Summary: Now that Lancelot has been exiled from Camelot, will the budding friendship between Lancelot and Merlin survive?

A/N: As this is my very first 'chapter story', it had to be about my absolute favourite pairing: Lancelot and Merlin. Special thanks to sarajm for her wonderful beta skills and for hand-holding above and beyond the call of duty.

A/N #2: The title comes from a quote about friendship by Lucy Maud Montgomery: "True friends are always together in spirit"

Together in Spirit

"Perhaps you were right, Gaius. Perhaps I should have never got involved."

"No Merlin, I was wrong. Lancelot needed you and you needed Lancelot. Your destinies were entwined."

"Will he ever return?"

"That I cannot say."

"Till next time then, Sir Lancelot."

It had been just over two weeks since Merlin had stood on the battlements with Gaius and watched Lancelot ride away. As he carried out his daily duties, Merlin couldn't help but feel a little jealous of the adventures that were waiting for his friend, but he also found that he missed Lancelot's presence.

Though they had only known each other for a short time, a special bond existed between the two men. After all, Lancelot had saved Merlin's life, and Merlin had done the same, in turn. More importantly, Lancelot knew that Merlin had magic yet he was willing to keep the young servant's secret. That, above everything else, endeared him to the warlock.

One advantage to having magic was that Merlin was able to use a locator spell to seek out his friend. Needless to say, he'd not told Gaius what he'd been doing. He knew the physician would say it was an "inappropriate use of your magic, Merlin."

While Merlin would never use his magic to spy on Lancelot, it was a comfort to him to know where the young man could be found. In fact, Merlin had decided that, although Lancelot would not be permitted to return to Camelot – at least while Uther was still in charge – there was nothing to stop them from communicating in the old-fashioned way. He'd write a letter!

Another week had passed before Merlin was able to find some time, when he wasn't too exhausted, to sit down with parchment and quill. Merlin was still in the training phase of his employment as Arthur's manservant. He'd never performed half the duties being demanded of him, so it often took him longer than usual to get things completed to Arthur's demanding standards. Added to that were the tasks he performed as Gaius' apprentice. And, on top of all everything, Merlin spent most nights sitting in his room pouring over the book of spells Gaius had given him, trying to absorb as much information as he could about his magic. Exhaustion seemed to be his normal state of being recently.

Finally, though, Merlin had a free evening and he wasn't going to let anything disturb him. Sitting down at the table in Gaius' rooms, Merlin sharpened the quill and set a small bowl of ink near his right hand.

Merlin was determined to keep the budding friendship between him and Lancelot alive, but he wasn't sure whether the dark-haired man felt the same. Merlin sat, staring at the blank parchment before him, tapping the feathered end of the quill against his lips, as he tried to figure out what to say in his letter.

Gaius was working on a draught on the other side of the room, and could see his young ward out the corner of his eye.

"Is something wrong, Merlin?" the physician asked.

"What?" asked the lad in a distracted tone. "Oh, sorry, Gaius. No, everything's fine. It's just … I'm trying to write a letter to Lancelot and I wasn't sure how to start."

"Well, you could always try 'Dear Lancelot'" answered Gaius with a smirk.

Merlin grinned at his mentor and turned backed to the parchment before him. He sat quietly thinking for a few more moments, then dipped the quill into the ink and began:

Lancelot

I hope this letter finds you well and keeping out of trouble. Fortunately it wasn't too difficult for me to find out where you were at the moment, so hopefully you'll receive this letter quickly.

Things here in Camelot are fine. I'm still learning all the duties required of me as Arthur's manservant … and sometimes I feel as though my brain will explode from all the teeny, nit-picky little things I've got to remember about caring for Arthur's armour, to how he likes his wardrobe arranged, to his favourite foods … but I've not made too many mistakes yet, so I think I'm doing okay. Gaius has begun teaching me how to make some of the simpler draughts and I'm really enjoying learning all he can teach me. Unlike Arthur, Gaius is patient and answers all my questions without huffing or groaning at me like I'm an idiot!

What have you been up to since you left Camelot? I know your plan was to start from scratch. Have you made any decisions about where you'd like to start honing your swordsmanship? Honestly, any Lord would be lucky to have you as part of their retinue … after all, I saw you best Arthur!

Well, that's about all I've got to say at the moment, other than to apologize again for what happened. I hope that, in spite of everything, you still wish maintain our friendship. I'd really like it if you wrote back to tell me what's happening with you, but only if you feel like it of course.

Your Friend,

Merlin

With a satisfied sigh, Merlin folded the letter and sealed it. He'd already made arrangements with a travelling merchant to deliver it for him, so he headed out to the tavern to hand it over.

As he made his way through the Lower Town towards the tavern, Merlin couldn't help but wonder whether he was being a bit naïve at trying to keep in touch with Lancelot. Even though the swordsman had said that he in no way held Merlin responsible for what had occurred, the lad still felt guilty. After all, if things hadn't turned out as they did, Lancelot would still be in Camelot and he wouldn't be concerned that his actions had ended their friendship. Hopefully this letter would help repair whatever breaks that might have occurred between them.

Stepping into the tavern, Merlin saw Arthur sitting at one of the tables with a few of the Knights. Afraid that if he was seen Arthur would assign him some task that needed handling immediately, the warlock hugged the wall as he carefully made his way across the room to the merchant who was seated at the far end of the bar, all the while trying to avoid Arthur's line of sight.

