A/N: This is a companion piece in my other fic Bound Together. Reference will be made to events in that story though it is not necessary to read it to understand this one.

Just some background for any of you who are reading this fic on its own: Arthur knows about Merlin's magic and finds it fascinating; this takes place in season three soon after Crystal Cave.

Chapters will be named after their corresponding chapter of BT.
Most installments will likely be humor, but we'll have to see what the boys feel like talking about ;)


Merlin eyed his master, seeing there was no way to get out of this conversation.
"What do you want to know?"

Arthur gave an un-princely snort.
"Much more than could possibly be covered in the few hours we have. How about we start with my father's reasons for hating magic?"

The warlock's face fell even further.
"I was hoping you wouldn't ask about that..."

He fidgeted for a moment, avoiding his friend's eyes before answering.
"You remember that vision of your mother? The one summoned by Morgause?"

Arthur stiffened.
"Merlin, you aren't telling me..."

"Yes, Arthur. That was the truth. Your mother couldn't conceive, so Uther turned to Nimueh for help. He was informed there would be a price, but he assumed it would be something inconsequential for a king such as himself. I don't know how much of the fault was his own and how much belonged to Nimueh, but what he didn't understand is that there must always be balance. In order to create you, to give you life- another life had to be taken. That is why your mother died at your birth. Uther cast all the blame on Nimueh and, by extension, on magic as a whole. I'm not sure if he legitimately thought Nimueh had done it on purpose, or if he was just trying to avoid taking his share of the guilt, but that is how the Great Purge began."

The prince had remained completely still and silent during this explanation, and now he spoke with a slightly broken voice.

"So it was me- I took my mother's life."

"Arthur, no. You had no choice in the matter. Any blame lies with Uther and Nimueh."
The warlock grasped his friend's shoulders, willing him to listen and believe.

"Besides, your mother would have gladly given her life for you even had she known beforehand. She loved you deeply. Don't you remember what Ygraine told you? She didn't want you to feel badly about this- either for yourself or your father."

As if the royal could forget the only words he'd ever exchanged with his mother.

"Right." He nodded, doing his best to push away his emotions.
"So why did you tell me it was all a lie?"

Merlin sighed and closed his eyes, arms falling to his sides.

"I admit that was difficult- to speak out against magic to you- but I couldn't let you kill your own father. You have so little family, you need to keep what you have close. I also know that, once your immediate anger had passed, you would have had trouble living with what you had done. It may have destroyed you, Arthur. You love him, I know you do, and that is why I lied to you- why I protected Uther."

"But you must hate him."
It was a statement rather than a question.

The warlock shook his head.
"No. I pity him, even fear him at times, but he is much too miserable and alone for me to hate him."

Arthur looked taken aback at the thought.
He had always looked up to his father, saw him as strong and independent.

But looking at it objectively, he could agree with his servant's assessment.
His father was alone. Even Gaius, whom he had once been great friends with, had been shunted aside; only to be called on for his knowledge and experience rather than companionship.

"I hope I never end up like that."

Arthur hadn't realized he'd spoken aloud until Merlin answered.

"You won't- you're not your father. Besides, I wouldn't allow it."

Merlin smiled warmly at him, and Arthur found himself grinning in return.