it this quickly or is he playing dumb?”

Gwaine grinned “probably forgot it’s Merlin after all, but I think he will remember in a few seconds.”

‘How did he manage to trick me again?’ she blinked confused.

Gwaine seeing Morgana’s reaction just widened his grin.

“Yet, his symptoms are consistent with those of poisoning.” Gaius recounted the symptoms, but Merlin wasn’t listening, he was thinking until Gaius ended his summary.

“Can you heal him?”

Gaius moved across the room “Well, if it’s a snakebite, then I will need to extract the venom from the snake that bit him to make the antedote.”

Merlin stood up, his mind still in the clouds.

“What happens if he doesn’t get the antidote?”

“Really, you don’t need to be a physician to know this” Morgause rolled her eyes. Morgana smiled seeing her sister so lost for words.

“Then I’m afraid there is nothing more I could do for him. His going to die.”

Sadness clouded Merlin’s features until he remembered knight Valiant.

“He was fighting knight Valiant.” Merlin said before running towards the exit.

“Oh god what is he planning!” Lancelot said breaking into a run after the warlock.

‘I thought he didn’t interfere yet, but I guess I was wrong’ Lancelot thought catching up to Merlin, others slightly behind him, well all but Uther and the council who were as back as they could be, Uther just staring at his friend the entire time. Lancelot kept looking at Uther so he didn’t realize Merlin stopped until he went through a wall.

Gwaine was trying not to laugh (he failed).

Merlin observed sir Valiant as he entered his room, quickly following him to the door. He peeked into the room noticing Valiant feeding a mouse to the snakes. Merlin gasped, making a sound as he tried to make his escape. Valiant stood up his sword in hand as he went through the door. He walked around, but did not notice Merlin hidden behind a wall.

“He is quite observant to hide behind the wall. Most people would just run straight which Valiant would notice” Morgause said her face filled with wonder for the servant.

“He should be happy he got away!” Artur yelled upset, but it escaped no one how Arthur jumped in front of Merlin at first.

Valiant promptly gave up the search and Merlin sneaked back into physician’s chambers.

He ran to Gaius obviously out of breath “I’ve just seen one of the snakes from Valiant’s shield come alive. He is using magic. The snake ate a mouse, one swallow, straight down.”

“Merlin details!” Arthur yelled again looking disgusted.

“Oh please, like we haven’t seen worse queenie!”

Arthur pouted at that. Very royally of course, but he still pouted.

Gaius looked around in thought as Merlin continued “Ewan was fighting Valiant when he collapsed. It must have been one of the snakes from the shield.”

Gaius stood up as Merlin went to the door, “I have to tell Arthur!”

“Is there any chance you could be mistaken” Gaius screamed after Merlin.

“I know magic when I see it!” merlin looked at Gaius offended.

Gaius took a breath “Yes, but do you have proof?”

Merlin’s face fell, “Don’t you believe me?”

“If I knew he had magic I would have spoken to him a lot differently then what you are doing.” Morgana said looking at Gaius.

Gaius looked down.

“You were the only person who knew, how could you explain it to him like this” Morgana was teering up, remembering being alone in the darkness.

‘No wonder he never told anyone.’

“I fear you’ll land yourself into trouble” Gaius tried to explain himself to Merlin. Morgana laughed a bit at that. ‘How foolish.’

Gaius started to walk “How will you explain why you were in Valiant’s chambers?”

“What does that matter? He is using magic to cheat in the tournament!” Merlin was upset, he just wanted to save knight Ewan from dying. He did not need to be shouted at.

“But you can’t go around accusing a knight of using magic without proof.” Gaius lowered his voice, sensing Merlin’s distress.

Morgana looked at Gaius “Does Merlin have anxiety?”

The comment took everyone by surprise.

“Wha…?” Arthurs looked at Morgana eyes wide.

‘It would make sense, but why didn’t he tell me’ Lance’s jaw clenched. ‘Icould have helped him.”

“Merl’s?” Gwaine was heartbroken that he never noticed.

“It seams Merlin can hide a lot.” Elyan spoke his eyes glossy.

Morgana still stared at Gaius who went silent.

“Gaius?” Arthur looked at him, he was trembling, and Gaius knew sooner or later they would know everything.

“That is correct my lady. Merlin has severe anxiety.” Gaius let a tear fall.

‘I’m sorry son, they found out’ Macha looked up, tearing up herself. Calm wind surrounded her, whipping away her and Gaius’s tears.

“I knew they would, sooner or later, but I’m afraid what will Arthur think of me when he finds out everything” Merlin said before he disappeared again with the wind.

Gaius looked around when the wind came ‘Merlin?’ Nobody answered, but Gaius calmed down.

‘How did I not know? Merlin is my best friend why didn’t he tell me!’ Arthur’s face was full of grief as he heard Leon speak, voice quieter than usual “He probably did not want to bother us, you know him my lord. He only thinks of others.” Leon said giving him a clearly exhausted smile.

“Leon, this was 10 years ago. How much did we miss while looking directly at him.” Arthur’s face went blank. Leon frowned, knowing he can’t answer.

Macha looked around. ‘Guess I’ll have to take over. Even Uther looks disturbed.’

“Let us calm down. Lady Morgana is correct and as many of you have probably figured there is a lot Merlin is hiding, but you all should know he would only hide things to protect you from the knowledge of it. My son hates lying, but he hates to see concern or pity even more”. She looked at Arthur. “He would be beating himself if he saw you cry for him.”

Arthur straighten his face. ‘She is right, there is still a lot we will probably see, I need to focus so I can make the best decision afterwards. For Merlin’s sake.’ Arthur then felt a breeze pass him by. Like it was caressing him before disappearing.

Arthur looked up, his mind in clouds. ‘Merlin.’

Everyone calmed down all but one. Gwen was holding on to Elyan tears still visible in her eyes.

‘Merlin was suffering alone while I could have helped.’ Elyan held his sister stronger till she mostly calmed down.

‘He really is a mystery’ Morgana could not help but be curious of everything she missed while dealing with him.

‘Well, he will be easier to deal with if he has mental problems.’ Uther looked back at Gaius and Merlin.

A conversation between Merlin and Gaius was fearsome. Merlin unsure of why he can’t tell the king, just because he is a servant. Gaius trying to convince him that’s just how things are.

Arthur cringed.

“It isn’t like that in my rule. Everyone has a right to report things” Arthur said staring at Uther.

“Then you have learned nothing. A knight has more worth then a servant and a noble is worth more then a knight. This is the natural order of things!” Uther screamed. “It seams I have failed to teach you.” Uther frowned, shaking his head.

Arthur looked away “At least the people respect me, not fear me!”

Morgana studied the both of them.

‘Maybe I underestimated Arthur. He is a good king, with everything, but magic which now I’m unsure where he stands.’

She looked at Uther sternly daring him to speak back to Arthur. Uther looked away.

Next morning quickly came with Merlin dressing Arthur in his armor commentating on his next opponent. Arthur left, but not before Merlin patted him on the shoulder for luck. Morgana and Gwen were watching from the audience.

“You’re not worried, are you?” Gwen teased Morgana, who was deep in concern. “No.” she answered before looking in the arena.

Morgana saw Arthur was preparing to talk, probably to annoy her so she quicky stepped in. “Yes I was worried, my cute little brother would get injured,” She teased first. Arthur not expecting it blushed and looked away before yelling at her “I’m not cute!”

Merlin was looking at Valiant just as Gaius came. Merlin still salty walked past him.

The tournament started again, Arthur winning his match and Valiant winning his. Both getting to the finals. Merlin watched closely as Gaius stepped next to him.

“Valiant’s going to fight Arthur in the final.” Merlin looked Gaius in the eyes. “He is going to use the shield to kill him.” Merlin said before leaving.

Merlin watched over knight Ewan in his chamber’s looking as Gaius interrupted him.

“merlin, about what I said yesterday…look Uther really wouldn’t listen to you or me. But you are right. We can’t let Valiant get away with this.”

Merlin still being upset took a line from Gaius’s book “But we don’t have any proof.”

“He was really upset with you then” Mordred spoke very quitly, still feeling sad for Emrys.

Gaius smiled at the boy “Annoyed more like it, Merlin hates to stand by doing nothing.”

Mordred smiled remembering all the times he tried to stop Emrys. “That he does.”

“Well, if we could cure Ewan, he could tell the king that Valiant was using magic. The king would believe another knight. But how we get the antidote… that’s another matter.” Merlin looked up considering his chances before standing up.

“Oh, I know where we are going” Gwaine spoke walking next to Merlin like he was ready to protect him.

“I think we all do.” Morgause spoke, looking forward to seeing the shield again.

“Actually, Merlin took a perfect time. Now a feast should be happening.” Morgana spoke surprised that the sorcerer remembered such a thing.

Merlin checked the throne room noticing Valiant speak with the king.

“Well, sir Valiant do you think you can match my son?”

Valiant looked unconcerned about tomorrow as he spoke.

“He is a great warrior my lord.”

Uther looked at him giving him an offer to stay in Camelot. Arthur looked at his father in horror.

‘Please, I don’t want to deal with a knight like him’ Arthur scowled a bit as he noticed Valiant looking at him.

“Didn’t want to deal with him huh Arthur.” Gwaine smirked showing the king a bit as Arthur glared at his friend.

“I’d be honored, my lord.”

Merlin noting Valiant would still be here a while quickly left.

“He really is smarter than I ever gave him credit for.” Morgana smirked a bit as she ran with Merlin.

“I think we all underestimated him, my lady.” Leon spoke as he was near Morgana.

Morgana gave him a small smile, before remembering they shouldn’t be this kind to each other anymore. They aren’t childhood friends anymore.

Merlin walked to Valiant’s room stoping right in front of the door.

“It’s locked” Morgause said looking at the servant. Merlin spoke a spell and the lock opened .Merlin quickly stepping inside.

“Well that was easy” Morgause smiled at the warlock.

“He is good with his magic after all. Even with no studying he is better then most teenage sorcerers.” Morgana looked at Morgause and then at Merlin before stepping inside the room.

Merlin took a sword pointing it at the shield, yet the snakes didn’t appear. Footsteps began to sound outside the door and Merlin turned around a snake finally appearing as it sensed the boy turned. Merlin glanced at the shadow turning around just as the snake stroke… Merlin slashed his sword cutting the snake’s head.

“Not a fool at all then” Arthur said looking at Merlin with fondness.

Morgana gaped at Merlin. “He really is full of surprises.” She breathed out, letting a smile grace her lips.

‘I will be stuck here a while. There is no need for us to be so tense especially when we are learning something so useful.’ Morgana held her sister’s hand, Morgause gladly excepting her.

The druids stared at the warlock, Mordred even more so as he never saw Merlin use a sword.

‘No magic and he is still so wonderful’ the druids all thought wanting to kneel to their lord.

Merlin took the snake’s head, dropping the sword he hurried back to the chambers.

Gaius extracted the venom as Merlin prepared to go to Arthur.

“You’ll need this,” Gaius said giving merlin the head.

“And Merlin, what you did was very brave.” Gaius said looking proudly at Merlin who smiled before he left.

Morgana smiled with Merlin.

“You chopped it’s head off” Arthur said looking at the snake.

“That he did princess!”

“No doubt about it!”

“It was very clearly him!”

“Yes dear brother, it was Merlin”

Gwaine, Lancelot, Elyan and Morgana all spoke looking straight at Arthur who just sighed.

‘Am I the only normal one here?” Arthur was pretty sure he was as even Leon and Morgause laughed at the shenanigans.

“Ewan was bitten by a snake from the shield when he was fighting Valiant.” Merlin spoke Arthur looking like his servant was insane, but Merlin continued none the less. “You can talk to Gaius. You can see the puncture wounds on Ewan’s neck where the snake bit him.”

Arthur was looking away from Merlin considering the information. “Ewan was beating him. He had to cheat.”

Arthur smiled at the insolence. “Valiant wouldn’t dare use magic in Camelot.”

“And this is why Camelot is so easy to attack” Morgana scowled.

Arthur looked at her, “What do you mean?”

“All of Camelot thinks nobody would dare come to Camelot if they possessed magic, but you are so wrong. A lot of people turn to magic, or magic creatures who wish to have Camelot and you always seem to turn your back to it saying no one would dare use magic in Camelot even after this has been proven wrong over and over again. You trust a knight you don’t know to not use magic just cuss of this belief, its foolish!” Morgana all, but yelled not even looking at Arthur, but at Uther, her eyes blazing with furry.

Uther looked at his daughter sad yet regretting nothing he had done.

Morgana turned away.

“Ewan was pined bellow Valiant’s shield, no one would see the snake bit him!” Merlin insisted stubbornly, Arthur still not convinced spoke back “I don’t like the guy, but that doesn’t mean he’s cheating.”

Arthur stood up facing away from him manservant.

“Gaius is preparing an antidote to the snake venom. When Ewan’s conscious he will tell you what happened.” Arthur faced him again as Merlin continued to talk “Valiant is going to use the shield in the final. It’s the only way he can beat you.” Arthur smiled at the confidence boost.

“Now how can you not believe him when he has such confidence in you” Gwaine said in a cute voice.

“Oh, shut it Gwaine!”

“I honestly do not understand the boy, all you did till now was berate him, yet he has such confidence in your skill.” Morgause spoke her eyes sparkling with mystery that is Merlin.

“I must agree” Gaius said Arthur facing towards him in shock.

“I mean no offense my lord, but at the time you treated him as nothing, but a servant. The way he wanted to save you went above everything I imagined.” Gaius quickly explained.

Arthur still stared at the physician considering then sighed knowing he was right.

Merlin picked the snake head up shoving it in front of the prince. “Look at it, have you ever seen any snakes like this in Camelot!” Arthur picked the snake up from Merlin, looking at it, going through his memories, sighing when he found nothing. “I know I’m just a servant and my word doesn’t count for anything.” At those words Arthur stared into Merlin’s eyes “I wouldn’t lie to you.” Arthur didn’t know what to think, mesmerized by the honesty in his servants eyes.

“Arthur” Gwen smiled while saying his name. Something didn’t feel right in the way she said it. He turned to her.

“If I hear Merlin say he is just a servant because of something you said or because you didn’t listen to him, I will knock you out” she said very cheerfully. Arthur froze at the threat, looking around him noticing vicious gazes. The druids were glaring at him for a while now so that wasn’t a surprise, but now his knights and Gaius joined in, all looking like they will run him through.

Arthur gathered his courage “You should be loyal to me, not Merlin!”

Gwaine and Lancelot smirked surprisingly Lancelot was the one who spoke “I stayed in Camelot because of Merlin, my loyalty may be to you, but my heart is with Merlin.”

“I came with you in the first place just because of Merlin and I stayed because of him as well, don’t think otherwise queenie. I may like you more then I did, but nowhere near the level that I love Merlin.” Gwaine gave him a heard glare he honestly should be expecting.

“I stayed because of Merlin and Gwen as well.” Now spoke someone Arthur didn’t expect to speak, Elyan stared at him. “I stayed because Merlin helped me with the forge work at the time. Of course, I was also thinking of my sister, but without Merlin I would have left after making sure she was safe.”

Arthur was wary of the looks.

‘Never make enemies of Merlin then.’

“We are not the only ones you’d be making the enemy of. I’m pretty sure most of Camelot loves Merlin.” Gwen spoke radiantly clearly proud of her friend’s influence.

‘I’ll just shut up now’.

Morgana started to laugh at the scene, Morgause smirking as well. Uther on the other hand looked enraged.

“See Arthur, this is what happens when you make commoners knights. They turn against you!” Uther screamed, furious that a king, his own son is being disrespected like this.

Arthur calmed his face, facing his father “You have no say in this father, I am actually proud that they respect Merlin so much, after all even sir Leon who I’ve known since I was small and is a noble is staring murderously at me.”

Uther looked at sir Leon and surely he was staring daggers at Arthur.

“Then all of you are enchanted by that… that servant.”

The glares at Arthur immediately stopped, turning their attention at Uther who scowled at them.

“I’d be careful father, or you will encourage my wrath as well!” Uther looked at his son, facing him as he glared at him with as much of fire as the others.

‘He enchanted the whole kingdom, that damn sorcerer. I will put an end to it somehow.’

Morgause finally started to laugh.

Arthur and Merlin were gayying at each other before the prince broke the silence. “I want you to swear to me, what your telling me is true.” Merlin peacefully swore, looking at him with pure confidence.

“Then I believe you.”

‘He is so confident, like a knight, but even more beautiful than one.’

Arthur covered his ears and shut his eyes as everyone stared at him.

“Ha, told you he was interested.” Gwaine was obviously the loudest.

“Figured something was up, my brother would never be so sweet with just a servant,” Morgana smirked, Arthur knew he would that devil of a sister.

“Already, I thought that would be later” Elyan screeched.

Gwen just looked at him with knowing eyes.

‘Enchanted my son. How dare he!’ Uther’s mind was screaming.

The druids weren’t that pleased yet and they won’t be until he shows Emrys that he is worthy.

Mordred just gazed at the prince. ‘How did I miss this?’

Next day began with Valiant being escorted to the palace before the scene shifted to Gaius and knight Ewan talking, telling the physician what he saw.

Leon looked at his fellow knight. “So he did wake?”

“Yes, sir Leon he did, but unfortunately something happened, even I am not sure what.”

Leon lowered his head.

Gaius left getting more herbs and as soon as he did a snake came out heading directly to sir Ewan who screamed before the snake bit him again killing him.

Everyone stared at the scene,“I apologize my lord, I should not have left him alone” Gaius spoke bowing to Arthur. Arthur who was speechless at once turned to face him. “It is not your fault Gaius, castle is supposed to be safe. Nobody would have expected that.” Gaius bowed again.

Leon was the most affected knowing sir Ewan before. He sent a silent prayer to him.

Uther arrived at the throne room quickly gaining attention he spoke to Arthur.

“Why have you summoned the council?” he walked to his throne.

Arthur stepped forward accusing Valiant of magic. Valiant quickly defending himself showing the shield at the king. Unfortunately as sir Ewan died his witness disappeared leaving Arthur with no evidence. Merlin almost got arrested, but sir Valiant wanting Merlin to see Arthur died convinced the king to pardon him. Arthur lowered his head to knight Valiant in apology. Uther furious at his son for such an accusation.

“Can’t even believe your son, even as he was right.” Morgana spoke glaring at Uther.

“He had no evidence, what was I supposed to do!”

“Yet you believed others with no proof on other occasions! Such hypocrisy!”

“I apologized afterwards, how was I supposed to do.”

“Despicable only an apology yet there were countless instances of magic in Camelot, which your son managed to stop!”

Uther turned back around while Arthur smiled at his sister, Morgana turning stubbornly away.

Merlin followed the prince and a fight started. “I believed you, I trusted you and you made me look like a complete fool.” Arthur was mad, infuriated as Merlin tried to soften the situation. Arthur screamed at Merlin, while Merlin still concerned with the prince’s safety wanted to expose Valiant.

“I no longer require your services.” Arthur spoke at Merlin’s suggestion.

“You’re sacking me?”

“You’re sacking him?” everyone screamed at once, Arthur looking down.

“I need a servant I can trust.”

“How dare you say Merlin isn’t trustworthy after doing all he can to protect you!” Arthur looked to see who shouted… it was Mordred.

“Mordred I?”

“No, how dare you. He just met you and he was prepared to put himself in danger to protect you!” Mordred yelled full of hostility. “I really don’t understand where he gets such faith in you” Mordred spoke pointing an icy stare at Arthur before looking away.

Everyone stared at Mordred as he never shows such emotion. Morgana felt shocked, he met him while he was still a child, yet he didn’t show such anger even when his father died in Camelot.

Merlin ran out the room, Arthur felt bad, but sat leaned at the table. “Felt bad? Right.” Mordred scowled. As the night came Merlin headed to the cave.

“Not again!” Uther said, council again removing themselves as far back as possible. Uther just glaring at the boy.

‘He may be the one who unleashed that beast out, if he did Arthur will realize he is evil!’ Uther thought a broad grin on his lips.

“Where are you?” merlin screamed to the cave with nothing appearing.

Merlin started to pace as he started to talk “I just came to tell you, whatever you think my destiny is, whatever you think it is I’m supposed to do, you’ve got the wrong person.” Merlin waited a bit looking around “That’s it…”

“Merlin is pouting” Lancelot said.

Everyone widened their eyes.

“He is mad that you did not listen to him so he went to complain to the dragon, hoping it might have answers as well as just to blow some steam” Lancelot laughed a bit at his own words.

Arthur was stunned. Everyone was stunned.

‘He was annoying a dragon to get answers…’ Mordred realized, glaring at Arthur again. ‘Why do you do this Emrys? At that time there was no point?!’

“Goodbye.” Merlin spoke as he pretended to walk away.

“If only it were so easy to escape one’s destiny.”

“And he succeeded in getting it’s attention.” Morgana said smirking at a trap that Merlin planted. Morgause enjoying the show as well.

“How can it be my destiny to protect someone who hates me.”

“I don’t hate you, even then…” Arthur promptly shut his mouth as he felt the glares on him, a particular druid sending him particularly dangerous ones.

“A half cannot truly hate that which makes it whole. Very soon you shall learn that.” The dragon criptedly said.

“Oh great, just what I needed, another riddle.”

“Merlin, don’t sass the dragon!” Arthur screamed, knowing he wouldn’t hear him, but curse Merlin for doing that.

“This is why that is my best friend!”

Morgana laughed. ‘This is why we were friend before.’

‘Oh, my boy’ Gaius gave a gentle smile.

“That your and Arthur’s path lies together is but the truth.”

“Hear that Arthur, lies together” Gwaine winked at him.

Arthur blushed “No!”

“What is that supposed to mean?”

“Seams he didn’t catch your words Gwaine.” Percival said showing him lightly.

“A shame really.”

“You know, young warlock, this is not the end. It is the beginning.” The dragon spread his wings and flew away.

“Just give me a straight answer!” Merlin yelled after him, infuriated he left.

“Merlin, buddy we discussed this. You aren’t straight.” Gwaine shook his head while everyone’s eyes landed on him.

“He’s not?” Arthur the clueless asked, his eyes wide.

“Nope, as far as I know. We kissed and he definitely enjoyed it,” Gwaine boasted, “and I am pretty sure he had kissed a girl as well so definitely not straight or into guys exclusively. Definitely both.”  