The merchant was just finishing up his tankard of ale as Merlin appeared at his side.

"Whoa there, young man; you startled me. Wait, you're the one who wants me to deliver a letter for you. I hope you've got it ready, as I'm heading out at first light."

"Yes, I've got it here. I really appreciate you doing this for me," said Merlin as he handed over the folded parchment and watched as the older man secreted it in the leather pouch hanging at his side.

Merlin then tried to hand over some coins as payment, but the Merchant refused saying, "No, no, young man. You keep your money. It's only a letter and it's no trouble for me to deliver it for you."

"Thank you," said Merlin with a smile, "but at least let me buy you a drink," he added as he signalled the barkeep.

"Well, I'll never say 'no' to a free drink," answered the man with a smile of his own. Raising his now-replenished tankard, he wished good health to Merlin before taking a large swallow. "Excellent ale, here," said the merchant as he smacked his lips together.

"Thanks again," said Merlin as he took his leave, "and safe travels."

That's done, said Merlin to himself as he wandered through the lanes and made his way back to the castle and his bed. Now I'll just have to wait to see if I get an answer.

It was coming on to the middle of April and spring had brought many extra duties not only to Merlin, but to all the castle inhabitants. The fields were being prepared for planting, and the stench of manure hung in the air like fog. Sheep manure may be the best fertilizer, but it certainly gave off a rank odour. Merlin didn't mind it too much, though; in fact, the smell sort of reminded him of spring back in Ealdor. At least here he wasn't needed in the fields from dawn to sunset!

Still, Merlin was kept busy, what with his regular duties for Arthur and Gaius and the extra hours spent helping to prepare the castle for the upcoming Spring Gathering. Each year, at Beltane, the King hosted a feast for his nobles and the Knights, and everyone pitched in to make sure that Camelot looked its best and most impressive for the event.

After a day spent running around – Merlin had been up and down so many stairs that his calves were complaining – he finally was able to bid Arthur good night and seek his own bed. He made his way through the hallways half-asleep and wanting nothing more than to collapse on his bed and sleep for twelve hours.

Fate, though, had other plans for the young man. On entering the rooms he shared with Gaius, the physician handed him a mug of cool, clear water and a folded and sealed piece of parchment that bore his name on the front.

"This arrived while you were out," said Gaius with a smile. He knew that his young ward had been worrying that he'd not received any news from Lancelot, and so was very happy to be able to give him this particular letter. "Don't stay up all night reading. You look exhausted," he added as he took himself off to bed.

Merlin quickly drained the mug and placed it on the table, all the while holding the letter close to his chest. "I won't Gaius. I promise. Good night!" he said as he bounded up the small set of stairs to his room, filled with renewed energy. Merlin didn't see the gentle smile that graced Gaius' face as he responded, "Sleep well, my boy." He was too intent on staring at the parchment clutched in his hand.

Merlin toed off his boots, pulled off his socks, and quickly divested himself of his jacket and neckerchief. Making himself comfortable on his bed, he slipped his forefinger under the seal, breaking it with a crack. Opening the triple-folded letter, he placed it on the bed in front of him and smoothed the creases with his hand. A little afraid to see the contents, he took a deep breath and began to read:

Merlin,

I was very happy to get your letter. I'm sorry it's taken me so long to write back, but I've been quite busy. I've signed on to act as guard for a caravan of merchants and will be doing a bit of traveling over the next few months. I heard about the position from one of the present guards who is leaving and when I showed them my skills, the merchants were willing to sign me on. The others in the party are all knights errant, and one of them has agreed to work with me to improve my hand-to-hand combat skills.

It certainly sounds from your letter that both Arthur and Gaius are keeping you busy. I'm glad that you're enjoying learning everything that Gaius can teach you. Healing is an important skill to have.

As I mentioned, I am going to be traveling for the next two months, but I do hope you write back when you've got the time. I've made arrangements with the innkeeper and he's agreed to store my extra gear and collect any messages for me during my absence.

Take care of yourself in the meantime … and you try keep out of trouble as well!

Your friend,

Lancelot

After having read Lancelot's letter twice, Merlin leaned back against the wall, smiling widely. He was relieved not only to find that his friendship with Lancelot was still intact, but also that Lancelot's plans for his future seemed to be bearing fruit.

The life of an itinerant swordsman was difficult and fraught with danger, but Merlin was fully aware of Lancelot's capabilities and the fact that he also seemed to have made contact with someone who could help him with his plan to become a great all-round combatant made the lad very pleased for his friend.

Merlin looked over to his room's small window. From the bed, his only view was of the night sky, but he could see that the moon was full and bright and the sky was clear. Merlin sat still for a few moments, thinking about everything that Lancelot would be experiencing in the next weeks and sighed quietly. I should be thinking about what I'll be experiencing in the next few days rather than Lancelot and his travels, he thought to himself with an amused snort.

That thought suddenly brought home to Merlin how late it was, and realizing that he'd need to get some sleep to be able to function the next morning, he quickly picked up the letter and, folding it back up, gazed around the room at his few possessions trying to decide where to place the letter for safekeeping. His eyes fell on the small chest located at the side of his bed and, leaning over, he flipped open the lid and carefully laid the missive inside.

The young man closed the lid, giving it a gentle pat, and then snuggled down under his blanket. I'll have to write back soon, was his final thought as he drifted into the arms of Morpheus.