Hello!
I realize I fell off the face of the planet many months back, but I have had a lot come up in life. With everything going on, I kind of lost my muse for the other story I was working on, but I have found a muse for a new storyline. I won't update as fast as I did with the other stories, but , I will do my best. Also, this storyline is AU. It is based after Merlin has revealed his magic to Arthur, etc. Sorry, no dramatic magic reveal in this storyline, but, it will be pretty good, please, enjoy.

-Monty

"Um, did I hear you correctly? You're going where?"

The morning wasn't starting off exactly as Merlin had hoped that it would. True, most mornings didn't tend to go the way he expected them to, but today was special and he had had high hopes for it. Apparently, every so many years, the Kings of Camelot carry on with a old tradition. Just as Arthur had to go on a quest to prove his worth to the kingdom and to his father, he now had to go on a quest to prove his loyalty and determination to Camelot, to show his people that he would be willing to go however far he needed to go to find a means to keep Camelot safe/prosperous, no matter what.

"Merlin, your hearing is better than any of our's. You heard exactly what I said." Arthur replied, looking across the Round Table at him with an amused look on his face. "Do you have something you don't like about this quest?"

A scoff left Merlin's lips and he leaned back in his chair, staring at Arthur as if he had just asked him if he had ever had a problem with the ridiculous servant work that he had to put up with from him over the years. "Yes. Yes, I do have something I don't like about the quest." he said, "How about the fact that this quest is completely mad?"

Arthur rolled his eyes. "Merlin, you're being dramatic."

"No, I'm not. Arthur, you're wanting to go look for the Fountain of Youth. Do I have to remind you that it's a myth and not a very good one at that? It's basically a retold story of the Holy Grail, instead of bringing prosperity and life to the lands, it makes whoever drinks from it young again. Why anyone would want to be young again is beyond me."

Off to the side, Gaius gave a 'hmpft', but Merlin ignored him as he kept his gaze on Arthur.

"Not to mention that if you leave for this ridiculous quest, you don't know how long you will be gone and that leaves Gwen - who is with child - alone. Here. Waiting for your return. It also leaves Camelot without it's King." Merlin was very passionate about this. After everything they had been through, after all the fighting and war and finally conquering Morgana and bringing magic back into the lands, the last thing he wanted was for Arthur to go get himself killed on some quest that would end with him empty handed.

"Merlin, your concerns are noted, but Guineivere knows the traditions and she and I have talked about this. I will be gone no longer than a few months before I return." Arthur reassured his friend.

Leon nodded, adding to it, "The quest is more of a...spiritual journey more than anything. Arthur need not return with anything from the Fountain of Youth. It's the fact that he sought it out that makes it important."

"And no one else thinks this is idiotic?" Merlin asked, glancing around at the others at the table.

No one dared say anything, though, slowly, Gwaine held up a hand.

The Knights peered at him as if he had just cursed everything that they stood for.

Gwaine shrugged. "Merlin's right. I think a bunch of knights, riding off into the sunset to get in touch with themselves is a little out there. I mean, I will go, but, if I am being completely honest, it is...weird."

"Thank you!" Merlin exclaimed, then looked back at Arthur. "See?"

"Merlin, I don't see why you're so against it. It's a peaceful journey for the most part. I won't be alone. I will have Leon and Percival and Gwaine with me along with a dozen other knights." Arthur said.

"And me?" Merlin questioned.

That was when Arthur's gaze faltered and Merlin knew right away that Arthur did not plan on taking him with him.

"I need you here to protect Guinevere and Camelot. You're it's best defence should anything go wrong while I am gone." Arthur said, not even attempting to look at Merlin now.

It was a good thing because if looks could do some serious harm, he would have been rolling on the stone floor in pain. "Arthur-"

"Merlin, I know you want to be there with us, but I need you here. You are Camelot's protector and with me gone, it will need you more than ever. Plus, with Gaius' not being in the best of health these days, you will need to be there for Gwen should the baby come." Arthur said and already by his tone Merlin knew that he had his mind made up and there was no point in fighting him. He closed his mouth and sat back in his chair, feeling the need to smack Arthur in the back of the head with something thick. "Anyway, with that being said, men, you should start preparing for the journey. We leave in two days." with that, Arthur motioned that they could leave.

Everyone got up and began filing out, but Merlin stayed put and just sat there, peering at Arthur. The King sighed heavily.

"What, Merlin?" he asked.

"Gwen is also not fit to rule the kingdom in your absence. Gaius told you the pregnancy is hard on her in these last couple of months. Who then, oh wise and mighty Arthur, will rule Camelot while you are gone chasing myths?" Merlin asked, kinking a brow in question.

"You." Arthur said simply.

Merlin felt his heart slam against his chest. "Wha-what? You've got to be joking." he said, getting to his feet as he rested his hands on the table. "Arthur! I don't know anything about ruling a kingdom! I'm just now getting use to being the kingdom's official court sorcerer!"

"Merlin, honestly, you've battled monsters and beasts and armies of death and yet you don't think you can rule a kingdom?" Arthur smirked, coming around to him. "You think too little of yourself-"

"No, I don't. I just know I am not meant to be a ruler of men, Arthur. I am here to stand in the background and make sure you lot don't get yourselves killed." Merlin fussed. "Surely there must be someone else who can rule while you're gone."

Arthur shook his head. "I know of no one but you." he rested a hand on Merlin's shoulder and smiled, "You'll do fine. I have faith in you." with that, he patted Merlin then exited the room.

Merlin stood there, heart racing.

Arthur was going on a quest - without him.

Gwen was pregnant and would have the child any day now - and he had to deliver it.

He was suppose to rule the kingdom - which was exactly NOT what he wanted to do.

Feeling the weight of the world being thrusted onto his shoulders, Merlin knew that only one person would be able to tell him what he needed to do in this situation - since it was one he was no prepared to face. He needed to go talk with his kin.

Kilgharrah would know what to do.

Hopefully.