Arthur was gazing into nothing, surely not imagining it. That would not be very kingly.

Everyone else quieted down, why? No one knows…

Another morning arose while Merlin sat on the stairs dejected as Gwen walked up to him.

“Hello Merlin.”

“All right?” Merlin said definitely not paying much attention. Gwen sat down next to Merlin “Is it true what you said about Valiant using magic?” Gwen asked curiously, Merlin only nodded still not looking at her.

“What are you gonna do?” Merlin finally faced her at that question.

“Why does everyone think it’s up to me to do something about it?”

“Now that I think about is. Merlin is a servant who only came in Camelot, yet everyone really does expect him to do everything.” Leon spoke.

Druids looked away as did Gaius and Gwen.

“Oh, now you realize it?” Morgause faced them. “And this is probably just the beginning of him always having to fix things. It’s going to be an experience seeing all of it.”

Morgana sighed remembering she used to expect a lot of him as well.

‘I wonder how he was able to handle it… how he is still able to handle it?’

“Well it is… isn’t it?”

“You have to show everyone that you were right and they were wrong.”

“Hm… and how do I do that? Merlin glanced at her, waiting for an answer.

“I don’t know.” Merlin looked away, expecting that answer. His eyes widened in a second.

Morgana looked in the direction Merlin was looking “A statue? What does that have to do with anything?”

“That’s it.” Merlin stood up going directly to the statue.

“Where are you going?” Gwen followed.

Merlin grabbed the statue trying to lift it unsuccessfully. “Do you have a wheelbarrow?”

Gwen looked at him and went to get one.

“What is he planning to do with a statue” Morgause said as she touched the statue, felling nothing special of it.

Merlin put the statue in the wheelbarrow and brough it to his room. Everyone looked curiously, even Uther was interested.

“What are you doing with that” Gaius stared at the dog statue.

“I’m going to let everyone see the snakes for themselves.”

“What?”

Merlin smiled as he closed his door, he quickly got the magic book and sat on the bed.

Morgause and Morgana stepped to Merlin, reading the incarnation.

They looked at each other “He isn’t thinking of doing that, right?” Morgana said eyes blown. “I don’t know sister.”

“Mind letting us know?” Gwaine said standing before them, trying to read, but being unsuccessful.

Morgana looked up “It’s an incarnation meant for releasing creatures. Basically, meant for rescuing live things from objects.”

“Okay, and what is the problem?” Percival spoke moving Gwaine away from the sisters as they were thinking.

“This dog is made of stone, there is no life in him, so he is expecting to make new life out of a statue.” Morgause clarified.

Druids looked at Emrys.

“That is not possible, right?” Mordred spoke facing Morgana and Morgause.

“It shouldn’t be.” Morgause clarified to the druid before everyone turned back to Merlin.

Merlin was repeating the incarnation, going all around the room, trying different poses yet nothing worked.

“He is quite adorable like this” Morgana said.

Morgause smiled “That he is, but also a bit foolish. This is far harder to accomplish then getting an already alive snake out of a shield, if he succeeds in this it is no wonder why he messed up all of our plans, It’s quite adorable.”

Morgana beamed at her sister “Then lets see.”

Night fell and the scene abruptly changed showing Morgana asleep. Everything was fine, but one thing. Visions. Morgana saw a vision of Arthur dying to Valiant… and then she woke up breathless.

“What was that?” Arthur looked at his sister.

“It’s my visions. I guess all of you will be able to see them as our thoughts from that time are revealed in this place.”

“That was horrifying” Elyan spoke.

Morgana smiled at the comment and looked at Arthur, Uther and Gaius “Am I just having nightmares now?”

All three looked down ashamed.

Morgana stood up going to the window seeing Arthur train.

Suddenly they were back in Merlin’s room who was still trying the spell. Merlin tried saying it faster yet nothing worked. He threw the book and himself on the bed. Sighing he took a break and headed to Arthur. Arthur looked at him. “I thought I told you to get out of my sight”.

Arthur was again face to face with anger of multiple people present. “Don’t fight Valiant in the final tomorrow. He will use the shield against you.” Merlin spoke with urgency. “I know.” Not facing him said Arthur. “Then withdraw. You have to withdraw” Merlin was desperate.

“Don’t you understand?” Arthur faced him “I can’t withdraw.” Arthur was resigned.

“The people expect their prince to fight. How can I lead men into battle if they think I’m a coward.”

Morgana looked at Arthur.

‘Your people huh? Does that include people with magic?’

“Valiant will kill you. If you fight, you die.”

“Then I die.”

“How selfish.” Morgause concluded.

“What do you mean” Arthur’s posture hardened.

“You would prefer to see you people end without a prince. Without anyone to lead them over being called a coward. That is selfish. You just don’t want to be seen as a coward, but being a coward is better then be dead. For yourself and Camelot.”

‘How foolish’ Arthur looked at him.

“How can you go out there and fight like that?”

“Because I have to, it’s my duty.”

‘Then it’s my duty to protect you.’

“Merlin no!”

Merlin walked back to his chambers. He took up the book and continued to chant. Morning fell and Merlin was half asleep still chanting the spell. Arthur sat next to Merlin a while ago. “Merlin why?”

Arthur was getting prepared for the fight. Getting dressed by another servant as Morgana arrived finishing the job herself.

“I used to help my father with his armor.” Uther looked at the scene while Morgana laughed, ‘My father, huh?’

“Thanks.” Arthur began walking towards the door.

“Arthur? Be careful.”

Arthur nodded “See you at the feast.”

Arthur arrived at the arena. Both him and Valiant put on their helmets and the duel started.

Merlin was asleep yet continued saying the spell.

“Oh, Merlin!” Arthur shouted.

“I’d look at the dog if I was you.” Gwaine said laughing.

Morgana, Morgause the druids and Uther all stood up in shock.

The dog barked and Merlin woke up staring at it.

“That shouldn’t be possible.” Druid Eric said staring at the live dog???

“Oh, I did it!” Merlin cheered, but as dog continued to bark quickly escaped the room.

“How? This is a life, he created. It is not possible.” Morgause was speechless.

Merlin walked out of his room warning Gaius to not go into the room as he left. Everyone turned to Gaius. “I did went in, but ran out the second I opened the door.” Gaius said knowing they would ask.

The fight continued both being somewhat equal in strength. Merlin watched from his spot behind the wall.

“Well, it’s not going so bad” Gwaine spoke, Valiant’s helmet flew of as Arthur punched him. “See and still no snakes.” Gwaine cheered.

Arthur took his helmet off as well and their fight continued. Arthur being knocked around a bit prompted Merlin to act saying the chant and the snakes appeared from the shield. “He is strong, very strong, inconceivably so” Morgause breathed out, Morgana agreeing, her eyes sparkling at the sight of magic.

Arthur stooped and the entirety of Camelot looked at the shield. “What are you doing? I didn’t summon you.” Valiant himself was taken aback.

“He really is using magic” uther glared at the knight. “And now they see you for who you really are.” Arthur spoked, Valiant just started to chuckle as he sent the snakes out of the shield. “Kill him.”

Arthur walked back, Morgana noticing took a sword and threw it to him. Arthur swung it killing the snakes before continuing his fight with Valiant, stabbing him quickly.

“I guess, I’ll be going to the feast after all.” Valiant fell to the ground and people cheered.

“There you go princess, nice job!” Gwaine hit Arthur on the back.

Uther and Morgana both looked relived as Arthur left. Seeing Merlin, he hit him on the arm, Merlin just smiling at him.

The feast started, Arthur escorting Morgana across the room. Merlin looked at them both smiling before turning to Gaius “told you he gets all the girls and glory.” Gaius looked at the boy smiling “And he owes it all to you.”. Arthur looked at the scene “Apparently I do, Gaius.”

Morgana and Arthur never being able to talk quickly got in an argument.

“Men, to condescending to admit being saved.” Morgana breathed out, Arthur rolling his eyes.

Morgana walked to Gwen and Arthur headed to Merlin, who was surprised at the company.

“Can you believe Morgana? She says she saved me, like I needed any help” Gwaine looked at the king “Did you really just talked to him like nothing happened?” Arthur nodded to embarrassed to say yes. “I just wanted to start the conversation.”

Merlin looked all around but at the prince. ‘Fuck don’t look that sad. What do I say???’

“Really?” Elyan eyed the king who was blushing at hearing his thoughts.

“I wanted to say… I made a mistake.” Gwaine laughed at the awkwardness, Leon being supportive “Good job, my lord” and the druids still glaring.

“It was unfair to sack you” Arthur said looking away. Merlin glanced at him and smirked.

“Oh no, I know that smile” Lance said just as Merlin began. “Oh don’t worry about it.” Percival who was right next to him looked at Lance who just pointed at Merlin. “Buy me a drink and we’ll call it even.”

Lance looked away “Told you.”

“What do you mean, he was just teasing?” Gwen slapped her forehead while others realized that Arthur was blind. “He was flirting with you!” Morgana not being able to stand it yelled. Arthur looked alarmed, “No… he was just… teasing” Arthur went red as he realized it.

‘Drinks meant date?! And I refused?!’

“Uh, I can’t really be seen buying a drink for my servant.” Eyes stared at him. “You refused!!” Gwaine shrieked horrified. Arthur hid his face in his hands as yelling began.

Macha laughed “And that’s another day wrapped.”

“Please tell me not everything is just Merlin saving me.” Arthur groaned still embarrassed.

Chapter Text

“So that was just his second day! I can only imagine the wild things that happened before we even met!” Gwaine never one to be silent started his yammering.

Morgana looked in wonder.

‘What did that servant really do? I mean he definitely interfered with my attacks, but just how much was magical that I didn’t notice?’ Morgana really didn’t know where to stand in this or what to think. Morgause looked at her sister, holding her hand, Morgana took her hand and smiled.

The scene started to shift, going from the Camelot to somewhere different..

Arthur looked around,

“Okay where are we now.”

“Definitely not Camelot.” Leon said walking around a bit further. “Looks like a cave? Not sure where exactly.”

Gwaine smiled “Oh, look a beautiful woman.” Everyone looked behind them and there she stood.

Nimueh stood in the cave, holding an egg, smiling sinisterly as she started to chant. Gwaine looked at his company “Guess she isn’t kind?” Arthur felt a headache coming.

As Nimueh chanted the egg she put in the water started to disappear.

Uther looked at the woman gaping before looking back at Gaius who was looking just as shocked.

“Nimueh.” Uther said in a trance.

Arthur looked to his father. The name was familiar. “Wha- Woah!” the ground beneath them opened, taking them with the egg.

Gwaine smiled when he finally felt the floor. “Now this was willed.”

Arthur opened his eyes and immediately looked at his father who was looking white in Gaius’s direction. He decided to look at Gaius, who just as his father looked shocked, pale, like he was seeing a ghost.

Morgana’s voice got his attention though “Look at the egg.” Arthur did as told.

The egg started to break, and they were back in Camelot, watching as a man approached the water well in the city, drinking water from it.

‘Oh, it’s the monster.’ Morgana quickly realized.

The scene changed again leaving them in a cave where, Nimuh was looking at a reflection of Camelot in the water, chanting and smiling.

Gaius and Merlin walked to the collapsed man in the middle of Camelot streets. Merlin questioning Gaius if he isn’t scared of getting the illness the man has, Gaius just telling him it’s his job. Merlin kneels closer to the men, Morgause again following after him, very interested.

“Most of the time there isn’t anything to be scared off” Gaius said before turning the person, as he did he pulled slightly away from the shock.

Arthur looked at the man, clearly the one who was drinking the water before. He turned to his father expecting a shout of sorcery, but it didn’t occur. Uther was there still as pale as before, looking at the collapsed person.

Morgause looked impressed. Looking at the victim’s body.

“He is white, must be work of a monster that the woman sent to the water system in Camelot. It’s powerful magic.”

Morgana stepped closer. “His body is completely white, like he was frozen.” She looked at Merlin.

Merlin looked at Gaius giving him a mimic of Gaius’s raised eyebrow look.

“You were saying?”

Gwaine laughed at that.

“Not the time Gwaine!” Percival nudged him in the arm.

 Gwaine rolled his eyes playfully.

“People mustn’t see this, they’ll panic.” Gaius said looking around. Merlin catching his distressed signals stood up and got a cloth from nearby.

As the scene changed Elyan froze, looking around with wide eyes. Gwen who was next to him held his hand as Elyan looked at his father.

“Dad…” Elyan sobbed. Gwen felt her hand being squeezed as she took sight of her father, still happy, still alive… She felt tears stream down her face as she hugged her brother, both crying.

Gwen handed her father his dinner joking a bit.

Tom smiled at his daughter, looking at her grateful “You’re such a good girl to me.”

“And I’ve made you some watercress soup tonight.” Gwen quickly interrupted, Tom smiling “Don’t tell me, with more water in it then cress?” Gwen laughed with her father as they hugged each other.

Elyan smiled with his father, happy to see him. He stepped to Tom wanting to touch him only to faze through. Elyan stared sadness apparent on his face. Gwen extended her hand reaching Elyan, she pulled him towards her. Elyan followed looking at Gwen “Was he happy… till the end?” Elyan’s eyes were red, tears still on his face.

Gwen forced a smile, eyes as red as her brother, she nodded her head “Yes, he was. At least I hope I made him happy to the end.”

Elyan smiled at her, wiping away her tears. “Then I have nothing to worry about. With you by his side everyone is happy.”

They smiled at each other as Gwen left the house.

Everyone looked around. “Looks like we are at the palace again.” Leon spoke taking in the change, looking for Merlin who was certain to be nearby.

And he was, Merlin and Gaius were pulling a cart as Gwen stepped to him.

“That was a body?” Gwen shook her head.

“Yes, a body.”

“A whole ass dead body, to be precise!”

“Very dead if I might add.”

Gwen looked at the boys, who promptly shut up looking away. Elyan laughed as Gwen smacked him.

‘Traitors, all of them. Where is my Merlin when I need him!’

“What is that, looks heavy.” Gwen spoke getting Merlin’s attention.

“Oh, it’s nothing!” Merlin looked around, noticing the flowers. “Someone got you flowers?”

“Oh, no.” Gwen looked at the flowers, she took one blushing a bit “Would you like one? A purple one. Purple suits you.”

Gwen felt it coming as she turned to the knights.

“Someone has a crush!” Gwaine sang smiling fiercely.

Elyan joined him in singing. Lance looked curious.

‘So, Gwen was in love with Merlin? But Merlin said they weren’t together? Did he not know?’ Lance was busy wrecking his brain while the others were teasing Gwen.

“You had it baadddd!” Gwaine laughed.

“A purple flower in love language of flowers that is a meaning of love. Gwen feel for Merlin.” Elyan teased jumping around Gwen.

Gwen looked at the knight’s sternly (everyone as Percival and Leon were laughing so betrayal). “Like you all can talk.”

Arthur looked weirded out by the whole thing.

‘I though Lance was her first love not Merlin. Why Merlin?’ No Arthur wasn’t jealous just curious. Kings don’t get jealous because their manservant (friend) was in love and didn’t tell him. He definitely didn’t feel cheated.

Merlin took the flower, but Gwen feel the need to correct herself “Not that red doesen’t suit you.” She blurted out before she could stop herself.

“Oh, Gweeenn! You’re lovestruck again!” Elyan smiled before running to hide before Percival as Gwen glared.

“Thanks,well…” Merlin looked where he could put it, settling for where his precious neckerchief is before smiling at Gwen.

Gwen was absolutely thrilled, her cheek’s red as tomato, smiling from ear to ear. Merlin smiled again as he saw her happy before remembering he has things to do.

“Uh, See you…?” Merlin stumbled with his words.

Gwen who was still in trans from Merlin just looked at him “Bye.”

“Lovestruck!” Elyan screamed from his hiding spot.

“Elyan!” A shoe flew across the room, barely missing Percival who was in front of Elyan.

Percival looked a bit terrified, knights were laughing and Morgana was impressed.

‘Glad she found others who were important to her.’

Morgana would never admit it, but she did love Gwen and those affections still aren’t gone. Gwen helped her through a lot and yet she chose her side, and it’s not with Gwen. Not now.

Gwen continued walking coming right into Morgana’s room. Morgana who was shining as ever looked at her friend.

“You look happy.”

“I picked theses for you” Gwen reached out a hand showing her the flowers.

“Oh, that’s so sweet.” Morgana smiled as she held them.

“Something to cheer you up. I know you’re not sleeping well.”

‘How nostalgic. It’s like it was yesterday. The smell of those flowers Gwen picked for me so frequently.’ Morgana smiled.

Morgause looked at her sister seeing her this happy was all she wanted right now, even if the reason were people from Camelot, who maybe aren’t as guilty as she believed.

Gwen smiled shyly as she went to put the flowers in the water. In the physician’s room Gaius and Merlin were kept busy as Gaius did not see anything like it.

“Do you think it’s some sort of plague?

Gaius looked grim at the question,” No, I fear something like this could never come from nature.” Merlin looked at him and Gaius continued. “But who has that kind of power?”

“You think it’s caused by magic?”

Merlin waited for the answer…

“Merlin!!!”

…

“Really princess?”

Arthur looked offended. “I didn’t know!”

Morgana let out a giggle. Ah, the days where she was so used to Arthur calling for Merlin. Where she was in the castle talking with Gwen… trusting Merlin. Memories she casted aside, but never left. Perhaps she judged Arthur too harshly or perhaps Merlin was wrong. She smiled to herself ‘I guess I’ll find out sooner or later.’

Merlin opened the door, coming face to face with Arthur. “I’m on my way. Sorry I’m late.”

“Don’t worry I’m getting used to it.” Arthur looked at Merlin blankly as he really was getting used to Merlin’s insolence. Just another day at the castle.

…

Arthur felt stares and turned.

“This fast!”

“My lord! This is unprecedented!”

“Really brother! You fired countless servants if they were late for a second, or they forgot something, or they made a tiny mistake in front of our father!”

“Sorcery!”

Everyone ignored the last outburst.

 Arthur looked confuse, did he really?

‘Oh, I guess I did, but they weren’t Merlin. They were plain, boring and just ordinary servants. Merlin is none of the above. He’s just Merlin. He is not plain… not handsome of course, but just not plain!’ Arthur felt the need to justify himself. ‘He is definitely not boring, and he is everything, but ordinary. I mean who else would ever question my authority or make fun of me.’

Arthur feeling the extreme need to justify his actions just looked at all of them. “It’s Merlin, I had no choice.”

Many wanted to argue, really, they did… but he was kind of right.

‘He got me to trust him after a bar fight so yeah, I can’t talk.’

‘I let him barge into the throne room, when I had orders not to…’

‘Why does one sentence make so much yet so little sense. I trusted him with my secret of magic when nobody new. I guess there really is something about him. Something not magical, just something about HIM that we all feel.’

Everyone ignored Arthur (there is no way they are admitting he is right!) and turned back to Arthur who was staring at a flower Merlin still had.

Merlin noticed the stared and remembered the flower. It was so natural on him that he forgot.

‘That is so sweet. He felt natural with something I gave him.’

Gwen was fangirling a little and definitely blushing.

Merlin had to explain to Arthur. Why? He doesn’t know, but he has to.

“Oh, uh Gwen. She gave it to me” Merlin smiled on the outside, but was berating himself on the inside. ‘Really smooth me!’

Arthur looked at Merlin, looking a bit more mad then when he came. “Tell Gaius, my father wants to see him now.” Arthur turned on his heels and left.

“Pf!”

If the whole room, feel into laughter Arthur doesn’t know as he isn’t here. He is ignoring it and he is invisible.

“I don’t know what’s better. You obviously being jealous or Merlin needing to explain himself!” Gwaine never one to leave Arthur IN PEACE had to tease him.

Morgana always up for teasing Arthur also couldn’t stay quiet. “He ran away sulking! Oh, my brother. So helplessly in love and not even realizing it.”

Yes, Arthur is not here. Not at all.

Others were not being much help as they were mostly laughing. The druids were still berating in Arthur is good enough for Emrys regarding what they saw already and his father shall not be mentioned.

‘I swear, I will get my revenge on all of them.’

Merlin went back inside and immediately complained about not being a messenger.

“Why couldn’t he tell you himself.”

“Because that’s just how it is. You are his servant.”

‘Just because I’m his servant doesn’t mean he suddenly lost his ability to talk.’ Of course Merlin didn’t want a lecture for thinking that so he said something else.

“If he knew who I was, what I’ve done-“ Gaius looked at him sternly “You’d be a dead servant.”

‘Fair enough.’

Arthur looked hurt by that statement.

Druids were once again against Emrys being the king. Damn once and future king, Emrys is the sun who shouldn’t be hurt!

“Now cover this up.”

Merlin wanted to tease someone, and Arthur wasn’t here, so Gaius it is.

“Hey!” Arthur screamed.

“I’m not you servant.”

Gaius sensed the teasing from his son “No, you’re my dogsbudy. Come on, hurry up.”

Merlin looked scandalized.

“Pf, serves him right” Finally it was his turn to laugh. The king looked satisfied at that.

“Are we really walking to the throne room, couldn’t we just be teleported there?”

Leon sighed at Gwaine’s laziness.

“Oh come on it’s not THAT far,” Arthur was unimpressed. He walks this distance multiple times a day just because him incompetent manservant is nowhere to be found.

They finally arrived and Gaius knelt to the person, white as the previous victim, the king, Arthur and the knight’s watching. Morgause not wanting to just stand back stepped to the body, examining the sign’s to the previous victim.

“You can share there step-princess!”

Morgause looked at the knight. ‘Step-princess? What is this fool’s nicknames?’ She sighed, but obliged as she will be here a long time and there is no point in keeping secrets. ‘I have a feeling everything will be revealed ether way so no need to make things more annoying for my sister… or the curious magical servant. I like him now, he was always impudent magic or no.’

Gaius spoke before Morgause could (she was annoyed) “I don’t know what happened to him, but it’s the second case I saw today.”

Uther looked insulted at that “Why didn’t you report it to me?”

“I was attempting to find the cause.” Merlin who was standing beside Gaius was looking at the victim, wanting to approach and check, but couldn’t as the king was right there.

“And what did you conclude?” The king was getting impatient and annoyed as this interrupted his meeting and it was a noble who feel not a commoner.

“Father!”

“Selfish bastard!”

