Title: Worth Your Tears

Summary: Arthur and his knights set out to kill a mysterious creature, but what was supposed to be an average mission will change their lives, and Camelot, forever. With Merlin coming along, the King and his servant will get closer than ever.

Disclaimer: I obviously don't own Merlin. If I did, Gwapple would already be canon.

A/N: This is my first actual fanfiction and I'm very nervous, especially considering that English isn't my first language. But I trust you guys to help me improve my writing. The story takes place in Camelot, Arthur is king. I haven't decided yet where I'm going with Merlin/Arthur but the relationship will definitely be ambiguous. As it already is in the show.

'What is it?'

'Flaburstius. A creature of magic.'

Arthur was pacing back and forth in Gaius' chambers. 'And you're saying this creature has taken over the village of Wyldorf?'

'Yes, Sire.'

'How can it be vanquished?'

Gaius readjusted his glasses, and flipped through the ancient-looking book sitting on his desk. Finally, he found the page he was looking for and read aloud. 'Fla-burst-ius : creatures borne out of fire and death. Their appearance resembles closely one of a human, although the lower part of their glowing body seems to disappear into a blurry blue flame. Over centuries, the sightings have always been the same : one flaburtius inexpectedly starts haunting a village, causes a few deaths, then mysteriously disappears forever. One single touch can end a man's life. However, it is said that a few victims have survived, after showing extreme bravery and honour. It is also said that those victims were always the last ones before the creature disappeared, leading some people to think bravery was the weapon against their magic. To this day, we still do not know what is true.'

Gaius pushed the book in front of him, to show Arthur the drawing on the opposite page.

'Doesn't look friendly.'

Gaius arched his eyebrow. 'Indeed.'

'I still don't understand though... If these creatures attack villages, then why don't their inhabitants just seek refuge somewhere else?'

'Finding a place to stay is no easy thing for simple villagers. They have no money. Besides, it is their home. They would rather stay and fight. Were Camelot in danger would you just leave?'

Arthur remembered all the threats that the castle had faced. Never once did leaving cross his mind.

'Alright, I'll go tell my knights to be ready. We will leave in the morning.' He placed a grateful hand on the physician's arm. 'Thank you for your help, my friend.'

Gaius watched him walk away with a worried frown. As Arthur was about to stepout the door, he paused and shouted : 'You too, Merlin. You're coming with me.'

His ear pressed against the door of his room, Merlin grinned.