AN Hi everyone! I hope everyone had a good weekend! We had and Inset Day on Friday so me and a few friends went up to Gloucester Cathedral to see the Sherlock special being filmed. We saw Benedict Cumberbatch after an hour and a half in the cold. We got some photos (I say we - my phone died :( ) but no autograph unfortunately. But yes, he is as good looking in real life as on screen.
I need to stop rambling!
Right, I haven't decided how many chapters this story will be yet, I haven't really planned it out, its just going where it goes I guess. Any and all constructive criticism / reviews are very much appreciated.
Thanks to Lauren and Morgan for reading over this for me :)

Im not sure about the title yet either, so any suggestions for this are helpful!

Title - Running Away
Rating - T

DISCLAIMER - IDOM :(
_

I guess I should have seen this coming. I mean, how many times have I been called worthless, useless, idiot, a servant. The latter hurts more than anything else. The Lamia incident was a week ago, and even though I don't blame the knights for their actions, it hurts. In time I may forgive them, but for now, that friendship is gone. If any of them approach me, I keep my head down, sparing as much distance from them as I can, slipping through the many secret passages that we servants are aware of, fully utilising my nine years here. Its Gwen's pitiful looks that push me over the edge, we aren't are more distant friends than we used to be, its closer to the day that she will become Arthur's Queen, and I don't resent that, I just miss spending time with my best friend - on picnics in summer evenings where we could joke about Arthur's socks, or when we used to just sit in the laundry rooms and talk about anything. But the look of sadness that she gives me, yes its pity, but it feels like she pities me for not being able to defend and protect myself.

I'm not running away, I tell myself as I hastily yet neatly pack my things, spare changes of clothes, blankets, some food, a wineskin, my bedroll, and of course a couple of neckerchiefs. The dagger Arthur gave me for midwinter two years ago is tucked into my belt; the sword that Arthur always gives me in training is tied firmly around my waist. I put a lightening spell on my magic book at the bottom of my bag, not wanting to leave such a precious artefact behind. I walk down the stairs into the physician's chambers slowly, pointedly ignoring Gaius' stare for now as I make my way towards my medical bag, knowing me – I will get injured at some point. I place the medical supplies at the top of my pack, tying the strings, and pulling the flap over, tying it securely. "Merlin?" My Mentor queries "Where on earth are you going?" He asks, raising the infamous eyebrow over the rim of his glasses as he watches me from his desk, the parchments in his hands long forgotten. "Away" I reply as I check that I've got everything.
I turn to Gaius, who is now walking towards me "Merlin." He states firmly and I sigh,
"I need some time Gaius. Every day I feel like it's another day closer till something snaps, and it's going to be me. The last week showed that I can't even protect myself"
"Merlin-" he interrupts, and I shake my head
"I need to leave for a while Gaius, it won't be forever, but I need to find me." My surrogate father just watches me pitifully. He resigns himself to accept my decision, pulling me into a tight hug. "You be careful m'boy. Promise you will write as often as you can" He states, pulling away and pointing a finger at me. "I will" I promise, walking towards the door with a lopsided grin "You take care of yourself Gaius." I tell him, giving a quick glance around the chambers that have been my home for the last few years, and close the door behind me.

Thanks for reading - Please let me know what you think!

Gingerwolf96