Uther looked at Morgana with teary eyes. ‘How could my daughter refer to me like this. Why don’t my children understand that nobles are the rulers, trusting commoners to be anything more then helpers is foolish, they would just betray us, like that servant!’

Gaius not wanting to mention magic to the king attempted to avoid a definitive answer. “I don’t think it’s time to hurry to conclusions. The scientific process is a long one.” Gaius did spoke calmly, but his mind was racing not wanting to be questioned for more. ‘Magic is a difficult and dangerous topic, please my lord spare me.’

Uther looked at Gaius insulted, Gaius didn’t look back.

Uther wasn’t in the mood, “What are you concealing from me?”. Gaius resisted the urge to sigh, ‘I should have known.’

If Morgana was hugging her sister to cover her intense giggling nobody needed to know, her sister was doing the same after all.

“Sire I have seen nothing like it. The victims are dying in 24 hours and it’s spreading fast.”

“But what is the cause.” Uther’s eyebrows rose to tell Gaius he has no choice, but to answer and fast.

Gwaine looked at Gaius smirking, “So, you know what the king is thinking just by his eyebrows?” Gaius did not answer and Uther didn’t understand the problem with that.

‘Like father, like son.’ Arthur sneezed.

“I think you should say the cause… or the most likely cause is sorcery.” Uther looked around at the self-caused chaos, “You wanted to know!” Gwaine complained, Percival quickly quieted him before the past king decided to behead him for treason. Uther stared ‘Damn peasant, why did my son make this commoners knights?’

Uther quickly turned to his son, putting an arm around him. “You must find who did this.”

“I will , father.”

Uther looked anxious “Conduct door to door searches, increase your presence in the town.” Merlin looked at Gaius concerned, Gaius sharing his look. Gaius moved to the body Merlin following closely behind, both wanting to get back as soon as possible.

“And lend the physician your servant.” If Merlin looked insulted at being treated like a thing that can be passed around nobody noticed.

Nobody, but everyone who started to smirk, so most of the room… except druids who were disappointed that they didn’t wage war on Uther, daring to use their Emrys like this, Mordred who was busy debating ending Uther’s life together with Morgana having the same thoughts (no she doesn’t care for Merlin at all…). Uther was of course in minority being disappointed he didn’t treat him worse.

“Merlin?! But…”

“Ooo, princess didn’t want to give his servant away.” Gwaine dared to wink so Arthur was debating how to kill him. Percival fortunately dragged him further away from Arthur, going all the way to Morgana.

Elyan saw his chance in Gwaine being moved. Someone had to take his role, he shared a look with Gwaine who smiled back.

“Was princess going to be lonely without his servant,” Elyan mocked. Leon sensed Arthur’s reaction, so he dragged Elyan away as Arthur’s anger built.

Morgana was still hiding her face which was getting redder by the minute.

“We need Gaius to find a cure. He needs all the help we can give him.” Uther took a quick breath “If Gaius is right, believe me, the city will be whipped out.” Morgana looked at Uther seeing just fear ‘Coward. He fears something he himself used and caused the hatred off, hypocrite!’

“This is the kind of magic that undermines our authority, challenges all we have done. If we cannot control this plague, people will turn to magic for cure. We have to find the sorcerer and quickly.”

“What a hypocrite you are Uther Pendragon.” Morgause looked at the stupid king with disgust. Morgana next to her frowning her face at him. Uther said nothing, just glared.

“Can’t even defend yourself, you have been speaking from experience there haven’t you. DO you dare to refuse?”

Uther still stared saying nothing. Gaius looked at his friend, then at his king who looked lost.

“Lady Morgause, lady Morgana, please let us spare this conversation for later. I am sure it will come up.” Gaius bowed slightly hoping they will listen.

“You would be the one to defend him!” Morgause held Morgana’s hand which stopped her. She looked at her confused. Morgause just shook her head and whispered, “It will be more effective for them to see it, it will come up.” Morgana nodded and resulted to just staring daggers at her father  ‘Furthermore I am curious as how he did react when I told him and why Uther lived after it.’

The search began, knight’s breaking into houses, patrols being tightened. Gaius and Merlin watching it all while going through the town, Merlin found a man still alive calling for Gaius who said they can’t help.

“But we haven’t even tried!” Merlin was stubborn and hated to being useless, to not be able  to help.

“If we don’t know what the disease is then how can we cure him?”

“With magic”

Gaius took Merlin’s shoulder pulling him up. “Look around. They’re suspicious of everyone. This is not the time to be using magic.”

Gwen’s eyes widened.

‘Magic? My father! Merlin did it!’ Gwen almost let out a sob, but held it in. She will cry when she knows. Elyan looked in her direction and came closer, sensing she will need him, and he her.

“Science will lead us to the cure of the disease.”

Morgause laughed, Gaius looked to the floor knowing what she will say.

The knights and everyone around looked at her. “Science will lead nowhere as this plague was caused by water contamination, right king Arthur.” All eyes turned to him.

“Yes, the egg we saw was probably the monster I killed.”

“You killed? Alone my lord?” Leon looked at Arthur who shook his head. “Morgana was there to help an-“

“And Merlin.” Morgana felt her eyes widen. “Merlin was with us.”

Everyone looked shocked. Uther cursed under his breath. ‘Another debt I owe that damn sorcerer or maybe it was just Arthur and he was just with him, like always.’

Arthur shook his head. “He was with me. I would have noticed.” Morgana didn’t look convinced, but better see then speculate.

Gaius and Merlin were back with Gaius using his science. Morgause still looked interested in the scientific process and went to look. Gwaine also took his chance to escape from Percival and went closer to Lancelot who was always standing with Merlin. Well, if he wasn’t with Gwen who was currently with Elyan.

“What are you doing,” Merlin asked curios, Morgause agreed with Merlin leaning closer. “Examining the contents of the men’s stomach.” Morgause was impressed with the physician. “Will that tell you who did it?”

Morgause raised his brows “He is slow.”

Morgana giggled “Yes he is.”

Gaius felt the need to protect his son. “He isn’t as slow as he was uneducated as he was from a small village. He was a quick student, and he knew way more then he let on. He also knew how to write which is unusual.” Macha approved of Gaius’s praise, her son was the best.

“No, but it might tell us how it spread. One thing I do know, this is magic of the darkest kind.” Morgause grinned at Gaius, “You truly do know a lot about magic.” Gaius smiled her way at the compliment from a high priestess.

“Why would someone use magic like that?”

“Magic corrupts. People use it for their own ends.”

Gaius stepped back, lowering his head.

“How dare you!” Morgana growled.

“I take back what I said. This is utter rubbish!”

“You told that to EMRYS. The nerve of you people!”

“Emrys should have come to us! This is an insult to all the magic kind!”

Mordred looked furious his magic flowing out. Other magic users felt it and looked at the boy, but Macha was quicker she concealed it from the non-magic users and made it calm down. Mordred felt the difference and sent a thankful smile to her, but his anger wasn’t over.

“You dared to say this to him. You were as good as a parent to him! You were his mentor, his guiding light!”

“It’s a wonder he didn’t turn like me, having Uther berate him, Arthur being a prat and almost definitely hating magic and YOU who told him stuff like this!”

“Stupid sorcerers. Gaius is right!” Uther screamed. Finally, Gaius was doing the right thing reprimanding the boy.

“You dare to speak after what you did!”

“I did nothing. It was the fault of you sorcerers!”

“Enough of this! This is about Merlin! This is about how you people were meant to protect him. Not tell him he will be corrupted by it. He was born with it for God’s sake. If you fools believe someone can be born evil you are insane, you’re the monsters!”

“Merlin was already thinking he was a monster, now you were just increasing that belief!”

Morgana and Mordred were furious. Mordred who admired Emrys and Morgana who was in the same position as him, but she never realized. Now it’s slowly coming to her that he wanted to help, but someone was preventing him, going this far. She wasn’t corrupted (as Gaius thinks) because of magic, but because of fear.

The druids also had enough of the slander. “If by the end of this we find that your attitude of him hasn’t changed we are taking him with us. To say that to him is the biggest offense to all of us and if this has not been remedied in the event’s we will see, we are taking him.” Iseldir spoke with conviction.

Gaius was hurt, they can’t take Merlin, but in this case they are right. All he can do is lover his head deeper. “I apologize. I corrected myself, but I do believe I caused him a lot of misery without meaning to.”

Arthur meanwhile wanted to faint, he wanted to scream, he wanted to do anything. ‘Merlin, they can’t take Merlin. HE IS MINE! He can’t allow this to happen. Screw my doubts of magic. If Merlin uses it, it must be good and this all should prove it. I will make Merlin stay. Merlin is mine and belongs to my side. If anyone dares to change that I will start a war.’

If Gwaine ran to Merlin’s side and Lance did the same others were too busy to notice. They were close before, but now they stood right by him. And both were ready to kill someone for hurting or taking Merl’s from them. Merlin belongs to Camelot, and they belong to his side. If they are taking him, they are coming with or die trying.

Elyan and Gwen shook. Gwen started to cry. ‘Why does everyone hurt my Merlin. Merl’s doesn’t deserve this.” Elyan swore he will fight for Merlin if he must. Nobody is taking him anywhere from them.

Percival and Leon were frozen, Leon can’t imagine Camelot without the boy who changed the king, who changed Camelot. The bubbly boy he knew for 10 years now, who smiled was this hurt, was holding so many secrets in the king’s court. Who suffered and he vowed to make it up to him, but to do that nobody must take him away. He is his little brother.

Percival wanted to sharpen his sword, but he didn’t have it. His brother was this hurt by people closest to him. He didn’t know him as long as others did, but Merlin was by his side from when he came to Camelot, Lancelot was always telling story’s and when he meet him he was even better then the stories he heard the longer that he knew him. He will fix it, Merlin is innocent even if he has magic and he will protect Merlin, Merlin is a part of the round table he joined, he will not allow anyone to take him.

Uther just glowed through this. ‘Yes, take that boy away from my son, away from Camelot. If I can’t kill him, I want him gone.”

Although others still wanted to scream at each other Merlin spoke looking hartbroken, but strong at the same time. “But not all magic is bad. I know it isn’t.” Gaius looked at his boy. He will make up to him. He hurt him more then he thought.

Mordred, Morgause and Morgana just stared full of wonder and surprise. Morgana knew this feeling the most, this is an expression of a person who is convincing himself, but how? ‘How can you stand this? I wish I had your strength, your willpower, but still how and why do it all for Camelot? Why stay?’

Gaius realized his mistake as he heard that.

“It’s neither good nor bad. It’s how you use it.” Merlin stared at him looking a bit more broken that he was. ‘Emrys’ Mordred let the tears fall.

The moment was broken as the prince broke in with his knights. Gwainee wanted to berate the princess, but even he realized the room will need a bit of time after this. He can manage as far as he is with Merlin.

“Over there. I’m sorry Gaius, I’m searching every room in town.” The knight’s started to move around the room.

“What for?”

“The Sorcerer.”

“But why would he be here?” Gaius was really surprised, the king usually leaves him alone. Uther cursed himself for not checking in on the physician more often.

“I’m just doing my job.” Arthur really wanted to explain. He hated to bother him, but on the other end he got to see Merlin… to tease him of course.

Gwaine couldn’t hold it in. “Couldn’t stay away, huh princess?”

Lance started to laugh as did the other knight having finally came down, as the only thing they need to do is protect Merlin and they will so they can relax for now.

“Gwaine! I just wanted to tease Merlin, nothing more!” Arthur wasn’t blushing, kings don’t blush for their manservant’s.

“Well, go on search, we’ve got nothing to hide.” Merlin was looking at Gaius in shook at that. Gaius sensing that came closer to his boy. “His boy? Right.” Mordred scowled at the physician, but looked back to Emrys.

“What are these papers?”

“My life’s work, dedicated to the understanding of science. You’re quite welcome to read through them if you wish.” Arthur felt overwhelmed just by thinking of reading this so he just looked at Gaius and diverted attention.

“What’s this room up here?”

‘Oh, great’ Merlin sighed “Oh, it’s mine.” If Arthur was immediately interested no one needed to know. “Except us” Lancelot beamed. Arthur looked at him, his eyes saying just one word ‘Traitor!’

“And what do you expect to find in there?”

Arthur quickly came up with an excuse to go in “I’m searching for material or evidence suggesting the use of enchantments.” Arthur hurried in before he could be questioned further.

Gaius stepped closer and whispered to Merlin, “What have you done with the magic book I gave you?” Merlin looked at his book alarmed as Arthur stepped in. Morgause followed him searching for the book who she quickly found on the floor by the bed. ‘Fool. How do you get out of this?’

“Merlin, come here. Look what I’ve found” Panic grabbed Merlin as he hurried to the room.

Merlin found Arthur standing at the entrance looking at a cupboard. He looked at him releaved as Arthur begane his teasing, “I’ve found a place where you could put things. It’s called a cupboard.” Merlin giggled as Arthur went behind him to look at more of his room. Merlin searched around his room quickly noticing his book. He looked at his shirt on the bed and wiled it to fall on the book.

If Morgana took a deep breath of relief no one noticed. Morgause looked impressed at the subtle use of magic, his eyes also didn’t change color which was still impressive. ‘How can he do that? Even a high priestess can’t do that so why can he?’

Arthur continued to look around the room a bit before finally deciding to leave. Merlin following closely behind.

…

“You Arthur Pendragon are blind, I am currently grateful for that fact, but still.”

“Really my lord, if the teasing wasn’t so important you probably would have seen it.”

‘My son is blind when it comes to his manservant, this has been a fact. I should have fired him.’ Yes Uther has gave up hoping his son will do anything, but he will still drive the boy out of Camelot.

Arthur and Merlin arrived back in the main room. “How long do you think it may be before you find a cure?”

If Gaius was a bit salty over the interruption this is his business and he will retaliate, “Depends on how many interruptions I get.”

‘Merlin got it from him… or actually Gaius got it from Merlin.”

“True, Merlin’s teasing is catchable.” Percival smirked, while other knights and Gwen laughed along, God knows they all got it from him.

“Traitors” was all Arthur breathed out.

“Of course. I’m sorry. We’re finished here.” Arthur left, Gaius quickly closing the door. “We have to hide that book.”

“No, we must use it.”

“I don’t know if he is brave or foolish to be using magic right under father’s nose. Even I didn’t even think of that.”

“True, he is foolish, but has a great sense of justice. I wonder what compels him to stand by Camelot.” Morgause frowns. ‘He would be a great asset no matter the side. Such loyalty is rare.’

“That’s Merlin, passionate to a fault. Even without knowing he has magic, he saved us plenty of times.” Leon spoke being a knight the longest. Knowing Merlin was always right by Arthur’s side, no matter the danger.

Gaius didn’t agree of course. “Don’t be stupid.”

“If I have this legacy, then what is it for? You keep telling me it’s not for playing tricks.”

Morgana sighed ‘He just want’s to be useful. He wants magic to mean something good. He really is similar to me. Wish we could have been on the same side.’ Morgana smiled ‘Or maybe we can still be. My hatred for Uther remains, but I wonder, could my brother really be different. I may hope so…’

“You want to practice magic when the king is hunting sorcerers? Are you mad?”

“I mean.”

“Definitely!”

“Reckless more than mad I’d say.”

“Or stupid.”

“I say all of that.”

“Don’t forget selfless to do it for people.”

“He has a death wish in my opinion.”

“He is great!”

“Merlin your life is destined for more important things.”

Mordred suddenly had a thought he thought wouldn’t be possible. ‘Does he know of the prophecy? But he is not a druid…’

“But if I don’t get practice, how will I get to be this great warlock?”

‘Right he is a warlock not a sorcerer… Wait it’s the same thing. Damn boy playing with my head. He always was all over the place.’

“There will be a time when your skills will be recognized.” Gaius was pointing a spoon at him. He really wanted the boy to be safe.

“When? How long do I have to wait?”

“Patience is a virtue, Merlin.”

“No offense Gaius, but I don’t believe Merlin is capable of waiting. He doesn’t want recognition, he just wants to help you.”

Gaius took a breath, “You are correct on both counts sir Leon, I just wanted him to be safe, never thinking of how difficult I was making the things for my boy.”

“What, sitting by and doing nothing, this is a virtue?”

“Your time will come.”

‘I’m getting annoyed at listening to this, how long did the servant put up with this’ Morgause sighed.

“I could cure that man we saw.” Merlin leaned in being annoyed. ‘I just want to save the lives of people in danger. Why is that wrong?’

‘Really, why is it wrong? Saving a life, no matter the method isn’t wrong. Why forbid this.’ Arthur was staring at his father who was too busy watching the interaction. He will not side with the warlock, but it… no magic killed her!

“I know it’s tempting to use the way you find easiest Merlin.” Iseldir wanted to laugh at the irony ‘Easy? Moment’s ago, he said using magic under the king’s nose was mad, but now it’s easy if he saved the life in the same city? This man is also all over the place.’

“It is when it would save a life!”

“It’s no good just saving one person. We have to discover how this illness is spreading.”

“Arthur is out there looking right now for the sorcerer.”

“A sorcerer who is powerful enough to do this will never be found searching the town!”

Merlin decided to give up on this… for now. “So what can we do?”

“Hope that science can find the answer before it kills us all.”

Gwaine let out a laugh, “I really doubt Merlin would let that happen.”

Lance meanwhile decided to look around just as the scenery changed into a cave.

Uther turned around, knowing who he’s see. “Nimueh.” He breathed out quietly. Artur saw the woman smirking as she looked in the water so he stepped closer looking in just to see it, the monster he killed. He suddenly felt a presence near him, standing beside him stood Morgana and Morgause.

“It’s and Afanc.” Morgause spoke looking in the water.

The surroundings changed again to see people pouring water and just as quickly changed to a courtyard filled with bodies.

Arthur meanwhile stepped before the king. “We’ve searched everywhere, the entire city.”

“Nothing.”

“I don’t know where else to look.”

Uther turned around thinking of how to capture the sorcerer.

Morgana let out a sigh, “Did it really never crossed your mind that the sorcerer wasn’t in the city?”

Arthur looked away, holding his head embarrassed.

“True, who’d want to come near the king who would get you killed if he found out.”

Gaius left out a laugh ‘Thankfully many sorcerers aren’t that powerful of Merlin would have even more work.’

“Pardon me, I think your name is sir Gwaine… um anyway most would need to be in the city as they aren’t powerful enough to be away from the magic, other then if they put a catalyst or something in the city. I believe that person is a priestess.” One of the younger druids explained.

“Okay got it, thank you sir druid.” Gwaine just smiled at him.

“Well, at least we know something new.” Arthur shook his head at Gwaine’s carefree attitude

“I want you to impose a curfew.” Uther spoke finally. “No one is allowed on the streets after the great bell.”

Arthur bowed slightly.

“And cordon off the lower town as there are the most victims there. Let’s isolate it. Stop the disease from spreading.”

Arthur suddenly felt concerned “What about the people who live there.”

Uther put his foot down looking at his son, “Don’t you think I’ve considered it. What else can I do? I have to protect the rest of the city.”

‘Sometimes he can be such a hypocrite while other times he cares. I really can never figure my father out.’

‘I don’t know what to think anymore.’ Arthur started to massage his head. His father is a contradiction.

Merlin steeped closer to the next victim as Gaius asked him.

“What is different about this victim?”

Merlin looked at he, Morgause was quickly next to him looking curiously. “Uh, she’s a woman.”

Gaius lowered his head “Sometimes I do wonder if your magical talents were given to the right person. Anything else?”

Mordred and the rest of the druids glared. ‘How do you stand this Emrys?!’

“He just came to Camelot not long ago and he is already expected to know everything. How cruel.” Morgause and Morgana beside her clenched their teeth. Morgana had to bite her tongue so she wouldn’t yell and cursed out.

At this even the knights looked at Gaius with disappointment or in case of Lance who know of the magic, anger.

“Um, she’s a courtier.”

“Aha.”

Merlin raised his eyebrows, “But how does that help us?”

“Courtiers seldomly go to the lower town. So, what does that mean.”

“Eh…that she hasn’t spoken to any town’s people.”

“Pff”

“What? How did he come to that?”

“Oh,Merlin.”

Gaius gave him a disappointed look, “What it means is that the disease is not spread through contact.”

Merlin began to think, “They probably eat different food.” Gaius finally gave him an approving look, “Good, anything else?”

“Um, I doubt they’ve breathed the same air?” Gaius rushed him forward, “So, what’s the one thing they do share?” Gaius started to move his arm encouraging him, Marlin was contemplaiting his answer before he spoke “Water.” Gaius smiled and Merlin looked relieved… ‘Wait-’ Merlin looked confused “Water? You mean the disease is spread through water?”

“Merlin, you’re a prodigy,” Gaius spoke teasing him. Mordred looked unimpressed at that joke. Gaius got Merlin a bucket and Merlin went to gather the water from the well.

The scene changed and they were back at Gwen’s house. Gwen trying to wake her father, when she turned him around she stopped, Elyan and Gwen teared up, Morgause looked at the state of him, ‘He will probably last a night if lucky.’

Arthur remembered what happened, a sorcerer healed him. The king took a deep breath “Merlin?” Lancelot and Gwaine who heard him looked proud.

Gwen ran, running past Merlin who just finished getting the water. He called to her seeing she was in tears and hurried after her.

Gaius looked alarmed as Gwen broke in, immediately catching on he questioned about the sickness, Gwen with teary eyes told him what happened, pleading with him to help. Gaius’s heart broke, but he had no choice. He told her he has yet to find a cure just as Merlin walked in, Gwen rushed out the room tears running down her cheek.

‘Gwen.’

‘Oh, no. Merlin did it.’ Gwen looked hurt and relieved at the same time. Hurt as she never knew and relieved as she got to spend a few extra months with her father because of him.

‘Merl’s will do something dumb.’ Lance felt his Merlin senses tingling, he figured Merlin saved her, but he senses something dangerous that Merlin did afterwards.

“There must be something we can do!” Merlin yelled as he handed Gaius the water.

Gaius took it hopping he was right.

Merlin was alarmed at that, “But that will be too late for Gwen’s father.”

Gaius sighed, “I fear you may be right.” Merlin panicked. He looked at the door Gwen ran through then at Gaius, he finally made his decision as he went to his room. Night fell with, Gaius already sleeping so Merlin took his chance he reached to his magic book. Morgause, Morgana and the druids stepped next to him, most of them trying to see what the book contained. Merlin stopped on a page, he quickly memorized what he saw.

