A sharp arrow pierces Merlin's left shoulder and he falls to the ground. All around him the fighting was raging on. At first no one seemed to notice he was gone, but then he could hear Arthur's cries. He was calling out for Merlin. The pain in Merlin's shoulder made him unable to move. He could do nothing to aid in the fight. Suddenly a hand lifts up his head. It's Arthur. He looks worried.

"Please. Leave me. You have to save Camelot." Merlin mumbles and tries to move away from him.
He strokes Merlin's chin with the back of his hand. "I can't just leave you here."
Suddenly a voice calls out. "Retreat! Everyone run!"
It appears that the battle has been lost. Immediately Arthur lifts Merlin up into his arms and starts running. Soon the noise of the battle has disappeared. They reach a small cave well hidden behind some bushes. Arthur puts Merlin down on the bare rock and rips open his shirt. His chest is bloody. The arrow is deeply embedded in his shoulder. With one shift movement Arthur pulls out the arrow. He rips off a long piece of fabric from his shirt and uses it to treat the wound.

After gathering firewood and finally starting a fire he sits down next to Merlin.
"It seems we're all alone out here." He says and gives Merlin a smile.
"Is that supposed to sound romantic?"
"Romantic? With you? Don't make me laugh. You wouldn't know romance if it hit you in the face."

"I think it's nice to be alone with you like this. Well, maybe not exactly like this... "
"Yes. I do enjoy your company for time to time." He says and lays down next to Merlin. "There are even times when I feel like you mean the world to me. Sometimes I think I would give everything up just to save you."
Arthur turns to face him. His eyes full of serious tension.
"I wish that you could read my mind. Then I wouldn't have to do embarrassing things like this." Arthur says and places a soft kiss on Merlin's lips.

"I will take care of you. No matter what it takes."
"That works both ways, your highness."