AN: So, this is what becomes of my spare time when I'm left to my music, fandom videos and thoughts. Not a good thing, I suppose.

Anyways, I hope you enjoy.

"I am so done with this, Arthur."Merlin said. He knew that the prince wasn't trying to hurt him, but with everything that had happened, he honestly could not deal with this any further.

It didn't help that all the crap that had gone on recently had started piling up on the two of them so much.

Merlin couldn't tell Arthur what was really going on, and Arthur couldn't tell what was the truth anymore due to all the lies being thrown around.

Arthur scoffed. "What, are you just going to cower away and hide when things get hard? Like always?"he countered.

Merlin groaned. "No. I'm not cowering away from anything."he said, finishing the small task he was currently doing before facing Arthur. "Now, if I am no longer needed for today, I'm leaving."

Before the prince could respond, Merlin turned and left without another word.

Yeah, alright. He'll be back this evening, Arthur thought as he stared at the closed door after Merlin left.

But he didn't show back up. He checked with Gauis the following morning only to be informed that he hadn't come back to his chambers the previous night. He frowned, but continued on with his day.

During training, while he was talking with the the other Knights, Gwaine spoke up. "Hey, Princess, where's Merlin at today?"he asked.
Arthur rolled his eyes, glowering at Gwaine for the nickname for the thousandth time already, but he shrugged. "I don't know. He wasn't in his chambers this morning. Gauis informed me he didn't return last night."

Lancelot spoke up. "He went back to Ealdor for a while."he said. "Gwen informed me of that this morning. He went to say goodbye to her yesterday."

Arthur looked to Lancelot before he spoke. "Went back to Ealdor? What for!"he responded.

Lancelot shrugged. "I suppose to visit his mother."he answered. "Get away from everything going on for a bit."

Arthur stared at him in surprise for a good two seconds longer before he reacted and nodded. "Right."he grumbled. "Any idea as to when he's going to return?"

"It's a three day walk there."Lancelot said. "It'll be a while."

Merlin was gone for close to a month, just avoiding the fighting that he knew he'd have to do when he returned.

The day he showed back up, Gwaine was the one to notice during training and he stopped, dropping his sword to go pull the warlock into a hug.

Arthur noticed then and crossed his arms. "Nice of you to show back up, Merlin."he deadpanned.

Merlin met his eyes and rolled his eyes before he turned and walked off.

The Knights didn't see Merlin again that day. It was the following morning before he was seen again.

Arthur got a good look at his servant as Merlin approached the training ground that morning to help out. He was painstakingly thin now, and there were a few scrapes littering his face, but he seemed okay, if a little stressed.

Arthur patted his shoulder as he walked past.

Merlin looked at him and raised an eyebrow. "Morning."

Arthur nodded in response. "Good to have you back,"he said.

Merlin half smiled.

"Merlin? Don't leave again,"Arthur said quietly that evening.

Merlin glanced at him and smiled faintly. "Who said I really went anywhere? I came back. I just needed a break to make sure my mom was alright."

"You were gone for a while."Arthur pointed out.

"Sorry."

I'm sure you are, Merlin. Arthur throught with a faint smile.

Here