Morgause looked impressed. ‘The boy really is smarter than he looks to be able to memorize it this quickly. It’s not a difficult poultice to make, but for a first timer a challenge to be sure.’

Morgana looked as Merlin worked. ‘Smart. I would never be able to do it successfully the first time.’

Merlin was done so he quickly left, fearing he was going to be too late. He ran through the courtyard avoiding the guards- Uther wasn’t happy as he ran to Gwen’s house.

Arthur watched as Merlin used his magic to swiftly knock the guard just enough to throw his attention away. ‘Was Merlin always this proficient or are the guards just so careless. Better yet, did Merlin ever get past me?’ Arthur really was going to get a headache from this.

Merlin tried to entered Gwen’s house as quietly (the creaking of the floor wasn’t his fault!) as he could and got to the bed, Gwen sleeping right beside the bed with her father. Merlin grabbed the poultice and placed it under the pillow following with an enchantment.

Elyan figured it out a bit ago as Merlin was preparing it, he couldn’t be more grateful. He looked after his sister when he wasn’t there, he saved Gwen and him and now he healed his father. Elyan was happy he knew such a great man and no amount of magic could change that.

Mocha smiled looking at Elyan and looked up speaking to Merlin, “He has complete faith in you now.” The wind blew past her playing with her hair. She knew Merlin couldn’t speak because of that, but he was happy.

‘The first one to change. Albion is just a bit closer.’

“Thank you, Merlin,” both Gwen and Elyan were happy. He might have died, but at least Merlin gave him a few more months to spend with Gwen.

“Better get used to this, he probably saved all of us at some point.” Gwaine was smiling from ear to ear. He was proud of his friend. ‘I have great taste in friends.’

Lancelot had the widest grin of everyone, he was glad he knew even an extent of his power. He knew Merlin was a good man, the best and way to selfless. He really does love Merlin and he can’t wait to see him, he was in the veil way too long.

Elyan watched fondly as Tom woke up and looked by the side as his daughter was sleeping right next to him. He ran his fingers through her hair and she immediately woke up. Gwen started to cry and hugged her father, Elyan and Gwen were also smiling. Both of them wanted to hug Merlin and they will  when they get him back.

Merlin was watching this fondly, happy he could help and just as the two hugged he vanished like a shadow.

“Merlin, you really are the best of us.” Leon felt no shame in saying it as the murky air from before cleared. Druids and Mordred were smiling and even Uther let go of his frown.

‘I wonder, did you ever planned to save me? Huh, foolish question I’ll get the answer later.’

‘To do this and not get caught by Uther. I’m surprised your getting better and better.’

Night turned into day and Nimueh was watching the results of her work, pleased with herself.

“Creepy. It’s like she’s stalking all of you.”

Uther had Gaius report to him, wanting to clear this plague soon. Gaius brough with him the bottle of water. Gaius told them that the water is contaminated, but unfortunately people needed it. Uther was getting irritated, getting even more resolve to capture the sorcerer. Arthur tried to reason with him, “And I failed like always.” Arthur said tired of his father’s bullshit. Uther in his anger wanted to search every village.

“It was not a matter of anger, but a matter of saving lives.” Uther explained his actions.

“Or a matter of pride.” Morgana puffed out.

Uther looked at her, hurt, but resolved. “Why do you hate me so?”

Morgana and Morgause just laughed at that.

“A sorceress had no place in that kingdom, and I was that sorceress. I watched as people died, as I was driven into fear. Fear of you, but then all the fear turned into anger, madness if you will. I am furious at you and the entire kingdom of Camelot. You of all people have nothing to judge me for.”

Arthur looked down at the floor. ‘I fear magic, but I don’t despise it. If only she came to me.’

“Magic is evil Morgana, you were driven to fear as magic forced you to fear me!”

“So, it would be less evil to kill me, to kill your daughter!”

“I wouldn’t have killed you! I would just…”

“Quiet now right, you would have killed me or imprisoned me for life. Your fear is stronger than any love you have for us!”

“I am sorry, but magic is not evil. Magic just is, it’s the fabric of this world. If there is no magic, there is no nature at all.”

“Quiet druid!”

“No, you be quiet father!” Uther looked at his son. ‘Now my son is against me.’

Arthur smiled at the druid Eric “Please continue. I wish to know more.”

Morgana and Morgause stared as the druid continued. “Thank you, your majesty. As I was saying magic cannot corrupt, it’s mostly the power that comes to it. The greed to be more then you are. We druids can be used as example. Not all of us have magic, but there is a lot of us that do and we do not strive for war. We wish only to live in peace.”

“I will consider that. Thank you.”

‘Consider? Is he agreeing with that. But why? He is Uther’s child, he possesses no magic, he fears it. Can it be repaired without me? NO! it’s not enough.’

The knights were proud of his king, Mordred was just processing everything.

‘The king is the mad one here.’ Morgause just looked back as Uther’s face disappeared and she was with Merlin who was looking at Gwen. Gwen who was shining with happiness.

“How’s your father? Is he feeling better?”

Gwaine was trying to clear the air a bit and honestly, he never knew when to be quiet. “Like you don’t know Merlin.”

It earned a few snickers, but mostly from the knights and Gwen as others were still processing.

Gwen looked at Merlin and smiled “Yes, it’s incredible. It’s a miracle.” Gwen smiled at the interaction. “I was wrong. It wasn’t a miracle, just Merlin.” Elyan smiled at her. “No Gwen, Merlin is a miracle.” Gwen grinned back.

“His skin is clear, back to normal?” Merlin was still worried he didn’t completely get rid of it so he had to ask.

“So selfless, how can you be like this?” Morgana muttered as she stared at Merlin. Morgause would have to agree.

Gwen nodded and Merlin felt relieved. “Great!”

Gwen felt something was weird, “You don’t seem surprised?”

“No, no I am. It’s a miracle.” Merlin’s head was racing, ‘Please do not figure it out.’

‘Why, why?! You are clearly afraid, why risk it?!’

“But, how did you know he was well?”

‘She is onto me, uh right.’

“Uh, because your smiling.” Merlin tried to smirk.

Gwen wasn’t convinced, “That’s really weird because, I never told anyone. How could you know?”

Now Morgana was getting nervous. ‘Did she know? But she seemed clueless?’

Merlin looked around the room thinking of excuses.

“Right, you’ve finally found out. I’ll tell you.” Morgana and Arthur were holding their breath. “I’m psychic.”

“No your not.”

Morgana sighed with relief as did Arthur.

“You really didn’t even consider it from that?”

Gwen shook her head at Elyan’s question. He frowned, confused.

Lancelot smiled at them, “He is a master of misdirection. He talk’s and talk’s, but never says anything about himself and he can quickly direct the attention from subject to subject.”

“That is kind of true. We don’t know much about him, do we?”

Gwaine and Arthur wanted to disagree. Yet it’s true. They know him from personality standpoint, but other then that, they never found out anything specific.

The knights looked at them knowing they would feel the worst about that. Percival stepped to Gwaine’s side and Leon stepped to Arthur’s.

“All right, what am I thinking?”

“Merlin looked contemplating as trying to stare into her mind. “That I’m not psychic.”

Gwen laughed at him, “You’re strange.” Merlin looked to the side relieved, but Gwen realized what she said. “I don’t mean that in a nasty way. You’re just… funny.” She beamed at him, “I like that.”

“Flirting alarm!” Elyan screamed, Gwen punched him in the arm. Elyan frowned at her “Oh come on it’s true.”

“You can’t talk!” Gwaine recovered and wanted to join in, but Gwen stared at him, “You can’t talk either!” Gwaine looked to the side.

Merlin didn’t know what to say at that moment.

… They both stared everywhere, but at the other, both embarrassed.

“Flirting.” Morgana looked at Gwen who gave her a look. ‘I’m not gonna tell if you stop.’ Morgana could read her mind, so she wisely shut up.

Arthur didn’t look jealous at them. At. All

“Uh, I’m pleased for you.”

“Thank you.”

“What for?”

“Healing him, don’t listen to past me!”

“Don’t know, just for asking.” Gwen wanted to scream... so she did. “Damn it!”

“I didn’t like to see you upset.”

“Does he realize he is flirting?”

“Nah, he thinks he’s being nice.”

“Classical Merl’s.”

‘Does he flirt with me and I don’t realize it? No, probably not.’ Arthur was having an existential crisis.

“I have to… get on” He looked at her. ‘She is pretty, very much so.’

Gwen blushed and every knight looked scandalized, all but Lancelot.

“So, he was actually flirting with me!”

“No way? And I thought he was being nice.”

“Oh, fuck me.”

‘Did Emrys also mean to flirt with me?’

‘He does flirt. Did he do it with me or not!’

Everyone was scandalized.

Merlin left and Gwen looked after him smiling to herself, ‘He’s cute.’

“He is.” Everyone muttered to himself, other then, of course Gwaine who screamed it.

Arthur looked at Gwaine with a frown, Gwaine just winked at him.

‘Damn it, Gwaine!’

At the forge Tom continued to work, Arthur stopped in his tracks.

“I was seriously confused.”

“I mean, you saw someone you thought is dead walking.” Leon just plainly said. “I would be as well.”

“The story is you were sick.” Arthur looked at him shocked.

“Not anymore.”

“Perhaps you were suffering from some other ailment?” Arthur wanted to rationalize.

“You’re joking. I felt like death itself.”

“Damn it dad!”

“Seriously dad, you could have just said it was something else. Now it’s suspicious.”

“I sense trouble.”

Lancelot frowned, “Me too.”

“Not enough strength in me to stir the air.”

“Then what happened?” Arthur really didn’t want to think it was what he was thinking.

“I don’t know. Suddenly it was gone. I’m fitter then I was before”

“So suspicious. Couldn’t he give a more reasonable explanation?”

“Lying to your prince is illegal Percival.”

Gwaine smirked at Percival.

“That’s remarkable.”

‘Magic.’

“Was anyone with you when all this happened?”

“Just my daughter Gwen.”

‘Damn it!’ Arthur really didn’t want this. Arthur took his knight’s and went to Gwen’s house, searching it again and this time finding the satchel, clearly magical. ‘Damn it! Morgana won’t like this.’

“Oh, you cared for me my dear brother.”

Arthur just frowned, “I just didn’t want to hear you scream at me.”

Gwaine grinned finding important information. “You fear your sister!”

Morgana grinned, Arthur scowled, “No! I don’t!”

It was too late everyone already started to laugh, even his father and the druids looked amused.

‘Damn it!’ Arthur looked back, which he honestly shouldn’t have. Gwen was bringing Morgana flowers just as Arthur came in with his knights. Arthur looked away, “Seize her!”

Gwen looked afraid, Elyan was mad, but he knew Arthur did what was commanded of him… and Gwen was alive. If she wasn’t he would knock Arthur out right now. Arthur felt Elyan’s glare. Gwen screamed, “No!”

“Guinevere, I am arresting you for crimes in contravention of the laws of Camelot, that you did practice enchantments.”

Morgana came running to her room, “Gwen!”

“What have I done?! I haven’t done anything! Help me, please!” Gwen screamed as she was dragged away.

Morgana looked at Arthur confused, “What are you doing?”

Elyan stared at Arthur, tilting his head in Gwen’s direction.

“I am sorry Gwen. I had to.”

Gwen looked at him with a sad smile. “It’s fine. You did save me in the end after all.”

Elyan looked pleased at that and turned back. Arthur sighed. ‘How far have I fallen. Apologizing as one of my knights was mad. You’re fault Merlin. I need you here to yell at you for it.’ The wind was teasing Arthur’s hair and the king looked to the window. ‘Just the wind.’

“I found a magic poultice in her house.”

Morgana was not pleased at that answer and scowled, “Oh, that’s ridicoluse!” Arthur looked at her.

“How else do you explain her father’s recovery?”

“Well, she is innocent. I know she is innocent.”

“And I was right,” Morgana smirked in Arthur’s direction. Arthur rolled her eyes, Morgause smiled fondly.

‘I guess I wouldn’t mind this if she is this happy. But only if Arthur is as righteous as Merlin thinks he is.’

“What can I do? I can’t turn a blind eye.” Arthur wasn’t pleased, but he had to find out if she knew something and he was under orders.

“Screw the orders!”

The knight and Arthur were taking Gwen to the king. Merlin who was near heard Gwen’s screaming and went out just to see her dragged away, Gaius looked confused as he came out as well.

‘I shouldn’t have screamed for his help. I should have known he would try to do something.’

Merlin wanted to jump right to her, but Gaius dragged him by the arm back into the room. Elyan stared at Gaius now who took a breath, “I didn’t want Merlin to get into trouble. You know he would save her no matter the cost.” Elyan considered it then dropped the glare.

‘Why did I have to apologize, but no Gaius!’ Arthur felt judged. “Not fair.”

Elyan just looked at him and Arthur dropped it. ‘Damn it, Merlin. Your fault!’

“What have you done!’

“What?”

“I warned you!” Merlin looked panicked, his heart was beating fast as he looked at Gaius. Gaius calmed down so he wouldn’t cause him a panic attack. “Panic attack!” Gaius took a breath before he continued “I understand you thought you were doing good.”

“I couldn’t let her father die knowing I could cure him!”

Druids glared at Gaius.

“Do you realize his conscience wouldn’t let him. He is way to caring. His friend’s father was in danger, of course he would help.” Iseldir spoke masking his anger.

“I just wanted the boy safe. I promised his mother.”

“It would have torn him apart!” Mordred screamed.

“Did you not think it might look a bit suspicious? The curing of one man?”

Merlin couldn’t breathe, his heart was beating wildly, and his brain was running amuck. Gaius looked at Merlin, ‘Did I really cause so much anxiety.’ He looked at the floor. “Then all I have to do is… I’ll cure everyone. No one will ever have to know it was magic.”

“It’s too late. They think Gwen is a sorceress. They think she caused the disease.”

“But she didn’t!” Merlin tried to open the door, but Gaius screamed after him.

“Oh, and how are you going to prove that.”

“You went to far. Emr- Merlin was trying to help, yes, it was reckless, but that’s how he is.”

“I agree Gaius. We both know Merlin will endanger his life over and over just to save someone.”

“You were his guardian!” Morgana screamed. “I thought Merlin would be protected as he wasn’t me, but you still…” Morgana looked at him rage apparent in her eyes, “He needed someone to trust, not someone to berate him! As someone you call your son you should know that”

Merlin ran to the throne room, others a few steps behind him as Merlin hid himself. Gwen was thrown in front of the king who looked proudly at his son.

Arthur turned away.

The king also looked at this pained that he did it.

Gwen tried to explain herself, but all fell on deaf ears except for Morgana.

‘I did always try to protect her. She was like my best friend, regardless of status… as was Merlin. I trusted him with my life. Did he really betray me?’

“I believe you. Maybe this is a disease that is not always fatal. Have you thought of that, maybe he recovered naturally.”

Uther expected Morgana to disagree, she always did. “Then what of this poultice that was found?”

Morgana looked away, Gwen was starting to scream, she didn’t know of it.

Merlin looked away, “How could I have forgot, I’m an idiot!”

“Oh Merlin, no. You did everything right, you couldn’t think of everything!” Gwen hated to see her best friend doubt himself. ‘He is a sunshine that should never be hurt.’

‘Oh Merlin, why do you always blame yourself? Why put everything on your shoulders? You are perfect the way you are. Why wasn’t I there.’ Lance looked pain that he wasn’t with him then or a lot of times. ‘I shouldn’t have left you.’

“Undo this enchantment. Put an end to this contagion.” Uther spoke as he raised from his throne.

Gwen looked at Uther desperate.

“I can’t!”

“Then I will show you no mercy.”

Morgause laughed, “Like you would if she did undo it. Filthy liar.” She scowled in his direction.

Gwen tried, really tried to explain to Uther she isn’t a sorceress, but Uther didn’t listen, didn’t even try to listen as he pronounced her guilty and to death. Merlin closed his eyes tears streaming down his face.

“Oh Merlin. No.” Gwen wanted to hug him. She ran to him and tried to tuch him hoping she could, yet her hand went through. Elyan ran after her and hugged her from the back.

“He’s okay Gwen. We all are.” Gwen squeezed Elyan’s hand.

Morgana stepped to Uther trying to reason, he wasn’t interested. Arthur tried to help even considering she used magic to save her father. Arguing magic can be good and evil. Morgana took a breath, ‘Right, he did think that. He saved the druid boy with Merlin.’ Uther stood his ground arguing Arthur is not king.

“I may not yet be a kind and I do not know what king I will be, but I know what kind of Camelot I want to live in. The king where punishment fits a crime.”

Morgause looked at Arthur and the king. ‘He is more like his mother. She was an outstanding woman and maybe he can be too.’

‘He thought like that then, but what about now. Now that I betrayed him, now that he was threatened with so much magic?’ Morgana closed her eyes.

Mordred was in thought, but he felt proud. Only if he still feels the same as he knows the king was at the end of a lot of evil magic.

‘Even then he was rebelling against me, maybe the boy was enchanting him? But we saw no moments of it, yet there is still the dragon. I will not doubt something that took away my wife.’

Merlin returned to Gaius, clearly calmer yet more sad, heartbroken. Gwen felt her heart break at her Merlin’s expression. “I thought I was doing good and that curing Gwen’s father would help her. I thought I was saving a life.” Gwen sat down next to him, “It did. You did!” Merlin looked to the floor. “I thought everything was so simple.”

‘No, he knew he couldn’t save anyone. It was safer not to. He cares too much for everyone, so much he is convincing himself he was wrong just because now Gwen was in danger.’ Morgause really was impressed. ‘He has way to pure a heart.’

“An easy solution is like a light in a storm, Merlin. Rush at it at your own peril, for it may not always lead you to a safe harbor.”

“I can see that now.”

“Tch” Morgause looked at Gaius. “He didn’t learn that did he.” Gaius shook his head.

“Of course not, saving a life is not an easy solution, no matter if it’s one life or more. Only a fool would preach that.” Morgause looked back at Merlin. ‘He will do something.’

“How many times have I warned you about the responsibilities of being a warlock?”

“Do tell me Gaius, is protecting a life not the main rule of that!” Morgana glared.

Mordred was also pissed, “I think he meant what is the main method of surviving in Camelot, no matter the consequences.”

“I did not mean it like that, yes protecting a life is important, but keeping his life should be a priority.”

“Which we all know it’s not.”

Gaius looked at Lancelot at that. “You know that Merlin cares about everyone else first and darn the consequences! Getting a lecture all the time certainly wasn’t helping his low self esteem nor his depression and anxiety. Except wors-“

“I have to see her.” Merlin said before running to the cells, everyone being pulled along.

‘I have a bad feeling!’ Lancelot’s mind was screaming in alarms so much so that Gwaine looked at him weird.

“You okay?”

“Yes, I just have a bad feeling.”

Gwaine looked at Merlin.

Merlin ran to the dungeons running past a sobbing Morgana.

“What did she tell you?”

“She was happy her father was okay and to watch over him. She said I shouldn’t worry and that she was glad to be my maidservant.”

Merlin stepped to her and Gwen tried to run to him only to be pulled back by the chains.

‘I was very eager to get near him. He always felt like haven to all that come near. Also there was the little crush I had for him.’

“Thank you.”

“What for?”

“Coming to see me.”

“I’m sorry.”

“It’s not your fault.”

‘It is, it’s all my fault. I should have removed the poultice. The would have no proof.’ Merlin wanted to cry it all out so badly, but he couldn’t.

“Merlin no! No matter what. You saved my father. You saved me. I owe you so much, please don’t blame yourself.” Gwen cried out. Merlin heard her and he was grateful. Gwen felt a familiar feeling, like someone was patting her head, tears flew away and she looked back for no one to be there, only Elyan who was holding her hand.

“Thank you, Merlin. You did nothing wrong. You saved my father, my sister and me. You made me stay with my sister. Never blame yourself.” Wind brushed against Elyan gently.

“Well…”

“It’s alright. Don’t worry about me.”

‘That will make him worry more. What will you do Merl’s. I fear Lance may be right.’

“There’s no point crying about it.”

‘Damn it, Merlin. That’s why you did it. You buffoon. Clotpole.’

“I mean… I’m not saying that you’re gonna cry about me. Obviously, I don’t think that.”

“Not the time sis” Elyan squeezed her hand.

“I was always flustered around him. Didn’t want to look bad or make a fool of myself.” Gwen squeezed it back. “He always was special.”

“Yes, he was and he is.”

“Oh, Gwen! I can’t have this happen.”

“Please… One thing. You don’t have to, but…”

“What?”

“Remember me.”

“You sealed it right there.” Gwaine said.

Morgana knew it too “He’s gonna do something stupid.”

“He cares too much to let it stand.” Lance just sighed it out.

“You’re not going to die. I’m not going to let this happen.”

“Oh, what did you do Merlin?”

Merlin ran back up heading straight to the throne room. Gwaine started to complain, “Really up to the throne room again.”

Uther and the councilors were having a meeting about the disease just as Merlin barged in.

“Oh, I remember this. Foolish boy was telling the truth.”

Everyone now looked alarmed at Uther’s words.

“It was me! It was me who used magic to cure Gwen’s father.”

“Oh god no!”

“Merlin!” Elyan looked alarmed

“Is he serious, he confessed.” Morgana stared in shock

“Merl’s!”

“I knew he would do something stupid.”

Uther looked at the boy eyebrows raised.

‘God damn it, Merlin! Stop that!’ Arthur was confused and alarmed. ‘Don’t go into the god damn prison for this, you idiot.’

“Gwen is not the sorcerer, I am.”

“Damn it.”

“He confessed to it! Omg he confessed.” Morgana felt like her world was upside down. Morgause held her head in her hands feeling a headache. ‘Foolish boy!’

“Merlin you shouldn’t have put yourself in danger for me!”

Elyan was just staring at Uther preparing to curse at his Uther if he touched him. Gwen was already in prison cuss of this fucker, Merlin is not gonna be sent there with her.

‘Damn it!’ Arthur was getting prepared to jump in, already thinking of excuses.

Gaius rose, completely alarmed. “Merlin, are you mad?”

“I cannot let her die for me.”

Arthur stared, “You seriously had this conversation in front of my father.”

Gaius nodded his head.

