Ok I have no idea where this came from but I had to put it up.

I don't own Merlin, nuf said.

The years had flown by faster than anyone cared to remember. Seasons had come and gone, and like everything else in Camelot, Merlin had grown older with each passing year. Were once dark raven hair had been; now long silver hairs graced his head. His face had become old and wrinkled.

He no longer had the strength of a young man. The aged warlock could now be seen walking alone with a staff to aid him. However there were two things that had not changed about the warlock. His eyes and spirit. Although his face was old and wrinkled his eyes still retained their youthful gaze. And his spirit was as strong as ever, even if his body wasn't.

The old warlock smiled, remembering how he had first met Arthur.

'' The old clod pole.''

'' Right back at you''

Merlin glanced up from his workbench and saw Arthur standing in front of him. The once young prince had also changed a great deal. His once blonde hair was now light grey in colour. As well as his beard. His face had grown old and wrinkled. However his deep blue eyes still held the look of determination and strength within them. Merlin smiled his eyes focused on something only he could see.

'' What's wrong Merlin?''

Merlin glanced back up at Arthur. The old king eyed his friend worryingly. Merlin chuckled half to himself and the other to his friends worry.

'' You gonna think I'm mad but do you remember that old whim bag Emerise?'' he eyed Arthur knowingly. Arthur stroked his beard thoughtfully as he sat down. Merlin twiddled his fingers, waiting for the penny to finally drop. Arthur gave Merlin a serious look.

'' He was you, wasn't it?''

''Yep''

'' So all those time's I caught you sneaking away was to either change into him or do magic correct?''

'' Yep''

'' And with what happened with my father? That was you wasn't it?''

Merlin ducked his head down shamefully. It had been his fault that Uther had died. And for a mere second he had succeeded in healing the old king but then it back fired and ended his life. And to make it worse Arthur had witnessed the whole thing.

'' Yes...Sire''

Arthur frowned as the word coming from Merlin's lips. He hated it when he called him that. It just sounded wrong, too formal coming from his long time friend. Arthur stood up and stood beside the aged warlock. Merlin's eyes widened when he felt Arthur's hand on his shoulder. This was it. This was the end for him. Arthur would send him to the dungeons for sure and have him executed.

'' No Merlin, It wasn't your fault. Gaius told me what happened and I never forgot his words.''

'' But if you knew then why didn't you execute me?''

'' Because you are my friend, Merlin.''

Merlin glanced up and met Arthur's gaze and smiled with relief and happiness.

'' And because, at the time a half decent servant, was hard to come by.''

'' And here I was thinking you thought I was useless.'' His eyes shone with a humorist glint.

'' Don't get me wrong I still do I mean look at you.''

'' And look at you''

Merlin and Arthur laughed together for a good minute or two before Merlin stood up and placed his hand on Arthur's shoulder.

'' Thank you Arthur. Arthur smiled at him and then left, closing the door quietly behind him.

Merlin smiled contently and sat back down to continue with his potions.

'' Clod pole ''

The old warlock then turned his attention back to his work.

Arthur leaned against Merlin's door and smiled humouredly as he heard Merlin's voice.

'' Clod pole''

And with that the King returned to his duties.