Arthur strode through the halls of the castle; he had one goal in mind. Find Merlin. According to Gaius Merlin had been sent to collect herbs earlier that morning and had yet to return. Arthur wouldn't exactly say he was worried, he was too manly for that, he was just... concerned. Concerned that he would have to find a new manservant, yes that was it.

"Gwaine!" Arthur called upon seeing Gwaine walking towards him.

"Yes princess?" Gwaine replied with a grin.

"You haven't seen Merlin anywhere have you? Gaius hasn't seen him since this morning." He replied.

"No I haven't, do you want some of the knights to go search for him?" Gwaine asked worried.

"Yes, please do. I have a meeting I can't avoid otherwise I'd go myself," Arthur explained.

"Okay I'll leave now princess and return before sunset," Gwaine agreed bowing quickly before hurrying off.

Arthur watched Gwaine leave before leaving himself, heading towards the throne room. Gwaine hurried to find the knights, he knew they were currently off duty, but where they were he didn't know. Gwaine knew it was unlike Merlin to not return swiftly due to the importance of the herbs he had been sent to gather, he held overwhelming concern for the ill and would prioritise the gathering of herbs over his duties to Arthur often. Gwaine let out a grin as his eyes laid upon the group metres away from him. Elyan, Leon, Lancelot and Percival sat together on the training grounds.

"Gwaine!" Lancelot called, "Where have you been?"

"I went to find Arthur to ask him about training, but he said Merlin's missing, so I didn't bother to ask," He explained.

"Missing?" Elyan echoed.

"Yes, Gwaine what do you mean he's missing?" Percival asked showing rare concern.

"He hasn't been seen since this morning after Gaius sent him to gather herbs," Gwaine stated.

"It's so unlike him to not return, isn't it?" Leon questioned, being the one who was the least close to Merlin he felt the need to ask, however his concern for Merlin was not any less than the other knights.

"That's what I thought. Let's gear up some horses and search the area." Gwaine commanded unusually responsible, "Lancelot, you often go with Merlin to collect herbs, if Gaius gives you a copy of the list he gave Merlin can you lead us to where he would have gone?" He questioned.

"Yes of course," Lancelot answered confidently, "I'll go get it now," He offered before leaving.

The rest of the knights then followed Gwaine to ready the horses, determined that they would head out, find Merlin and then return.

Arthur paced his chambers awaiting the knights return. It was close to sunset and he had not yet received news of success or failure. It was now that Arthur could admit he felt worried and helpless to some extent. Now that he was king he was unable to go off and help others like he did when he was a prince; there were so many responsibilities to uphold. It would have put his mind at ease if he himself had gone searching for Merlin too, it would have made him feel that he had some control over the situation. The lack of Merlin's usual loud presence made Arthur uneasy.

A knock on the door gave Arthur hope, "Come in!"

Gwaine entered looking defeated, "Sire," He said addressing him unusually formally, his serious tone conveying what was unsaid, "We couldn't find him."

"Was there any trace of him at all?" Arthur asked worried.

"Yes, Lancelot took us to all the spots in the forest where he would have been collecting herbs and all we could find was his satchel, left leaning against a tree," Gwaine stated.

"I see, so there were no tracks?" He assumed and Gwaine nodded in response, "Thank you for looking Gwaine, tell the other knights we'll continue the search tomorrow at first light," Arthur finished.

"Yes princess," Gwaine said, "Goodnight," He said getting a nod in response, taking it as his cue to leave.

Arthur watched him leave before sitting on the edge of his bed with a sigh. Soon after he realised in their panic they may have forgotten to inform Gaius of the news so he stood back up and made his way out of his chambers. Deciding to first tell Gwen of the news as Morgana's old chambers were on the same route to Gaius' he first made his way there. Gwen still mourned for the Morgana she once served, Arthur allowing her to remain there in order to bring her some sort of comfort for the loss she suffered. Arriving at the door Arthur knocked and entered when Gwen answered.

"I heard from Gaius Merlin's missing," She stated before saying, "I take it he hasn't been found since you appear saddened."

"Indeed Gwen, the knights found no trace of him except for his satchel. We're looking for him again tomorrow at first light and this time I'll accompany the knights." He explained.

Gwen opened her arms smiling sadly and Arthur welcomed it, used to her affection. He rested his chin on her head and wrapped his arms around her waist like she had done to him. When he stepped back Gwen spoke, "You'll find him. I know you will," Her eyes were shining from tears that had yet to fall, but her confidence was apparent.

"I hope so Gwen I really do, Merlin's my manservant, but he means a lot to me," Arthur confessed.

Gwen gave him a knowing look and smiled, "I know you do."

Seeing that Gwen seemed tired Arthur gave her one final smile, "You're welcome to join us tomorrow if it will put you at ease," He suggested.

"I'd like that and I'll ask one of the other handmaidens to keep Gaius company," Gwen agreed.

"Yes, I assume he'll need some assistance. You seem tired Gwen, I'll leave now. Goodnight," He smiled.

"Goodnight Arthur, do try to sleep," She said concerned.

Arthur just smiled and nodded before leaving, closing the door behind him. Comforted by her words Arthur headed towards Gaius' chambers to tell him the news and the plan for finding Merlin. It didn't take long for Arthur to reach the chambers as it was getting late and Arthur didn't want to disturb the man for too long due to his old age. As he did with Gwen he knocked on the door and entered when Gaius answered.

"Gaius," He greeted, "Merlin hasn't been found, but his satchel was," Arthur handed him the satchel he had been carrying since Gwaine had given it to him before continuing, "I will accompany the knights along with Gwen at first light to go searching for him. Gwen will send a maidservant to you to assist you, but is there anything else I can do for you?" He asked.

Gaius whilst concerned for his charge, was not as concerned for Merlin as Arthur was due to the hope that Merlin would use his magic and return by himself, "Thank you sire, all I need now is rest and for you to find Merlin," He smiled.

"Of course, rest Gaius. Goodnight," Arthur smiled in return.

Gaius nodded and bid him goodnight watching as he left.