‘How is he not dead?’

‘This boy has a godly amount of luck.’

‘Merlin, it’s been just a few days since you came to Camelot. Don’t start this self-sacrificing already.’ Lancelot really wanted to cry.

‘Why didn’t I arrest him? He literally confessed and had this conversation with Gaius of all people.’

“I place myself at your mercy.”

“He doesn’t know what he’s talking about.”

“I do.”

Uther looked dumbfounded but concurred.

“Then arrest him.” Uther said before sitting on the throne.

‘Why, this fool!’ Arthur ran to Merlin’s side.

“Oh, thank god.”

“Father, please. I can’t allow this. This is madness.”

“Good!” Elyan screamed with all his might

“This is just mad.”

“I swear if Merlin does that again, I swear.” Gwen started to get past the phase of surprise to just being mad, but happy he did it.

“He confessed and I didn’t arrest him.” Uther.exe has stopped working.

“There’s no way Merlin is a sorcerer.”

…

…

…

“Who’s gonna tell him?”

“… Seriously?”

“Your wrong there princess.”

“… Yes, I am.”

“Did you not hear him?”

“Yes.” Arthur was cursing in his mind, ‘This god forsaken idiot. Fuck!’

“He’s confessed.”

Arthur looked at Merlin then back at his father, “He saved my life, remember?”

“Why would he fabricate such story?”

“Right! He wouldn’t! Why didn’t I arrest him! I wasn’t found of the boy yet!”

Arthur turned to his father, “Yet!?”

Uther turned away.

“As Gaius said… He’s got a grave mental diesese.”

Arthur swore.

…

…

Gwaine bursted out laughing, Lance went right with him.

“This is gold!” Morgana and Morgause were snickering.

“Sire…Pft” Even Leon couldn’t handle it.

“Look at Merl’s face. He looks like Arthur killed him.” Elyan yelled trying to hold in his laugh. Gwen didn’t even try she was half on the floor.

“I believed that?”

 Uther looked amused. “Oh, really?”

‘Excuse right… flower!’

“He’s in love.”

Merlin was done. “What?”

Gwen suddenly stopped laughing as she turned to Arthur. Arthur wisely kept his eyes away, straight at Merlin.

“With Gwen.”

‘I am what? Mental disease, love? Is he drunk?’

Gwen was insulted at that “Hey! Love is great and I am not such a bad option.”

“Merlin! I was saving you, not the time to mock me!”

Gwaine and Lance started to cry from laughing… as did Morgana and Morgause… and everyone else.

“I am not!” Merlin was stunned.

“Yes, you are!”

‘He has to be drunk. Gwen is wonderful, but I am trying to save her, not marry her!’

“… Marriage?” Gwen blushed.

Gwaine looked at Lancelot confused, still laughing though. “He forgot the dating part, didn’t he?”

Lancelot was smirking, “Yes, he did. He skipped past it.”

“Awe, he already planed marriage. You should have accepted Gwen.”

Gwen wasn’t looking at anyone, but Merlin so she heard nothing, which was good for Elyan.

“I’m wondering if he wanted to marry everyone he was with,” Morgana grinned as other’s froze up. Quickly almost everyone was in thought only the druids (except Mordred), the councilors and Uther with Gaius were unaffected… well Gaius was raising his eyebrows at Merlin, but that’s normal.

“No way!”

“I saw you yesterday with that flower she gave you.”

“I’m not in love with her!”

Arthur came closer putting his arm around Merlin, “Oh, my lord you are hopeless.” Leon sighed, Percival laughed at that, Arthur frowned. ‘What does he mean by that.’

“Princess was jelly.” Gwaine whispered to Lance who was grinning knowing Gwaine will tease Arthur and he will join.

“It’s all right, you can admit it.” Merlin and Arthur were now looking at each other. Merlin was speechless and Arthur was tightening his grip on the servant.

“Jealousy!” Gwen screamed out, Arthur acting like he heard nothing, it was just the wind. The wind in question laughed and messed Arthur’s air. Macha was laughing at Merlin’s anticks.

Merlin tried to defend himself, but at this point he wasn’t sure what to say. “I don’t even think of her like that!” Merlin paused at that, ‘I mean she is a beauty… wait not the time!”

Arthur was frowning. ‘Right, and I am not?’

Uther was not happy with any of this.

‘Why didn’t I arrest him!!’

“Perhaps she cast a spell on you.” Uther was amused while Merlin looked at him hoping to convey that he isn’t lying, Uther didn’t hear it.

“I should have heard it, damn it!”

Morgana and Morgause were laughing at Uther’s misery.

‘I like you more and more.’

Arthur looked at his father hopeful, ‘Did I succeed?’ while Merlin was just disappointed at Uther not seeing it.

“Screw you!” Uther yelled. “You should be happy I didn’t. What is wrong with you!”

Morgause and Morgana were busy dying of laughter.

Druids were delighted at the previous kings despair.

Even the councilors were hiding their faces.

The room started to laugh, Arthur was just relieved he succeeded, now to make sure Merlin isn’t repeating this…

“Merlin is a wonder, but the wander is that he’s such an idiot.” He pressed on warlock’s head, “There is no way he is a sorcerer.” Merlin and Arthur were starring at each other again, one angry the other shocked.

“Oh no, the staring began already?” Percival asked.

Leon sighed in his despair, “It did.” Leon just wanted to cry remembering every moment of pain.

“Don’t waist my time again, let him go!” Merlin wasn’t listening just slared at Arthur and Uther well he was convinced that the boy was to gullible to be a sorcerer.

“I was wrong! It’s all been wrong!” Morgana and her sister were having the time of their lives at this.

Merlin turned and left, Gaius shortly after him.

“Arthur’s the idiot!”, Arthur was mad at that, but couldn’t argue, ‘I was wrong after all…’ Arthur still screamed though “I still saved you ass!”

“No, he was right to do what he did. And thankfully he saved you from your own stupidity.”

“Thank you.”

“You could still have spared the insult.” Mordred wasn’t impressed nor were the druids.

‘We will steal our Emrys back. You don’t deserve the gift that he is’ In fact the druids were thinking of all the methods to kidnap… ahm, save Emrys.

Arthur got chills.

“What else could I do. It’s my fault that Gwen is going to die.” Merlin was really feeling helpless, he just wanted to save her.

“No!” Gaius just looked at him, “Yes.”

“Gaius! You can’t say that.”

“I know. I will apologize for every harm I caused him.” Gaius felt regretful.

On the other side the druids weren’t feeling regretful as they were planning on harming a bit of personal property of Gaius. Nothing much just a few potions on the floor.

“But you don’t prove her innocence by offering to jump in the flames. You do it by finding out what is causing the disease.”

“I agree with you on this.” Morgause offered… ‘Still could be more compassionate to your son.’

“Well, whatever it is, one thing’s for sure. Arthur is not gonna find it.”

“True.” Percival said completely nonchalant. “Excuse me?” Arthur was speechless, was nobody listening to the king now, a new Merlin rebellion or something.

“Sire, you didn’t believe Merlin was a sorcerer when he confesed, there was no way you could have found a magical beast on you own.”

“I second it, my lord.”

“Yep, yep it’s true.”

“At this point I would have to agree.”

“Not that surprising.”

Arthur chose to plan his revenge. There will come his time!

“He thinks he is so sharp. Even when I told him I was a wizard he still couldn’t see it.”

“Sometimes they’re pretty hard to spot.”

Merlin smirked at this, “Then maybe I should go round wearing a pointy hat.”

“I don’t think you’d find one big enough.”

“I never thought there was someone else other then us who can stand Merlin’s insults” Gwaine laughed thinking he found a kindred spirit.

Gaius looked at Sir Gwaine, “I just knew him longer than you all did. I learned how to put up with it. Experience youngster, plus Arthur was always hard to deal with.”

Morgana felt pure joy at seeing her family suffer.

Gaius threw Merlin a bag before they both went to the water source. Merlin lit the torch and they started to head down. Merlin took a sample as they arrived at the source and just as they were heading out.

“Roar!” The monster jumped out of the water before heading back in.

“Why didn’t it attack?”

“True it attacked us.” Morgana said looking at the water.

Gaius turned to them, “Probably Nimueh, the witch, wanted to scare us. Show us what it is so we wouldn’t come again.”

“I agree. She has been watching this whole time.”

“How many more attacks did we endure from her?” Uther turned to Gaius for an explanation, Gaius just shook his head.

Mocha faced Uther, “All will be shown, there is no need to question what you will see.”

Gaius pulled Merlin and they both went out straight to the room. Uther took out a book of magic creatures searching until he found it, Afanc. Gaius explained to Merlin what it was as Merlin stared at the pile of books he would need to search.

Merlin ran outside watching as they build the pyre before running straight to Gwen promising to get her out.

‘Don’t make promises you can’t keep, Merlin.’ Gwen wanted to cry out, but didn’t want Merlin to be hurt by her death even more.

“Hah, he didn’t lie. Not then, not ever.” Elyan and Gwen smiled. ‘Now everything would be perfect if only you were here Merlin.’

Merlin knew that searching the books would took to long, but there was a quicker method.

“Not again!” one of the noblemen yelled as they were heading down a known corridor.

Uther followed the boy closer now. ‘Why go to such trouble. I could have had you burned for confessing yet you still didn’t have enough?’

“It’s dangerous to rely on a caged beast.” Morgause looked at the warlock, but she could feel that he knew it, he just accepted the risk. ‘Foolish boy. But I can see why’ she looked at her sister.

Merlin came down searching for the dragon.

The dragon who was very bored scared the warlock as he descended.

“The great warlock returns as I knew he would.”

Merlin never knowing fear started to speak, “I need to know how to defeat an Afanc.”

“Yes, I suppose you do.”

‘This damned lizard was there a long time. There is no way he would help save my kingdom just because a boy asked him to.’

Morgana looked at the huge beast ‘But what will you demand in return oh great dragon?’

“Will you help me?”

“Trust the element that are at your command.”

“What?!”

“Element’s?”

“He didn’t bargain on anything?”

“What is this damned lizard planning?”

“Element’s? But what is it that I have to do?”

Many wanted to ask the same question.

“Might I ask, what does it mean?” Arthur finally being smart turned to the druids.

Iseldir looked at the king thinking of how to explain.

“Your highness there is many elements like fire, wind, water, earth, lightning and so on. To explain it simply it would be…”

“Things that come from nature not needing human interference. Most of us sorcerers can only wield one or two of them at least in the natural form.” Morgause interfered before he could finish. Honestly she just knew the druid leader couldn’t find the words to explain it to a foolish non magic prince.

Arthur turned to both giving them a grateful nod.

‘He nodded at me? He realizes I wanted to kill him, right?’

“You cannot do this alone. You are, but one side of the coin. Arthur is the other.”

“Even the dragon wanted to get you two together? Oh, I give up.” Leon went to sulk in the back trying to be away from the cowering councilors at the back.

Arthur went red. “One side of the coin. Sounds a bit romantic, but he means something else right? It’s a dragon… And Merlin may be perfect, but he isn’t in love with him!”

“I don’t understand, just tell me what it is I have to do.”

“Idiots both of them.” Lance looked at Gwaine, “How much do I bet you Merlin didn’t even think of the coin thing?” Lancelot smiled at Gwaine, “Like I would do a bet I lose.” Both started to laugh.

“Please help me!”

The dragon just grinned, “I have.” And he flew away.

“Oh yeah, right. Thanks.”

“I appreciate the boys humor.” Morgause smirked, Morgana looked just as amused.

“This boy is to snarky for his good.” Uther growled.

The first morning bell rang as Uther and Arthur were discussing their options. Uther ordering to hurry with the execution. Arthur went outside with a pained expression.

‘Morgana will kill me!’

“Yes, yes I would have.” Morgana smiled an innocent smile.

Arthur shook. ‘Scary woman!’

Merlin however was looking the study for a book, Gaius attempted to help him finally realizing that he would need wind and fire as the afanc is made or Earth and water.

“There are two more base elements, right?” Eric asked looking at Iseldir.

“Darkness and light are base elements, but you can’t really create anything from just the two.”

Eric beamed at his chief at the explanation and new knowledge.

Gaius was curious, “How did you found this out?”

“Ah, I just knew. You know, It’s a part of my powers.

“He is quick with excuses.”

“To quick.” Gaius frowned.

“What else did your powers tell you?”

“Oh, that I’m only one side of the coin. The brighter side obviously.”

“I swear Merlin when I get you in my hands, I will…”

“Oh, please princess don’t go into details of what all will you do to Merl’s!” Gwaine tried to look disturbed (obviously he failed.)

Arthur looked at him confused and then he started to get redder as he realized.

“Damn it Gwaine!”

“And who’s the other side?”

“I think it might be Arthur.”

“Might be? How can you doubt a dragon?” Elyan looked at the knights and obviously they looked just as confused.

“Oh, come on. It’s Merlin, he doubts everything and everyone.”

“Even a king.” Arthur scowled, the knights laughed.

Morgana barged in notifying the two about Gwen’s execution hoping they could help. Gaius didn’t not want Morgana to help, Morgana gave a side eye to the physician, but Merlin asked her to convince Arthur, telling her about a monster and reasoning her not to tell Uther.

“And that’s why you need Arthur.”

“He is our best bet.” Merlin always wanted to add his thoughts ‘And my side of the coin.’

‘Your side’ If Arthur was blushing earlier now he was completely engulfed in red.

“But he won’t want to disobey the king’s orders.”

“Leave that to me.” Morgana said and she ran out the room.

“And I succeeded.” Morgana nodded at herself proudly, Arthur wasn’t responding.

Morgana came in and Arthur complained about his lack of a servant as Morgana started her manipulation.

“You did realize there were other servants, right dear brother?”

“I wouldn’t bother, he isn’t responding” Leon said shaking Arthur who looked enchanted.

“Right.” She joined the band of laughing knights.

“To offer to give his life to save Gwen. I certainly can’t imagine any man loving me this much.”

Arthur snarked back even as he knew he was fighting a losing battle. “No, I certainly can’t imagine that either.”

“You two are really alike.” Morgause noted, Morgana responded by pushing her sister.

“That’s because you’re not like Merlin. He is a lover.”

“Yeah, maybe that’s because I haven’t found the right person to love.”

Morgana huffed “ I never realized you were jealous as I referred to Merlin as a lover, gave him praise.”

“No! I was not!” Arthur finally woke from his trance as he heard the word jealous and Merlin in the same sentence.

“Oh, the king is back.”

“Hooray to Camelot.”

…

“What happened to my city?” Uther was looking for an explanation. No one would answer.

Arthur knew he lost as Morgana started to complain about knights. He wanted to prove her wrong so he would do what she wanted. Arthur took his sword and they went after Merlin.

“Good job, sister of princess.”

Morgana looked at the buffoon, “You really don’t know how to give nicknames.” Morgana said before walking right past a stunned Gwaine.

All of them headed inside the water supply cave. Arthur praying Merlin was right as he didn’t like it here. As all of them heard growling Arthur tried to order Morgana to stay knowing he would pay if something happened to her.

“You would, yes.”

‘Not helping your case for a good father.’ Arthur is really going to get pissed at his father.

Coming to the water supply Arthur, Morgana and Merlin went different ways. Arthur found it and Merlin came running with Morgana from the other side.

“Did you see it?”

“Yes, it’s quick.”

Morgana screamed.

Arthur jumped in front of her swinging the torch, but the monster was quicker.

They followed the monster, finding it’s shadow as it stepped out.

It was terrifying. Arthur stepped in front with his sword, Morgana and Merlin standing back.

Merlin noted the monster’s movements noticing it’s weakness.

“How didn’t I see it. It was avoiding me as I held the torch right in front of me.”

“Don’t worry sister. I’m surprised the boy noticed this quickly. Even I would think it’s more afraid of a sword then fire.”

“Use the torch” Merlin screamed noticing neither of the two realized it.

Arthur started to swing the torch as Merlin began to chant keeping his eyes on the flame.

…

“I didn’t give him enough credit.”

…

“…I would agree. He made Arthur swing the torch so he wouldn’t suspect anything.”

“Damn Merl’s congrats.”

“So, the sorcerer is smart to manipulate my son?!”

“Yes, I did it just moment’s ago.” Morgana snarled.

The wind started to blow right towards the torch pushing both elements at the afanc who melted, neither Morgana nor Arthur noticing magic.

“How did I miss wind blowing in a closed cave?”

“Distraction and fear I would imagine.” Gaius spoke to the turned king.

“You were swinging the torch while there was immediate fear of danger. Noting wind as weird would be nay imposible as you just got saved.”

“Did we all start betting on how many times Merlin will save Arthur already?” Percival noted, Arthur looked at them insulted.

Elyan pulled out a hat with money in it and Percival gladly started betting.

“Damn it!”

Lancelot looked around, “From one cave to another.” Everyone turned around noticing Nimueh.

“Can we get out of the cave. I don’t like them for now.”

Nimueh sneered “Merlin!” She punched the water swiping away the view of Camelot.

Uther smirked at that before he caught himself, ‘The boy is still a sorcerer!’

Uther was cackling in the throne room surrounded by his council. The sisters grimed at this, Gaius arrived giving the king his report on no new deaths as well as explaining the monster and presenting the king with a medallion with Nimueh symbol.

Uther looked taken aback. “No.” Uther shook his head hoping this was a nightmare.

“We must be vigilante, sire.”

“Will I never be rid of her.”

“So, you did know father.”

“Yes, she threatened my kingdom. No need to concern yourself with her.”

‘I am more curious on how a priestess died, I knew she disappeared, yet I still don’t know how. Was the boy involved? No. The magic he would need is way to advanced.’

The dungeons got opened and Gwen was released as Tom went straight to hugging her. Elyan looked at this with pride stepping closer just to be near them, his sister wasn’t far behind as she clasped their hands together.

‘Thank you, Merlin…’

Noticing Morgana, Gwen ran straight to her thanking her.

“Don’t thank me, it was more Merlin.”

“It really was.”

“Even I didn’t think it was to this extent. How did I never doubt him?” Even Morgana was getting confused at the pure show of magic right in from of her and the prince of Camelot.

“Really?”

“He is the real hero here.”

Gwen looked at him with sunny eyes, “I don’t know what to say.”

“I didn’t do anything.” Merlin smiled at her happy expression.

‘I hated seeing her sad or hurt, this is way better.’

They stared at each other lovingly

“Thank you, Merlin, truly.”

“Say that when you’re not blushing.” Elyan smiled at her teasing. Gwen retorted by ticking him.

“I’m grateful to you all. Come on, Gwen.” Her father was getting impatient wanting to get her home he pulled her with him. Merlin planning to go as well…

“Merlin!” Morgana screamed and he turned to her, “I wanted you to know, your secret is safe with me.”

Morgause looked at her sister who looked to the side.

“Sister. You didn’t know so this was giving him wrong vibes.”

“I know now.” Morgana said still finding the wall of the dungeon more exciting.

“…my secret?”

“Really, really wrong secret you got there.”

“You don’t even know what it is.” Percival looked at Leon.

 Leon sighed, looking back at him. “Romance secret, I deal with too many.”

Percival patted the knight’s back.

“Come on, don’t pretend. I know what you did.”

“You do?”

“Saw it with my own eyes.”

“You did?”

“I understand why you don’t want anyone to know.”

“Well, obviously…”

“But I won’t tell anybody.”

“You’ll break his heart.”

“Yes, I did. I thought wrong. I should have known with his overreaction.”

“You don’t mind me talking to you about it?”

“No, it’s uh…”

“You have no idea how hard it is to keep this hidden.”

“Yes, it really is. It’s painful.” Morgause hugged her from the back.

“Well, you can continue to deny it, but I think Gwen is a very lucky woman.”

“Gwen?”

“And there it goes.”

“The hope washed away.”

“He must have been so lonely.” Mordred muttered standing near Lancelot and Gwaine.

‘I shouldn’t have left.’

“It’s our secret,” Morgana said before going up the stairs, the warlock sighing after her.

Merlin went back, eating dinner with Gaius. Both of them discussing the sorceress.

“I hope you didn’t caught their attention.”

“I doubt it. “

Gaius looked at his with warning eyes.

“Well, no one else seems to appreciate my skills. I just want someone to see me for who I am.”

“One day Merlin, one day.”

“One day what?”

“One day, people won’t believe what an idiot you were.”

Nimueh was watching their interaction glaring at Merlin. “Merlin, you will pay for this.”

Mocha looked around, “That’s a wrap of another day.”

“Damn three for three for Merlin.” Gwaine spoke found of this.

“Now if only he wasn’t so reckless.”

“I still can’t believe he got away from confessing to magic.” Morgause was really at a disbelieve of that as was Mordred, but he was thanking every lucky star.

“Why didn’t I arrest him?” Uther went back to his crisis state after being reminded.

Elyan looked at his sister, “I think we owe Merlin a big thanks.” Gwen smiled back. “That we do.”

Chapter Text

“Really, can Merlin’s life get any more complicated?” Gwaine questioned. “Every day something magical happens and he has to interfere, it’s just exhausting to watch.”

Gaius sighed, “Then you should hold on as this is just the least of what he has done.”

“Least!”

“What is the worst then!”

“How is this the least!”

Morgana looked at them, ‘Pathetic. If you just think about magical incidents since Merlin arrived there is a lot of them… and if Merlin was involved with all of them…” Morgana felt a need to sigh, Morgause looking at her little sister knowing what she is thinking.

‘The boy must have been busy…’

…

Chanting was heard, everyone quickly turned around.

“God damn it, we are in this cave again!” Gwaine cursed, looking at the culprit behind the chanting.

“And we didn’t even realize it!”

“I guess it shows that the scenes keep changing and we just got used to it.” Lancelot commented looking at Nimueh.

Morgause rose her eyebrow, ‘Camelot again… guess she had a huge grudge because of Uther.’

Everyone neared the chanting woman hoping to see what will inevitably be shown in the water.

“Blood?” Lancelot said after coming close enough.

Morgana looked at Nimueh’s finger, “A lot of rituals require blood, it’s not unusual in the least.”

“But I would note that she is hellbent on cursing Camelot in some way.” Morgause added looking straight at Uther.

Uther ignored the annoying woman.

Nimueh raised a glass she had nearby and put the magical object in the goblet, “Merlin,” she smirked.

Everyone sighed seeing Merlin in the water.

“And now we know her target.” Morgause laughed as she saw it coming.

“Merlin can’t catch a break, can he?”

“I feel like this will be an annoying pattern for our favorite friend,” Leon sighed.

Elyan and most of the room (except the druids, Morgana and Morgause who knew better) hoped that is not the case.

Horses were heard and people with blue robes were heading into Camelot

“And we’re in Camelot again.” Mordred said already looking for Merlin.

‘So, it’s about the poison.” Morgana looked at Arthur.

Scene changed again to Camelot nobles and the people from outside heading to each other.

“And we’re back in the castle… again.”

Arthur whispered to himself, “Mercia…” He still didn’t forgive them for what happened to Merlin, but at least he now knows it really was that woman’s fault.

“Ah, Lord Bayard!” Uther shouted glad to see an ally he successfully made… he was the only one glad, even the nobles besides him were not excited.

“Camelot welcomes you, Lord Bayard of Mercia.”

“Thank you for telling us who we are looking at past king!” Now don’t blame Gwaine, he did not like the king… at all.

Everyone laughed at that, Morgana and Morgause felt an ally to their fun in bullying Uther. If you can’t kill him, bully him into embarrassment and rage.

“The treaty we sign today marks an end to war and a beginning to new friendship.” The men shook hands and clapping began.

Lancelot scanned the area, first noticing Merlin in the corner where servants were and then his eyes feel on Nimueh, who was staring at Merlin. Lancelot griped his fists hard.

The knights noticed the reaction and looked in the direction Lancelot was staring at, quickly they noticed her and understood the anger. Gwaine gritted his teeth, now knowing something bad will happen to his friend.

Merlin was working again and of course he complained about it to Gaius, both teasing each other.

“It’s character building as the old proverb says hard work breeds…”

Melin smirked as Gaius struggled.

“A harder soul.”

Gwaine looked at Mocha who has been chilling on the sofa (where did that came from) and asked, “that sounds like Merlin is the main character?”

Mocha smiled at him, “Good job, for me he is. I did send him to you, so he basically is one if you looked at it in a book sense.”

Arthur scowled (obviously fake), “Merlin? A main character of a book?”

“I mean technically he would deserve it.”

“Seeing everything, he most definitely would be.”

“And he would be a popular one.”

“… sure”

“There is no way that’s a proverb, you just made that up.” Merlin had a smirk plastered on his face, as had everyone watching this scene, until Nimueh was seen walking towards them…

“I didn’t.” and Nimueh feel to the ground.

“Fake!” Gwaine shouted running in front of Merlin.

‘How didn’t I notice. She is almost the same as she was… I could have saved him.’

Uther scowled at her being in his castle.

Merlin was quick to interject, “That’s alright” as Nimueh apologized.

“Merlin is so sweet…” Gwen cooed, everyone was set aback by that, “but to the wrong person.” Everyone laughed.

“Let me give you a hand with that,” Merlin kneeled to the ground starting to gather clothes for her. She looked up only to see Merlin looking up as well, both staring at each other.

Gwaine sensed it… ‘Oh, Merlin no!’

“Hi, I’m Merlin.” He held out his hand still staring at her. Others starting to pick up on the tension between them (Arthur was oblivious). “Kara,” Nimueh said before giving him her hand.

‘Oh, my friend…’

‘I didn’t sense this the first time’ Gaius stared at his unfortunate boy.

“You’re Arthur servant. It must be such an honor.” Arthur rolled his eyes noticing the sarcasm.

Merlin did not notice it, “Oh, yeah, it is.”

‘Not really, but sure.’

“Merlin!”

Everyone laughed.

“Well, someone has to keep the place running.”

Arthur rose his eyebrows looking at Merlin, “I am fully capable of running it myself!”

“Really, Arthur?” Gwen was in a teasing mood. Arthur just looked at her, clearly not impressed. “Every time Merlin disappeared you went nuts searching for him!” she smirked after seeing how he went red.

“He is MY SERVANT!” He tried to defend, ‘friend,’ his brain helpfully supplied. “He should be with me.” He looked away, red was colouring his cheeks as everyone laughed.

Gaius wasn’t impressed with the flirting as he just stood back and looked at the floor. Arthur still oblivious to everything, Gwaine started to wonder why Arthur was not complaining about that yet…

…

‘Oh, princess didn’t notice it yet! He is so smart today!’

“Thank you, Merlin” Kara said, but Merlin still held the basket of clothes. ‘Let that go idiot’ and like if he heard Arthur, Merlin laughed awkwardly handing her the basket.

“It was nice meeting you.” She said before taking her leave, Merlin looking at her.

Gaius rolled his eyes, “Shouldn’t you be busy running the place?” he chuckled as Merlin gave him a cheeky grin.

‘Why did Gaius joke about that? And why is Merlin still looking after her?’ Arthur looked at Merlin, but scowled, ‘No, I’m thinking too much.’

‘I shouldn’t have encouraged that’ Gaius thought as time started to run faster, jumping to night.

Nimueh or how she called herself, Kara was sneaking around the palace, until she came to the door which she opened with magic.

Gwen looked at Morgana, “Wasn’t that a different spell to open the door then the one Merlin used?”

One of the younger druids answered instead, “There is different spells for sorcerers across the world, she used a spell from another region,” she laughed excitedly as she looked at the elders, who looked proud.

“Thank you, little miss.” Gwen said chuckling.

Kara stepped into the room, looking around until her eyes widened and she stepped towards a box.

“What is so special about a box? And how dare she enter a royal room in MY castle?”

‘Oh, sire.’

Arthur was already ahead of his father, “It probably has the poisoned goblet.” Nimueh opened the box, showcasing the two goblets, she raised one and then took out a goblet she had hidden in the sheets she brought.

“So, that was how it was poisoned.” Morgana said, examining it as Kara left the room.

Morgause touched the box, “It’s a perfect replica. I wonder where she found it?”

“So, Lord Bayard really didn’t know.” Leon noted, Arthur nodded at him. “We owe him an apology.”

Uther raged at that, “Apologize? Arthur, I thought I raised you better? You shouldn’t apologize to someone of a lower status. It’s a fact it was poisoned and brought by him, I may have released him, but I didn’t apologize and so shouldn’t you! Someone could exploit that weakness later!”

Iseldir scowled, “Such a terrible king.”

“I agree.” Mordred said standing next to him, but he didn’t waste his breath on yelling at him. ‘I’m sure he has done much worse.’

Arthur ignored the whole ruckus, he had enough of his lectures about being a king.

The day rolled around, and they were teleported to Arthur’s chambers, “When was the last time these were cleaned?” Merlin said to Arthur.

Arthur just casually answered him, “Sometime, last year, before the feast of Beltane.”

Gwaine, always curious neared the pile of clothes, smelling it.

“EW!” Gwaine jumped back. Leon felt a headache, “Then why did you smell them?!” he yelled. “I was curious!”

Leon gave up as others smirk.

“Does it end in a food fight?” Merlin said, holding out the red jacked for Arthur.

“Don’t all feasts?”

Merlin felt a headache, Leon looked at Merlin, knowing exactly how he was feeling. “I wouldn’t know. The airs and graces of the court are a mystery to me.” Merlin said fixing the jacket.

“Tonight, they won’t be.” Merlin grinned at Arthur happily, “I’ll be at the banquet!”

Arthur smiled at the expression.

“Not quite.” Merlin’s face feel. Arthur looked disappointed.

Arthur started to explain while he took of the jacket, “You’ll be there to make sure my cup doesn’t run dry.” Merlin was not impressed by that. “If I need to sit through one of Bayard’s boring speeches, I don’t see why you should get out of it.”

“Be sure to polish the buttons,” Arthur said before handing him the jacket.

“That wasn’t nice princess!” Gwaine complained, Lancelot nodding beside him.

Arthur looked at them weirdly, “It wasn’t supposed to be? I was an order.” The knights and druids weren’t pleased.

‘Royals.’ Morgause thought, exasperated.

Arthur stepped behind a curtain, Gwaine followed him once again, he was curious and laughed already guessing the purpose. Everyone looked at the curtain at that, “Do you want to know what you will be wearing tonight?”

Morgana stuffed her mouth shut, knowing it as well, Arthur also smiled, Gwen not far behind.

“Wouldn’t this do?”

Arthur looked at him, wild smirk on his face, “No. Tonight, you will be wearing the official ceremonial robes of the servants of Camelot.”

Leon smirked.

‘I don’t have a good feeling about this.’  Merlin thought, but he still looked excited… before Arthur showed it to him, Druids looked impressed, ‘Emrys looks good!’ Mordred like the simp he is had a smile on his face. The nobles and Uther looked proud of their clothing choices and everyone else was cackling.

“You can’t be serious?” Merlin asked with a disappointed look as he knew the answer.

“Oh, this is the best!” Gwaine yelled looking at Merlin who looked coldly at everything with his new outfit.

“He looks good though?” Mordred asked confused.

“Haha, don’t let Merlin hear you.”

Leon smiled at Mordred, “He does look good, but also it’s hilarious as we know he didn’t enjoy it.”

‘I did!’

No, Arthur wasn’t biased. If a wind rustled his hair at that moment, Merlin had nothing to do with it.

“The hat was a bit much though.” Elyan said laughing.

Morgana was quiet as she thinks it does suit him, he is Arthurs only servant.

‘Now I know why he dislikes hats so much.’ Lance chuckled.

Gwen chuckled as she stood next to Merlin, “Nice hat.”

“…”

“Thanks.”

“Damn, he really doesn’t like the hat,” Gwaine chuckled.

Merlin was staring at Arthur who turned around. Merlin gave him a disapproving look, Arthur just liked the view and smirked at him.

Merlin let his eyes peel away from Arthur and they feel on Kara. Arthur tensed as Merlin took the hat of and Gwen talked to him about Kara.

“She is pretty, isn’t she… For a handmaid.”

‘Jealous, jealous, jealous girl.’ Elyan thought as he looked at Gwen, who just shoved him a bit.

“She is pretty for a princess, let alone a handmaid.”

“…”

“EXCUSE ME!”

Yes, Arthur yelled. It was very kingly.

“No, she isn’t! She looks average at best!”

Everyone was waiting for this moment.

“Why you jealous?” Morgana raised her brows in mocking curiosity.

Arthur spouted, “N-No! I’m just saying he could do better!”

Gwaine smirked, “Better like with you!”

“N-No.”

“I… I meant that a royal servant could do better than a handmaid.”

Leon joined the teasing as maybe his headache will go away, “Like with the royal prince he is serving?”

Arthur was lost for words.

…

“I- I just…”

“Oh, just shut it, I just think he shouldn’t be with an evil woman!”

Everyone rolled their eyes.

Contract was signed and applaud erupted.

“Mm,” Gwen said right before she left.

‘Did I do something wrong?’

Elyan hugged his sister from behind, “No, you were just jealous!” He swayed her side to side.

“Oh, shut it Elyan,” she pushed him back. Elyan chuckled as he hugged his pouting sister.

Bayard started his speech (It was boring af). Everyone was looking at him except Kara who was staring at the box that was brought out. Everyone looked at her and the knights and Mordred went next to Merlin, Lancelot and Gwaine already there.

“Merlin, I need to speak to you.” Nimueh said rushing him out of the room. “

Gaius watched as Merlin and Kara were leaving and thought it was strange, but he let it go.

‘I should have followed them, maybe I could have helped Marlin and prevent him acting so recklessly. Gaius hurried after the others who already went after Merlin.

‘Merlin! You fool!’ Gwaine was really starting to wonder all that he had missed, ‘I wish I could have helped you, Merlin. Why didn’t you tell me? Didn’t you trust me? Either way, I should have noticed it when I was with you.’

Kara pulled Merlin in the hallway and began to speak.

“It wasn’t until I saw him give the goblet to Arthur that I realized.

‘Arthur?’

Merlin interrupted Kara. “Whoa, slow down and start from the beginning.”

‘Merlin, you idiot, you shouldn’t have to worry so much about me!’

‘This fool of a servant at least cares for Arthur… Wait, he is a damn sorcerer! You don’t trust a sorcerer, even if he is for now loyal to Arthur.’

“Merlin, my friend, you shouldn’t just listen to a stranger. Ever heard stranger danger?”

Elyan chuckled, “She just needed to say Arthur and Merlin would listen to anyone.”

“Now that’s true.”

Arthur looked at them weird, “That’s not true.” Others just scowled at him.

“Like hell it isn’t. We looked at all he did for just 3 days and it’s already clear he does everything for you!”

“…”

Arthur couldn’t refute that, ‘But it’s because a dragon told him, right? Otherwise, why would he do that?’

Leon looked straight to Arthur, “Sire, it’s best to just accept it. Merlin would never willingly leave your side.”

Arthur is a king, and kings aren’t emotional about their servants (they also aren’t in love with them, but oh well, he still doesn’t accept that.)

Nimueh, was already explaining about how she walked into the room while Bayard was doing something.

“What did you saw?”

“If he knows, I said anything, he will kill me.” Gwaine scowled, “If she was so scared she would not even come to Merlin. What a liar.”

The knights looked at him weirdly.

“…”

“What?”

The knights promptly opened their mouth just to close it. Morgana looked at Gwaine and smiled, “You can say something smart, huh? This is what they are thinking.”

Gwaine looked at all of them feeling betrayed while Morgana and Morgause laughed.

While Morgana laughed a thought came in her head, ‘This isn’t so bad…’ She stopped laughing and looked at her sister who was still cackling, ‘Maybe, they really aren’t that bad. Maybe, we can get along.’ Morgause looked up and looked into Morgana’s eyes, ‘What do you think sister? Could we go there, not as enemies, but as friends… If Merlin and Arthur really aren’t bad, if we were mistaken, could we go back?’ Morgause as if feeling her question pulled her into a hug.

‘Oh, my cute little sister. I don’t know and I don’t trust just yet. Merlin is a mystery while Arthur is Uther’s son… I will trust what I see…until then I am not putting my hopes up.’

Merlin promised to protect her, and Kara began to speak.

Kara shook her head while she spoke, “Bayard is no friend of Camelot, he craves the kingdom for himself.”

Merlin knew where the conversation was going, “Tell me, what has he done with the goblet?”

‘Arthur…’ his mind was screaming at him.

Gwaine laughed, “Look how much he cares, princess.”

Arthur who finally had enough teasing took of one of his shoes and threw it straight at him. Gwaine meowed when it hit him. “What was that for princess.”

The knights, well the knights just enjoyed the show laughing all the while.

“Percival, Arthur is mean.” Gwaine ran straight to him while he cried out.

Percival stopped laughing as he saw Gwaine run at him and avoided the hug. “Your fault, you teased him too much.”

Gwaine pouted and went back to Merlin.

“He believes that if he kills Arthur, Uther’s spirit will be broken, and Camelot will fall.” Merlin looked hurt, ‘Arthur!’

Uther just looked at her, “How foolish, I would be hurt, but Camelot still wouldn’t fall. This is a pure lie.”

‘At least one of them cares’ Morgause scowled.

“What has he done with the goblet.” Merlin spoke with urgency. ‘I need to get back…’

‘Worry about yourself idiot. She is tricking you!’

“Oh, Merlin, what did you do?” Lance whispered.

Gwaine looked at him, “Honestly, I don’t want to know,” he said with a serious face.

Lance just nodded. They both understood that they must protect Merlin better. ‘We failed once, we won’t again.’

 ‘I will stay by you this time Merlin.’

“I saw him put something in it.”

“Liar!” Everyone screamed.

“She put it in herself. She is so manipulative.” Mordred growled.

Morgause looked back in the banquet hall where Bayard still had his speech.

“But it was risky, she didn’t know if Merlin would trust her or if he would drink it.”

Everyone looked at her.

“True, he could have just thrown the goblet to the floor.”

Morgana looked at Uther, “He couldn’t, Uther wouldn’t let him.”

Uther scowled while everyone turned to him. Arthur gritted his teeth in anger.

“Why not? He is just a boy?” one of the younger druids said.

Arthur looked at the boy, “My father needed proof,” before he looked back at Merlin.

“What?”

“I shouldn’t, he’ll kill me.”

“Liar.”

“Please, tell me!”

“…”

“Is it poison?” Merlin said looking dead serious while inside he was scared to death. Nimueh nodded and Merlin ran ‘I need to get to Arthur!’

Nimueh just watched him go and smirked, “I caught you now.”

“Tch,” Gwaine glared as he went after Merlin.

“To your health Uther, Arthur.” Bayard said rising his glass in toast as everyone stood up to drink.

Bayard continued dragging this out.

‘When will he stop?’ Arthur was getting irritated.

This Arthur was relieved, “If he didn’t stall, I’d drank it already.”

“Then we need to be grateful to him,” Uther said looking at the scene.

‘Or not. If I drank it Merlin wouldn’t have to…’

“Lady Morgana, people of Camelot,” Bayard concluded.

‘Finally,’ Arthur thought, bringing his cup to drink from it, before…

“And to fallen warriors,” Uther spoke, and Arthur stopped, again. “On both sides” Uther ended.

Arthur again brought his goblet to his lips, wanting to ‘FINALLY’ drink from it as Merlin ran in.

“Stop, it’s poison, don’t drink it!” Merlin screamed, running to Arthur and taking his goblet.

Uther gawked at him, “What!”

“Merlin, what are you doing!” Arthur screamed knowing this could put Merlin in trouble.

“He’s saving your ass princess!” Gwaine grinned victoriously.

“I didn’t know then!”

Morgause looked around, finding Nimueh hiding behind the curtain, ‘Well played, but they are both still alive, so you failed.’

“Bayard, laced the goblet with poison.” Merlin spoke with confidence staring at Bayard who was not happy in the slightest as he drew his sword.

“This is an outrage!”

Everyone on both sides drawing the sword at that before Uther interfered, “Order your men to put down their swords. You’re outnumbered.”

‘Merlin, what did you do! You will get in trouble!’ Arthur wanted to scream and drag his servant back.

“Oh, princess was scared for his servant.” Gwaine cooed.

Leon sensing Arthur will throw something at Gwaine quickly intervened, “You really were worried for him, sire.”

Arthur scowled, but didn’t say anything as wind caressed his cheek, Mocha laughing as Arthur looked around, seeing an open window.

“You need to give him a kiss afterwards Merlin,” Mocha whispered to the wind just to feel the wind play around her as she giggled.

Bayard yelled and Arthur looked between Merlin and Bayard.

“On what grounds do you base your accusation?” Uther asked leaning forward.

Arthur did not like that and started to walk to Merlin, “Merlin, you idiot!”

“I don’t think you should call your savior an idiot.”

Arthur ignored the other idiots.

“We’ve been at the slow gin again?” He said looking at Bayard as he dragged Merlin forward.

“So sweet, you wanted to protect him,” Morgana teased.

‘Idiots, all of them,’ Arthur growled, pouting at all the teasing. ‘This teasing will only get worse, won’t it,’ he sighed.

Uther was not having it, “Unless you want to be strung up, you’ll tell me why you think it’s been poisoned now.”

Merlin looked at him with no fear, “He was seen lacing it.”

“By whom?”

Nimueh held her breath at that, Morgause who was still observing her smiled. ‘So, you were scared he would tell on you and Uther would recognize you. Huh, it would be funny if that happened, but…’ she quickly released it as Merlin refused to tell him, ‘It didn’t.’

“I won’t listen to this anymore.” Bayard sternly said as Uther walked to Arthur.

“Pass me the goblet.” Arthur complied and gave it to Uther who looked at it, “If you’re telling the truth- “

“I am.” Bayard confidently replied.

“Then you have nothing to fear, do you.”

Bayard sheathed his sword and leaned in to get the goblet, Uther pulling it away from him.

“No, it this proves to be poisoned, I want the pleasure of killing you myself.”

Bayard scowled and Nimueh smiled. Uther growled while looking at her, knowing she read what he would do. ‘She counted on me giving it to the sorcerer.’

Uther turned around handing it to the warlock.

‘Oh, no!’ Arthur’s breath caught.

“He will drink it.”

‘Checkmate’ Nimueh grinned.

Iseldir raged, “You handed it to a boy? Why not another servant from Bayard’s side!”

Morgana laughed, “Because he didn’t care if he died.”

“If he did, we would know he was telling the truth. He’d die with honor.” Uther said looking around proud at his answer.

Arthur’s mouth twitched, “No wonder the servants never liked us, if you think like this.”

“Truly, it’s no wonder why you were feared and not loved.” Morgana continued.

Uther wouldn’t stand for this, ‘Why are both of my children so soft.’

“Ruling with fear is a way to avoid war. If they fear you they won’t go against you.”

Morgause frowned, “Right, a way to avoid war? Like you would know? You were always waging war!”

“It was necessary!”

“For whom? YOU!” Arthur yelled, Uther stared at him pale. “The only one benefiting was you! The kingdom had countless loses, yet you continued with you war pursuits! Don’t pretend it was for the kingdom when you never protected the kingdom!”

The knights looked proud, druids and the two sisters were glaring at Uther.

“…”

“Arthur, you have to understand, it was necessary.”

Arthur looked away, “Tell that to the citizens and soldiers,” at Leon.

Leon nodded.

‘The wars have been horrible. All the battles just for a useless cause. Chasing druids who were peaceful was also a waste. Nobody liked that rotten ruling. Even if we feared magic, killing children because they had magic was terrifying and everything was too much. Arthur is a far better king then Uther ever was… And he had Merlin.’

Arthur looked at Merlin with fear, “But if it’s poisoned, he will die!”

Uther was shocked to see his son concerned, but still, “Then we will know, he was telling the truth.’ Merlin still took the goblet and looked at Uther and Bayard.

Bayard wasn’t content with that, “And what if he lives?”

“Then you have my apologies, and you can do with him as you will.”

Arthur was ready to object, but Gaius was quicker. “Uther please, he’s just a boy, he doesn't know what he’s saying.”

“Then you should have schooled him better.” He wasn’t concerned with him.

Arthur panicked, “Merlin apologize, this is a mistake!” he put his hand out planning to take that glass, “I’ll drink it.”

Merlin was quick to turn from him, “No, no, no. It’s alright.”

“Are you both trying to die for each other?” Leon scowled as he wasn’t in this particular banquet.

“Really princess. I thought you were smarter than that.”

Gwen looked away as she knew what had happened and leaned back at Elyan who immediately hugged her.

Merlin raised the goblet at Bayard and then turned to Arthur as he took a drink.

Everyone, but the people who were present held their breath.

…

…

…

…

“It’s fine.”

Uther sat down, “He’s all yours.”

“…”

“WHAT!”

“I thought it was?!”

Morgause looked at them like the idiots they are, “It takes a while for a drink poisoned from magic to take effect.”

Just as Morgause finished, Merlin grunted and held his throat, looking at Arthur before he passed out.

“Merlin!” Both Lance and Gwaine kneeled to him, Morgause moving toward him as well and kneeling as she checks the goblet that fell.

“It’s a mortaeus flower.”

“What flower?”

Gaius continued, “A mortaeus flower which is used both for poison and antidote.”

“I guess that is near her cave.” Morgana said, remembering her cave.

Arthur moved immediately as Merlin was on the floor, kneeling above him as Uther stood up screaming to seize the Mercia knights.

“I know this isn’t the time…” Gwaine started, Lance stepped a step away, “But did you have to climb on top of him?”

…

Multiple things happened then, first was embarrassment, then worry and then he leaped at Gwaine screaming and yelling at him. All Gwaine could do was run as Arthur threw one of his shoes at him, before chasing him with another shoe in hand.

Meanwhile, Lance was sitting on the floor right next to Merlin watching as Gaius kneeled trying to help him. Noticing he was completely unconscious he asked Arthur to carry him to their chambers.

As soon as they came back, Gaius judged the situation, ordering Gwen to get some things.

Arthur was worried, as was Gwen, both asking how bad it is.

“He can’t know before checking what poison it is.” Morgause said looking at Arthur and Gwen. “He needed time and space, poisoning is a tricky thing.”

They both slowly nodded at her before looking back at Merlin.

Gwen gave Gaius the goblet and he observed it.

“AH, there is something stuck on the inside.”             

Morgause stepped away from Merlin to check the chalice as did Gwaine who hated not being able to help. So, he will find his own way to at least keep the atmosphere up.

“Huh, well look at that, it really is a whatever flower!”

“It’s a kind of flower pedal.”

Morgause smirked as she looked at Gwaine. “Obviously, there wasn’t any doubt from the beginning.”

Lancelot who was looking down at Merlin was starting to get worried. “Merlin is burning up” said both Lancelot and Gwen.

Arthur immediately looked at Merlin while Gaius just kept looking at the flower, speaking mildly. “Keep him cool. It might lessen the fever.”

Mordred looked at the doctor not being quite satisfied with what was happening. ‘Gaius should be focusing on Merlin first then at the stupid book.’ Like he gets that he is not a doctor, and that book probably contains the flower but he still should have checked at him more.

Morgana looked at the druid boy, knowing he was beyond himself with worry. She stepped up to him till Mordred looked at her.

“He did the right thing. You are just too worried to think clearly. It’s best to look for the cause of the poisoning then trying to lessen the fever. Sooner he finds the cause, sooner he can search for a cure. Especially in cases of poisoning as the antidote should be administered soon after a case of poisoning.

“Aha, I found it. It’s a petal of the mortaeus flower. It says here that someone poisoned from the mortaeus flower can only be cured by the leaves of the very same flower.”

“Great and let me guess, it’s not a common flower from the fields?” Said Gwaine hopping to be wrong, but he wasn’t betting on it.

“Such a flower can only be found in caves deep beneath the forest of Balor.”

“Congrats, seems you were right Gwaine. It’s a very uncommon flower.”

“Damn it. I hate to be right with such things.”

Arthur looked at his past self who was very worried. ‘I swear I should lock Merlin up when we get out of here. Making me always worry…’

‘I wonder where you are now Merlin…’

Morgana, curious about the flower looked at the druids.

“Is it true? You can only find such a flower in that cave?”

One of the elders, Belmont was quick to answer with a blank voice. “Yes, lady Morgana, in these parts you can find it only there, but there are more places where you can find it. Of course those lands are in different countries. I can however guarantee that no matter the region it is always difficult to get it.”

“Figured, it is a poisoned flower,” said Morgana looking as Gaius changed the page to see a beast, a supposed guardian of the flower.

Gwaine freaked out and ran to Arthur being very curious and even more concerned. “Don’t tell me you fought with THAT!”

Arthur who wasn’t impressed by Gwaine’s coward acting just turned around and said it was complicated.

‘I just remember a light saving me. What happened before that is a bit blurry except the part of finding a weird woman.’

Gwen who stayed by Merlin, trying to keep him cool looked at the two men with a worried expression while Arthur paced around.

‘Damn it, poison, monsters, caves. Why did you drink it Merlin? You are getting a talking to at the end of this.’

Leon smirked at his king. “Well sire, did he get a talk about it?”

Artur who picked up his shoes after the Gwaine thing threw one at Leon.

…

It missed.

‘Why aren’t there any better weapons around here!’

Arthur smiled to himself and started walking to the exit, “Sounds like fun.”

 “At a boy, princess!” Gwaine ran right to the door waiting as Gaius stopped Arthur warning him about the danger.

“Then what happens if I don’t get it?”

Let’s be honest, nobody wanted to know.

Gaius steeped closer.

“A morteaus flower produces a slow and painful days, he can at most hang out for four days.”

The druids looked confused but did not voice their opinions yet. They decided to just watch. It is a magical thing. It makes sense why Camelot knights wouldn’t get it… Yes, druids were completely ignoring the previous king and nobles who were there.

Lancelot and the others had enough listening and went to join Gwaine who didn’t look happy it was taking this long. The sooner the princess went the better as he hates seeing Merlin in that state. Arthur also hearing enough opened the door and scenery changed to see Nimueh walking down a corridor, looking too happy.

“I wanna smack the grin off her face,” Gwen said, Elyan holding her hand and nodding.

“I wanna cut her down!” Gwaine screamed and all the knights and druids agreed.

Morgause though felt a bit bad as Nimueh was at least a witch that was good at the beginning, but living on the run made her insane.

The scene quickly changed back to Gwen and Morgana talking about Merlin. Mordred tho had enough of watching this. He so wanted to just go in the past and do it himself. He was frustrated especially as he saw Uther forbidding Arthur to go search for the damn flower.

Uther walked faster as his son was pestering him for a damned servant. “You are my only son and heir, I can’t risk losing you for some serving boy.”

If you ever asked Mordred if he would ever choke a king, he would say no…, but there is always an exception.

“Whoa, Mordred!”

“You can’t!”

Leon and Percival ran to help the king, but Mordred did not let him go.

“His life is worth less than yours.”

Mordred looked at the king with killing eyes. He knew he can’t kill him, but he needs to let this out as Emris is NOT worthless!

The king trashed around kicking at Mordred to let him go. He didn’t. He only stared at him coldly.

“I can’t just stay and watch him die.”

“Then don’t look”

Mordred fumed, “I will say this once and only once. Merlin is the guide of magic (he won’t say magic itself as that would say too much). He is to stand by the once and future king’s side. He will help us to regain the freedom for magic users over the world. He is worth as much as Arthur.”

‘More in my eyes.’

Morgause looked at the angry druid boy and focused on the words. ‘Regain freedom for magic, huh. If that is true, she wouldn’t mind sticking by. After all she does trust druids to some extent and all of them are always murderous when it comes to Merlin.’

The once and future king just watched completely caught off guard before he remembered he is the only one who can stop him… however Morgana was faster.

“As much as I’m enjoying this, we are changing scenes. Let him go Mordred, I’m sure he will die by the end of this viewing.”

Mordred still owing Morgana for helping him as a child let out a breath before tightening his grip on Uther’s neck for one more time and then let him go.

‘I will get back at this peasant.’

Arthur, feeling pissed and anxious stepped into a room leaning on the wall as Morgana entered joking with Arthur who was not in the mood, but well it was Morgana.

“Morgana. Sorry, I should have made sure you were alright.

Gwaine turned to Morgana. “Tell me you went there to talk some sense into the princess as its annoying that he is there mopping around, not running to get the flower.”

Gwaine was anxious. He knows Merlin was alright, but still, he wanted to go already.

Morgana looked at him and just nodded.

Morgana and Arthur had their little conversation, which no one listened to, all waiting to go get the flower.

“Sometimes you gotta do what you think is right and damn the consequences.”

Arthur turned around.

‘Maybe I should disobey? I wanna save Merlin, but father…’

“Come on princess hurry it up.”

“You think I should go?”

“Yes!!” Mordred and the knights screamed.

“No!!” Yelled Uther at which everyone turned to him with a dirty look.

“Nobody asked you, your majesty.”

Yes, Leon finally had enough. Merlin is his little brother. Not even the past king will talk bad or take him from them.

‘Even Leon?! Enchantment!’ Uther’s thoughts screamed.

“Doesn’t matter what I think.”

“If I don’t return, who will be the next king?”

“At least you listened to me then.”

Uther regrated dying. If he didn’t, maybe his son would still listen to him now.

“it’s more than just my life at stake.”

Morgana really wanted him to go. Not just for Gwen, but because there is something special about the boy.

‘Arthur who never disobeyed his father is doing so now, because of him. I don’t want Arthur to turn back to how he was before.’

Morgana suddenly remembered this. Her feelings about Merlin ever since he first came. He was like a fresh wind coming into a dark kingdom.

That wind giggled a bit but dared not to go near Morgana yet.

“One that would risk his life for a lowly servant?” Morgana said drawing Arthurs sword. “Or one who does what his father tells him to.”

Arthur took the sword and went to get his horse.

“Thank god.”

“Took you long enough. We could have already been there.”

The knights were relieved and ran with Arthur, but some had another question. Will they be running after the horse?

Answer, was no. They would be pulled by the invisible wall that kept them nearby.

“Damn it. Damn sorcerer and damn this reaction,” Uther screamed not being happy about being dragged.

“Whoa, so cool. If this is magic, I wouldn’t mind having it,” screamed Gwaine who was enjoying himself.

The pulling suddenly stopped and they were back in Gaius’s room.

“Damn I was enjoying it.” Gwaine pouted, but went straight to Merlin, Lance already there.

Merlin started to talk in his sleep.

“Huh?”

“What is he saying?”

Morgause’s eyebrows rose in surprise as she replied still in shock.

“Magic.”

Morgana, the only one who heard her, was confused.

“But he is asleep, worse he is in a coma like state. He shouldn’t -.”

“I know,” her sister said looking at Morgana with wide eyes.

Gwen looked at Merlin confused. Real Gen was also surprised for another reason as she realized it was most likely magic. “What language is that?” she questioned.

Gaius looked from her back to Merlin. “None. The fever is taking hold. None of these words are his own.”

The knights were still confused.

Some of the druids reserved to praying as Emris is so powerful to not need consciousness to be able to use magic.

The king finally realized it wasn’t just anything, but something magical, but decided to stop screaming magic every time as it was getting annoying, and he was sure this would take way longer than he first thought.

Morgause decided to enlighten the knights who were looking confused at the praying druids.

“It’s magic.”

“Yeah, I guess that, but what is so special about it?” Percival said.

Arthur didn’t guess that, but he won’t say so.

Morgana joined her sister in explanation. “You shouldn’t be able to use magic while in a coma like state. You need concentration in magic usage so not being conscious while using it is again, unheard of.”

Leon breathed out, “I think the word unheard of isn’t in Merlin’s vocabulary.”

“His pulse is weaker,” Gaius said. Something caught his eye and he pulled up the slieves of Merlin’s shirt, seeing the rashes.

Druids Belmonts eyes stood on the rash as he and Gaius said at the same time, “The rash is not supposed to appear until the final stage.”

Gaius stood up and went to look at the book Gwen, Morgause and Lance followed him.

“It says here once a rash appears, death will follow within 2 days.”

“Damn it,” cursed Gwaine punching a wall.

Percival stepped to him. “Calm down, we know he was fine.”

Gwaine looked at Percival clearly upset, before he took a deep breath in.

“I know, but it hurts knowing how close to death he was so soon after coming to Camelot. Think about everything he must have done himself. Before we became knights, he was fighting all alone…” Gwaine let a ter fall down his face and all the knights started to think of that.

Lancelot, who knew Merlin the most, finally realized that he still knew way too little. He should have stayed by him.

‘Why did I leave him…’

Arthur looked back sad. ‘If only I was more attentive. He was always beside me. How didn’t I notice it.’

While Morgana and Morgause were surprised that Merlin was such a good actor. Fooling all of them.

“You said he had 4 days…”

“Somethings increased the potions potency.

“Magic.” Said Uther still being a bastard who knew only how to repeat a word after he said he won’t.

Gaius turned his eyes back on the book.

“It says here that the effect of the mortaeus will be more effective if an enchantment is used during its preparation.”

Gwen’s mind was wandering around the flower and lord Bayard. “Enchantment? But Bayard is no sorcerer.”

“No, he isn’t.”

“Then who is it.”

Gaius looked around thinking of all the sorcerers he knows until one popped into his mind.

“No. She wouldn’t dare come here. Unless…”

‘That handmaid?’

“Finally took you all long enough!” screamed Gwaine.

“What happened to that girl?” Gaius asked Gwen who looked confused.

“What girl?”

“Just before Merlin burst into the hall one of Bayard’s serving girls pulled him aside.”

“She had black hair, very beautiful…”

‘At least that is what Merlin said.”

Gaius also remembering her finally realized.

‘How didn’t I recognize her?’

She looked at Gwen and quickly ordered her to find her.

Gwen ran to the dungeons, everyone behind her. Uther running very enthusiastically as he didn’t want to be pulled by the wall. Gwen looked through the dungeons not finding her. Knights doing the same while the others didn’t bother. The two sorceresses also realized she is probably long gone by now.

“Damn it she is definitely gone!” Gwaine screamed.

“Long gone, probably.” Lancelot added as the scene changed from the dungeons to a royal room.

“Aren’t we done here yet. I want to see what the king is doing.” Murmured some of the druids.

Lance agreed with them. He really couldn’t care about Uther’s reaction.

Arguing ensued by Uther an Morgana, Uther upset about Arthurs disappearance and taking it out on Morgana.

“Yuppy this cave, again!” said Leon very sarcastically. Even he had enough of this cave and the woman who was standing before them.

Morgause and Morgana together with Artur and Mordred stepped next to her to look at the water showing Arthur.

Uther who wasn’t far behind pointed at the water and was quick to defend his past self.

“See! She is after my son. I was right to not send him!”

Not Arthur, not anyone else even looked at him…

Well accept for the council who eagerly nodded at him.

Gwaine wanting to cheer himself and others up was quick to start his tasteless jokes.

“Oo, Arthur has an obsessed stalker.”

Arthur rolled his eyes at that and said, “If I do, so does Merlin.”

“True,” said Leon.

Gwaine looked annoyed he couldn’t upset the queenie, but at least the mood improved.

He nodded his head satisfied with himself. ‘I really am the best.’

Percival who sensed bullshit was quick to stare at Gwaine. If in doubt its always Gwaine’s fault

Scene changed and someone was quick to scream, “Not again!” as the wall pulled them behind Arthur dragging them behind.

The pulling stopped and the previous king opened his eyes looking at Macha. “You are doing this on purpose,” Uther spat out.

Macha didn’t look impressed.

“Not my fault you’re not as fast as a horse,” Macha said smirking at him.

If Uther snarled something about revenge nobody cared.

Gwen walked in the room as Gaius was observing the rash. “No one has seen her since the banquet. Who is she?”

Gaius didn’t look surprised, “Not who she claims to be.”

Gwen was convinced with Gaius’s words that he knows more that he lets on.

“But you know don’t you.”

“Kara though that isn’t her real name.”

“Then who is she?” Gwen said wanting to know more so she could help more.

Gaius smiled at Gwen. “You did enough.”

Gwen just smiled and nodded at Gaius.

“A powerful sorceress.”

Morgause was a bit surprised that he told her, so she stared at him. Gaius noticed it and just lowered his head before he said, “I told her as I knew it wouldn’t really lead anywhere. Even if she or the whole castle knew They couldn’t do anything.”

Gwen surprised at hearing about a sorceress wanted Gaius to tell the king.

“She is long gone by now. And it’s impossible to know where she’s gone…”

‘Wait a minute, Arthur!

Morgana looked at Gaius. “So, you realized she would go after Arthur?”

Gaius looked at Morgana, “Yes, she hates Uther so getting to his son sounded the most logical.”

“At least you were honest about that.”

Gaius felt it. Morgana hated that he didn’t tell her the truth and now he regrets it as well. If he did maybe Merlin wouldn’t need to do this all alone. But its too late. Geoffrey sensed his friends doubt just put a hand on his shoulder in support.

“She knows the only place to get an antidote is in the forest of Balar. Arthur could be walking in a trap”

Morgause laughed only now realizing her actions.

Morgana looked at her sister as did the others.

Morgause smirked as she started, “we were discussing earlier about what if Merlin didn’t drink the poison, right?” Everyone nodded.

“Well, if Merlin didn’t then Arthur would, and Merlin would then go get the antidote. It didn’t matter which one drank it as the other would wanna save them, so she would get 2 birds with one stone.”

Morgana laughed. ‘She is quite smart. Too bad it failed.’

Lance and the knights weren’t pleased as no matter who, both of their friends were in danger.

‘I should really start being more conscious when it comes to strangers being near him. No matter noble or servant.’

“Leon when we get back, we will make changes in security. It seams we were too lax.”

Leon saluted with a “Yes sir”, already thinking if he should also add a bodyguard for Merlin or if just all of them should be near them all the time.

“Arthur,” was heard in the room and everyone looked at Merlin.

“Why are you still thinking of me…You fool.”

Mordred who was quiet for a while now, really didn’t get it. Arthur has done nothing yet to get Emrys’s respect. Then why care so much when he is the one who is poisoned.

“Merlin always has you in his mind queenie.” Gwaine joked, knights smirking behind him.

“Damn it Gwaine!” he cursed definitely redder than before. If you asked Arthur though he would say it’s from anger. Embarrassment has nothing to do with it.

Gwaine wanted to step forward before Lance said, “Watch out.” He stopped only to realize he was walking right into the tree, so he leaned back only to fall on his ass.

“Uh, why me?”

Morgana narrowed her eyes at him looking judgmental.

“You all realize that he would just go through it, right?”

Gwaine’s eyes darted to her, Lance stopped laughing and everyone else who forgot blinked repeatedly.

“Fuck.” Repeated most of them, Macha laughing behind them as did Morgause.

Arthur started to move, so everyone followed. Gwaine a bit too close to the fallen tree, heard a growl and looked down.

“AH!”

Everyone stopped and Percival suddenly felt a weight holding onto him…

It was Gwaine.

Percival patted Gwaine’s back asking him whats wrong only to see Gwaine pointing under a tree…

Everyone turned to the fallen tree, looking under it.

…

…

It was chaos.

The nobles screamed, Uther stepped back yelling in his head.

Gwen went behind Lancelot, Elyan behind Percival while Leon and Arthur just took a step back.

‘Ah, so it was following me,’

“Okay lets all calm down,” said Morgana still laughing. “We should be following my brother not getting scared by a beast.”

“Who is scared? Not me.” Arthur quickly defended himself.

“Surely not brother, but I just thought you jumped out of your skin.”

“Nonsense, kings aren’t scared of monsters.”

Morgana just rolled her eyes at him as Arthur ran back to his younger self, others not far behind, wanting to get far away from the monster.

As Arthur and the others walked they came across Nimueh.

“Damn it, seams you were right Gaius, she is here.” Said Elyan scowling at the sorceress which was fake crying.

“I do remember this. I helped her and she took me to the cave.” Arthur said looking at the woman.

Arthur tied up his horse and went to the sorceress. He knelt down to her, trying to see what was wrong.

Roar!

“Wah!”

Nobles ran away very fast completely forgetting by a barrier that was surrounding them.

Elyan and Gwaine hugged Percival and Mordred steeped in front of the druids, wanting to protect them.

The only two brave women were curious about the monster. Morgause taking a chance by getting closer.

“It’s a cockatrice.” Morgause said to her sister.

Morgana tries to remember if she ever saw one before she shakes her head.

Her sister is quick to explained. “Well, I don’t know much, but their venom is strong enough to kill anyone with just one drop.”

Arthur who was listening to that gaped. ‘Damn, I’m so glad it didn’t bite me.’

No, he wasn’t scare, just happy that he was cautious back then.

“Stay back,” said younger Arthur stepping in front to protect the woman. Arthur avoided it’s attack before throwing his sword at the beast effectively killing it.

“Good job sire”

Nimueh scowled that the monster didn’t kill him but was quick to go back to her act of being a victim, explaining to Arthur that she was a slave that managed to escape.

Morgana’s eyes flared, hating the act.

“The bitch is acting like a bloody damsel in distress. Such an insult to her status as a priestess of the old religion.”

Macha couldn’t help but agree. Nimueh forgot her pride, just searching for a way to hurt Camelot.

Nimueh and Arthur continued their conversation as Nimueh said she knows where the flower is.

Arthur followed her into the cave but was a bit suspicious.

“Uh, why follow a strange woman in a cave?” questioned Gwaine.

Arthur raised his shoulders. “It would be faster to get to the flower if she knew where it was.”

The knights who were confused before now understood.

‘If Merlin was hurt I would have done the same,’ was on every knights mind.

Uther who was walking very far back was just looking at the sorceress.

‘Why do this. You were the one who hurt me, not the opposite. Damn witch.’

Macha looked at Uther full of anger.

“I’m not so sure he can ever change, my child,” she whispered only for the wind to hear.

Gwaine sighed, “and we are back here.”

Merlin who was paled even more twisted and turned.

“Arthur it’s a trap.”

“He is so worried about you queenie, even unconscious.”

“Like always,” Lancelot sighed.

‘You really should worry more about yourself Merl’s.’

Gaius getting worried about Merlins magic was quick to send Gwen away.

“I apologize Gwen, but I really couldn’t risk you finding out then.” Gaius apologized. While Gwen was sad, she also understood. She knew him for just a few days back then. She gave Gaius and understanding smile even tho you could still see a bit of sorrow in there.

“Whoa!” Screamed Elyan almost falling of the cliff in the cave.

Lance was exhausted. “Really? It’s up on the wall above the damn 100m fall?”

Leon smiled a done with life kind of smile. “Since when did anything go easy.”

The knights as well as Morgana and Mordred agreed with Leon. Nothing was ever easy.

Arthur warn Nimueh to stay back from the edge as he stepped forward. As he walked Nimueh started to chant.

Leon turned to the druids.

“What is she saying.”

A random druid was quick to answer.

“Sir Leon, it’s a spell meant to degrade an object. Basically, she is making the earth weaker so it will fall off.”

Leon closed his eyes and thanked the druid, thankful that they were here.

Arthur turned to the woman.

“What are you doing?” he said before he realized the ground is falling and he jumped to the wall.

“I expected so much more,” said Nimueh revealing her face. “I’m the last face you will see.”

Arthur’s face darkened as he saw a spider nearing him. Trying to move away he slowly climbed away. As he realized he is too slow he took his sword and threw the spider off the cliff.

“Nice work princess.” Gwaine yelled running to his Arthur.

Arthur who finally remembered thee whole thing frowned at Gwaine. “Too early for that Gwaine.”

Gwaine looked back to the sorceress as she smirked.

Lancelot just gave Gwaine a shaky smile. “It would be too easy otherwise Gwaine.”

“It isn’t the only one. Ill let its friends finish you off.”

She turned as she said her last words to him, “It’s not your destiny to die by my hands Arthur Pendragon.” Before leaving.

“Who are you!”

Morgana looked at him like he is the dumbest person alive.

“Was that really the only thing in your mind?”

“Yes princess, I’d be more concerned with getting away then with a random woman.”

Arthur tried to defend himself, “Well I just wanted to know my enemies.”

Morgana turned away awe struck while the knights with druids started to laugh.

Only Uther didn’t understand what is so funny.

‘It’s good to know your enemies.’

The scenery changed and they were back with Merlin who was talking again.

“Arthur. It’s too dark, too dark.”

‘He should really be more worried about himself.’

Merlin started to chant a spell, and the two sisters and a few druids moved closer to hear it.

Gwaine always the curious one went near them.

“What is it?”

Nobody needed to answer as Gaius lifted the blanket to reveal a ball of light.

Arthur looked at his hand.

“That was him,” he murmured

Morgause stunned started to speak. “As you can see, it’s a guiding light spell. But…”

Gwaine cocked his head at her. “But what?”

Druids were the ones to continue.

“It…It shouldn’t work. He is unconscious. He shouldn’t be connected to the nature without concentration which requires consciousness.”

Morgana looked with wide opened eyes as she continued. “Its like trying to fight with a sword while asleep. It’s just not possible.”

Gwaine had a bright idea to try that, but well he knew it wouldn’t work… ‘But it wouldn’t hurt to try’

Everyone else even tho nobles and Uther had a stunned expression.

‘How is that possible! Just how powerful is he,’ was all that was in Uther’s mind.

‘I must get rid of him. He is too dangerous.’

Macha who heard his thoughts was silently laughing.

‘Like he would do anything to Arthur.’

The scene changed back to the cave and everyone froze in shock as they saw Merlins light rising up to Arthur, showing him the way.

“How?” Mordred whispered.

“Come on then! Finish me off!”

The silence was broken with a burst of laughter.

“Pf!”

“Perfect, brother you are so stupid.”

“Haha, brilliant.”

“The princess afraid of a ball of light.”

Arthur buried his head in his hands. ‘Not again…’ he sobbed.

“Why me.” He whispered to the heavens only for the wind to caress his cheek.

Arthur looked around. ‘I swear the wind is strange here.’

As they were laughing the Light moved to show Arthur there was space to climb up on. Arthur gathered all his strength to pull himself on. He looked at the flowers he needed.

The scene didn’t change this time, but it opened a portal which showed Merlin.

“Cool.” Said Elyan and the others couldn’t help but agree.

“Leave them, Arthur.” Merlin said. Arthur who didn’t catch that reached to get the flowers as spiders began to climb up.

“Come on, get the flowers princess.”

Lance put his hands together like he was praying and hoped he gets the flowers.

“Go. Save yourself. Follow the light.”

“No, Arthur get the flowers.”

Morgana held her forehead.

“They realize this already happened right.” She whispered to her sister.

“Let them be. It’s fun for us and it is curious how this is made to give us the impression of being here. It gives us certain tension. It’s a brilliant display of magic, making us see and experience everything that happened.”

Morgana smiled.

‘Perhaps.’

Arthur who didn’t hear any of that climbed up higher trying to get the flower.

“Come on.”

Arthurs fingers stretched trying to get it.”

“Just a bit more.”

Until he finally got it.

“Thank god,” Lancelot said.

Druids collectively took a breath they didn’t realize they were holding. The knights cheered and even the nobles were relieved.

Only Uther was watching, really not knowing what to feel.

‘He saved my son… Twice in just these few days… But he is a sorcerer… No, I can’t doubt myself. Sorcery took my wife away.’

Arthur put the mortaeus flower in a satchel before he started climbing, following the light.

“Faster. Go faster. Follow the light,” said Merlin.

Gwaine who finally got over his happiness realized something.

“Wait…”

Everyone looked at him.

“Do we also have to climb…”

…

Everyone’s face fell.

Even Morgana and Morgause realize they can’t use magic so they will have to climb.

…

“Damn magic!!!” screamed one Uther Pendragon.

Macha just laughed not planning to help. Or they climb or the get catapulted by the barrier.

So, they climbed, following the light. Well, most of them. The nobles were to slow so they were catapulted up by the barrier as were Gaius and Geoffrey and the druid elders.

Macha just laughed.

And she made sure that the landing did hurt them. Uther who saw this had no choice but to climb faster cuss he knew his fall would hurt even more. Well except for Gaius, Geoffrey and druids as they were elders.

“Damn this magic! Damn the Sorcerer and damn this bloody barrier!” was all that was heard as the others were climbing.

The light and Arthur finally reached the surface and all the others not far behind.

“Finally,” Gwaine said before throwing himself on the ground.

“Hope we don’t repeat this anytime soon.” Said Percival quite tired from the climb.

Arthur pulled his sword out and as he realized there was no danger he ran to get his horse.

“Not again!” shouted two men. One sir Gwaine and one Uther Pendragon who barely climbed out.

Merlin finally calmed down and the light disappeared.”

Arthur finally came to the horse and started riding only for others to be pulled behind him by the wall, most of them just resulted to praying as they were pulled.

Macha was very happy as she floated in the air laughing at the others suffering.

As Arthur arrived to castle, he realized something was wrong and he was promptly arrested.

Uther froze as he felt several dirty looks. ‘Why meee?’ Uther sobbed in his mind.

“You disobeyed me.”

“I so don’t want to hear any of this.” Said every single person there except Uther and the nobles.

Uther and Arthur started to argue. Uther not understanding how Arthur can care so much for the servant. Arthur trying to explain it to him, but Uther didn’t care until a particular topic came.

“There was a woman there. She knew I came for the flower. I don’t think it was Beyard who tried to poison me.”

Uther sighed. “Of course it was.”

“No, it wasn’t.”

Yes it was Gwaine like always.

“He can’t stay quiet, can he.” Percival said to Elyan.

Elyan shook his head. “Nope, but that’s Gwaine for you.”

Leon joined in, “He wouldn’t be Gwaine if he could.”

The knights started to laugh. Arthur glad they were having fun even to they were in this situation. Until Arthur took out the flower showing it to Arthur.

Everyone quieted down and looked at Arthur dumbfounded.

Morgana was quick to scream. “Did you seriously give HIM the flower.”

Arthur who knew there was no defence just lowered his head. “I thought father would at least give him the flower as I risked my life for it… I was wrong.”

Uther said nothing.

“Gaius knows what to do with this. Put me in the stocks for a week, month even just give him this. I’m begging you.”

Usually, people would joke about Arthur having a crush on Merlin, but this time they were still shocked by Arthur’s idiot behaviour.

Uther looked at the flower and crushed it in his hand.

“NO,” shouted and Arthur and everyone watching even Morgana.

“You have to learn there is a right and wrong way of doing things.”

Uther felt he was in danger…

“I’ll see you let out in a week. And you can find yourself another servant.”

Lancelot and Gwaine heard enough as the jumped to Uther both giving him a nice punch.

“I know you said no violence, but I think this is a good exception right, miss goddess?” Lancelot ever the polite men said.

Macha looked at Uther and looked away. “I forgive this as I did with Mordred chocking him. I’m changing the rules. You can hurt the other in situations where it is righteous. And this situation is.”

Lancelot and Gwaine were glad as they both punched him one more time before returning to the others. Arthur didn’t say a word and Uther couldn’t say a word as he felt he would get even more if he did.

‘Damn goddess and damn this situation and damn these peasant knights.’

Uther left, but not before throwing the flower to the ground.

“Bastard.” Morgana said. She didn’t forgive Merlin or trust him yet, but this is despicable.

Arthur laid down on the floor by the door of the cell stretching out his hand to get to the flower.

The scene changed to Gaius’s room.

“He doesn’t have much time left. Did Arthur get the flower.”

“I don’t know,” Gwen said. “Uther won’t allow anyone to see him.”

Merlin let out a whine in pain, every knight together with druids looked positively murderous as they saw Merlin suffer.

“I could sneak into the dungeon.”

“Gwen no.” said Elyan and Lancelot quickly. But she just gave them a look and they understood.

Gaius warned against it, but Gwen didn’t listen as she saw Merlin suffering.

Gaius let her go. “Be careful.”

Gwen went down to the dungeons with everyone following her.

Uther cursing that she is the reason he is alive, but so quietly that no one heard him.

“Food for the prisoner.” She said before going to the cell. Guard opening the cell as she stepped inside. Arthurs eyes raised.

“Not good poker face brother.”

Arthur ignored her.

“Set it over there.” Arthur said.

Gwen tho confused still put it on the table before getting ready to leave.

“Wait a minute.”

Gwen turned around to him.

“I couldn’t possibly eat this. This is disgusting. I’m not sure it’s fit for anyone.”

Everyone looked confused at this exchange.

As Gwen took the plate, Lance stepped to her and saw the mortaeus flower in the middle of the food.

“Smart thinking, my lord. A good excuse to give her the flower without suspicion.”

Gwaine saw Lance smile so he took a breath.

Lance and Gwaine were losing their mind since Uther crushed the flower, but now that burden got rid of.

Gwen smiled at Arthur before she quickly left. A knight by the gate then spoke. “You, wait.”

“Comme on, she is almost there.” Gwaine whined as Elyan jumped to his sister wanting to protect her even if he knows he can’t.

The knight stepped to Gwen taking a piece of bread. Gwen relived quickly left as she saw another servant bringing food. She ran up the stairs straight to Gaius’s room.

Gwen ran into the room handing him the flower.

“His fever is much worse. We must hurry.” Gaius said before getting ready to make the potion before he suddenly stopped.

“The poison was made using magic. We might need magic for the antidote too.”

Knights’ expressions darkened.

Leon wanting to confirm was quick to ask if that is true.

Morgana actually a bit worried gave him a quick answer. “That is mostly true.”

Arthur looked stunned cuss how then?

Druids tho were feeling quite calm.

Lancelot noticed them. “Is this not true?” he asked.

Druids looked at him. Morgana wasn’t pleased that she wasn’t being trusted.

“It is, mostly. But if you poison person that has high amount of magic, their own magic could act like a shield.”

Morgana was astonished and looked at her sister giving her a questioning look.

“It is true.”

“We can’t. It’s forbidden even if we could.”

“Finally, someone who listens to rules.” Uther said proud.

Nobody commented.

“I’ll try to make it work without it.”

Morgause looked at Gaius and saw the look he had.

‘He won’t use magic, will he?’

‘He stopped using it since the death of the queen.’

Gaius gave Gwen a bucket. “I need some fresh water.”

“He will…” Morgana looked at her sister but she only shock her head giving her a reminiscent smile.

‘So, you still would…’

As Gwen left the room, Gaius looked off. Morgause walked closer to him, wanting to feel the familiar magic she hasn’t seen she was a child.

Gaius held the cup where he was making an antidote and began to chant.

Uther looked dumbfounded and looked at Gaius.

“For him you broke your oath to me!”

Gaius turned his head away and Geoffrey took his hand in support.

Arthur just watched as did Morgana. Neither could have imagined he would ever do it.

Morgana felt a bit betrayed at this.

Gaius however stopped after a word and put the cup down deep in thought.

Uther looked at his oldest friend, seeing it hurt him to use it, but kept his angry expression.

He held it again and started to chant, this time completing it. His eyes turning gold after he opened them to see the antidote sizzling.

‘He still did it. He gave a word he would never do it again… but its so familiar to see it.’

Uther stopped his thoughts right there and continued watching.

Gaius himself was amazed that he did it before Gwen ran in giving him the water that he came too.

He put the water in and ran to Merlin. Gwen held his nose before Gaius gave him the antidote.

Merlin stopped moving completely.

…

“He stopped breathing,” Gwen breathed out.

…

…

“He what!” Lancelot screamed running straight to his bed leaning over him, Gwaine just a step behind him.

Lance suddenly felt the wind caress him spinning around him and Gwain trying to comfort them. Lance reached for the wind that was a distinctive green colour, and it danced around him. He breathed out, “Merlin.” Before he calmed down a bit trying to comfort Gwaine.

Druids stopped breathing and Mordred was about to pass out.

Morgause went to Merlins bed to checked and, “Yes, he stopped breathing.”

Arthur looked at the bed, slowly walking toward it. “That isn’t possible.” He said, tears running down his face.

Gaius leaned down checking his heartbeat.

“His hart has stopped.”

“NO IT DIDN’T” screamed all the knights together with Morgana. They knew he didn’t die so how?

“He’s dead.” Gwen spoke nearly breaking down.

“But he can’t be, he can’t be”

“Yeah, he can’t be.” Iseldir said.

Gaius hugged Gwen both crying as did everyone present even tho none of them believed it. Even Uther was stunned into silence.

“That’s disgusting. You should be ashamed of yourself, you’re old enough to be her grandfather.”

…

Everyone looked at the bed to see Merlin awake already trying to sit up.

Everything happened very fast then. Lancelot and Gwaine jumped on Merlin, completely failing to realize they will just faze through him.

The knights together with Gwen cried tears of joy and Arthur breaking down on the floor.

Then you had the druids who were calling “miracle” in the sky. Mordred who also half broke down and half praying.

The two sisters gazed at Merlin like he was a ghost.

Nobles were just staring, and Uther was at a loss for words.

‘Dead men don’t revive!’

“Merlin, you’re alive!” said Gaius and then Gwen realized she was screwed.

“No, I’m a ghost coming back to haunt you.”

Gwen then had enough and jumped to give him a kiss.

…

…

“What!!!” shout everybody there who cared, so most of them.

“You kissed HIM” screamed Arthur, appalled that he never knew that.

Elyan was gapping at Gwen who was blushing

Gwaine looked proud of his best friend as was Percival.

Lance was wondering why he never heard of this, but he looked proud.

“So, you were his first kiss,” said Leon amazed that Guinevere kissed Merlin when they just met.

Morgana looks at Gwen questioning why she never heard of this, and Morgause was just enjoying the chaos.

The druids were debating if this ship is appropriate for Emrys and Mordred.exe has stopped working.

Uther didn’t comment as servant plus servant was acceptable, if he forgets one, is a warlock.

And the nobles were surprised that it wasn’t King Arthur who was kissing him. Yes, they knew of their sexual tension.

Merlin looks at Gwen shocked.

“I’m sorry, I just… I thought you were dead.”

“It’s fine,” Merlin says. “It’s more than fine.”

‘She was so adorable when she kissed me.’

Elyan now having leverage above his sister was quick to star to tease, “Oo, he said you were cute. You kissed out brother.”

Gwen just looked at him with raised eyebrows, “how much do I bet that you kissed him at some point too?”

Well Elyan was very quick to shut up at that.

Merlin finally shocks himself out of his thoughts. “What happened?”

Gwen and Gaius looked at each other both thinking it was a long story.

“Last thing I remember is drinking the wine.”

Merlin hears most of the story before Gaius says he has to leave and enters the kings chamber where they were having a meeting

Uther looks at Gaius. “Not now”

“But your highness it’s important.”

King annoyed at Gaius explains that they are about to be attack by Mercia, but Gaius doesn’t give up.

“It has to do with that, please it will only take a moment.”

Uther giving up walks away with Gaius.

Morgause giggles. “I bet this has to do with Nimueh.”

 “I know who poisoned Merlin.”

“So do I, he is locked in my dungeon.”

“It wasn’t Beyard, the poison was magical, and I’d recognize the hand that made it anywhere.”

“Seems you were right, sister.”

Gaius looked behind him before saying 1 word. “Nimueh.”

Uther lost his breath.

“It must be a mistake.”

“I wish it was.”

“It can’t have been, we’d known her. That witches face is not easily forgotten.”

Morgause and Morgana were pissed at that.

“I would watch my tongue, Uther Pendragon.” Said Morgause.

Uther turned to the sorceress and his daughter.

Morgana continued, “It’s an insult to call a priestess of the old religion a witch. It’s an insult to call any sorcerer a witch.”

Uther wanted to curse at that. She is the reason his wife is gone, but he held his tongue for no reason other than Arthur being there and Morgana being the one who said it. To him Nimueh is a witch.

“She is a powerful sorceress, she can enchant the eye that beholds her.”

Gwaine laughed and looked at Gaius.

“I didn’t know you were a poet. That is very poetical.”

Gaius snorted but with a smile on his face.

“We’d never know it was her.”

Uther did not want to believe it, but proof is everything. “Do you have any proof?”

Gaius nodded, “The poison given to Merlin was more potent with the use of magic.”

“You saying she conspired with Beyard to kill Arthur.”

“Nope.”

“No. Beyard is innocent. Look at what is happening. This is what she’s wanted all along. All to bring strife and misery to Camelot.”

Uther was finally getting convinced.  “How long till Beyard’s armies reach our walls.” Uther started as he walked back to the table.

Arthur smiled at Gaius. “You Gaius are the only one who can change his mind that quickly. I also thank you as you prevented a war with Mercia.”

Uther looked away but said nothing.

“A day maybe less. We should send our calvary to meet them.”

Uther straightened his back and made a decision. “Instruct your men to not leave Camelot until I say so.”

The meeting was adjourned with that and Gaius relieved.

“Do you think Arthur should be told the truth about Nimueh.”

“Yes, I should have been. Then what happened afterwards wouldn’t have happened father.”

The day fast-forwards only for them to end up on the castle walls.

Morgana looks at Arthur expecting bragging.

“So how did you do it?”

“Actually, I’m not sure.”

Arthur sighs. “Well now I know, it was Merlin.”

The knights nod and Morgana not one to be left out says, “Again.”

“And this is only the start,” Gaius and Lancelot sigh out.

“All I know is that I had help.”

“Yep, Merl’s help.” Gwaine can’t help but praise his best friend.

“Someone knew I was in trouble and sent a light to show the way.”

“Who?”

“I don’t know. But I’m only here because of them.”

Morgana left and Uther wanting to know more about the woman stepped to him.

“Arthur, the woman who you meet in the forest. What did she tell you?”

“Not much. Too busy to get me killed.”

Uther looked down at the ground.

“But it was strange.”

“What was?” Uther eagerly asked.

“She could have finished me off, but she only said it wasn’t my destiny to die at her hand.”

Uther tried to console him before going back to preaching.

“Those who practice magic, know only evil.”

Uther again received icy stares.

‘Crazy people.”

“They despise and seek to get rid of goodness wherever they find it.”

“Oh, you have no right to talk about goodness!” Morgana and Morgause snarled at him.

“Which is why she wanted you dead.”

Morgana spat out at Uther. “No, she wanted him dead because of YOU.”

“How dare you,” Uther yelled out looking at his daughter. “You might be my daughter, but it’s not my fault what she did!”

Morgause just looked at him with disdain. “No, but it’s your fault why everyone who has magic wants you dead.”

Uther wanted to yell but was promptly stopped by Macha.  “Enough. There will be plenty more times when you can discuss this.”

Uther grinned his teeth before looking away from both.

“It sounds like you know her.”

“I do. To know the heart of one sorceress is to know them all.”

Uther breathed out before looking to Arthur. “You were doing the right thing, even if you disobeyed me. I’m proud of you Arthur. Never forget that.”

“Liar!” Morgana screamed.

“Whop, back with Merlin” Lance said going straight to him Just as Arthur came in the room. Looking at him for a moment.

“Lovestruck princess.” Gwaine laughed only for Arthur to turn red.

“Still alive then?”

“Just about, yeah.”

Arthur leaned on the chair Merlin was sitting in looking him straight in the eyes.

Merlin did the same. “I understand I have you to thank for that.”

Arthur finally managing to pull his eyes away, said, “Yeah well it was nothing. A half descent servant is hard to come by.”

“Hey.” Gwaine screamed offended at Merlins behalf.

“I only dropped by to make sure you’re okay.”

‘So, he was worried.’

“Make sure to be back at work tomorrow.”

‘Cute’ thought Merlin. “Of course, bright and early.”

Merlin watched him go before, “Arthur.”

Arthur turned to face him gazing at his eyes.

“Thank you.”

Arthur could barely turn away from those eyes.

“You too. Get some rest.”

Merlin and Gaius have a quick conversation about who she wanted to kill. Made sure Merlin would be more careful now that he was made a target.

A screen appeared once wore showing Nimueh watching Merlin who looked straight at her, sensing something.

Macha stepped in front. “And that is our fourth day finished. If you wanna talk about anything talk now.”

Arthur was quick to agree to that as he turned to the druids.

“Why were all of you surprised when he woke up? Wasn’t it just because the antidote took a while?”

Druids didn’t know how or if they even should answer the question, but Morgause having no filter, didn’t have those hold backs.

“He didn’t even need the antidote as it did nothing.”

At that Gaius stood up from the chair he was sitting on.

“What do you mean.”

Morgana was still a bit out of it from anything and even she didn’t know what that meant so she looked at her sister.

“He was dead. Dead don’t or well shouldn’t calm back. It wasn’t the antidote that saved him. He basically revived himself.”

Everyone looked stunned. Arthur turned to the druids who nodded.

Percival one of the smarter ones still had one question. “Are you certain?”

Morgause nodded. “I wouldn’t lie about this. I felt the natures power. Enough of it to revive him.”

She turned to her sister. “I felt it too, I just didn’t know what it meant.”

Uther was not happy with this information. ‘So, I can’t kill him even if I want to…Great.’