Question: Is this a short chapter? Answer: Why, yes it is...

I'm sorry, guys. I didn't quite realise how short it was when I wrote it. Take it as a filler chapter, and roll with it. From what I've been hearing by my fellow writers, the chapters currently being written are a lot longer. You will just have to hold out till then. I'm setting the scene... Let's just say that... :)

Anyway, let the story commence! (Or continue, I guess, seeing as it has already started...)

Author: Catherine

Did You Miss Me?

Stumbling down the castle steps, Merlin paused for a moment, scanning the courtyard before him. Everything seemed normal; the people walked to and fro, caught up in their daily business, the guards loyally patrolled, the regular clopping of hooves and squealing of cart wheels sounded welcoming in his ears.

It all seemed so normal. Just like it should. But as he stood there, one hand unconsciously on his wound, he couldn't help but feel like something was different. What it was, he couldn't say; a strange feeling in his chest, lightness in his breath. Like he was on the edge of something, but he couldn't figure out what.

The dream. Slowly being trapped, the sinking feeling of terror, the falcon watching him with those cold, calculated eyes…

"Merlinnn..!"

The familiar drawl cut sharply across his thoughts, and Merlin shook his head, dazed, and turned towards the sound. Sure enough, Arthur stood at the other end of the shadowing courtyard, sword in hand.

"I didn't summon you to admire the scenery, Merlin... Some of us have things to do. Important things."

The Prince's face appeared agitated, but Merlin still couldn't bite back a grin. He would never admit it to Arthur, but he was glad to see his friend again, as cruel images of Arthur's anguished expression looking down at him when he was shot by the arrow were slow to fade.

"Oh I am sorry, Arthur. I didn't realise being a prat took up so much of your time." Merlin called, hurrying across the paved courtyard to join the Prince. "Though I suppose, it is a full time job..."

"Surely by now you have realised you can't talk to me like that," Arthur chuckled, before suddenly turning serious, casting his eyes over Merlin. "Look..."

"I'm sorry, I'm sorry..." Merlin said, holding his hands up defensively, "I know I was out of it for a while, I will get back to my chores as soon as you've finished me beating me to a pulp with whatever your weapon of choice is..."

"Merlin!" Arthur interrupted, placing one hand firmly on his servant's shoulder, avoiding eye contact awkwardly. "I just wanted to say... you had me pretty worried for a while there, and... I'm... I'm glad you're alright." Merlin froze for a second, a surprised grin plastered on his face. Seeing this, Arthur huffed and strode towards the training ground.

"So you mean to say," Merlin chirped, jogging to catch up with the long strided walk, "that you were actually worried about me?"

"Don't push it, Merlin..."

"Wow Arthur," Merlin jumped in front of the Prince, making Arthur stop in his tracks, scowling at his servant's grin. "I never knew you cared."

Arthur narrowed his eyes, a small frown creased between his brows, opened his mouth, and Merlin was sure that he was about to be piled with so many chores that it would have almost been worth it to be unconscious still. However, just before Arthur could sentence him, rescue came in the form of an assault. Something fast moving and big slammed into Merlin, hugging him tightly.

"Thank God... I was so worried."

"Gwen," Merlin said lightly, pushing her off. "I'm fine."

Holding his hands out wide, he watched with amusement as she frantically cast her eyes over him. "Look, I'm all in one piece."

"But you got shot, everyone said so, right within Camelot's borders. And I was so worried, but Arthur came out and told me you were fine, and that you didn't even have a wound, but I didn't understand, I mean, neither did he, but how could you not have a wound? But you look fine now, which is such a relief, I was so scared, everyone was, even Arthur. You didn't see him Merlin; he barely left your side. He seemed to think it was his fault, and... What's so funny?"

"Gwen..." Merlin said softly, his grin wide on his face, turning her shoulders round so she faced Arthur, whose face was like thunder.

"Oh... Emm, Sire. I didn't see you there."

Merlin, still grinning, draped one arm around Gwen's shoulders as she stood frozen to the spot. "Didn't leave my side, eh, Arthur?"

"Guinevere. Thank you for sharing that, but Merlin and I have training to do." Grabbing Merlin's arm roughly, he dragged his friend away from the cause of Arthur's clear embarrassment.

"So, Arthur..." Said Merlin, still grinning from ear to ear, "Did you cry..."

"How about we have some mace work then, Merlin? And after that I am pretty sure there are a few stables waiting to be mucked out with your name on them." Arthur gave a small smirk of satisfaction as the smile was wiped off Merlin's face.

"But… I was seriously wounded," Merlin whined, as they rounded the corner and the grassy training ground came into view. "I could have died; I'm in a weakened state..."

"Stop being such a girl, Merlin."

The banter didn't continue however, because at that moment the warning bell of Camelot rang loudly over the city. Sending a flock of birds squawking into the clear, blue sky.

Fatabulous. Hope you liked it, and, as you always know, please feel free and tell us how you liked it. Reviews make our day, and I shall -hopefully- reply to them.

Unless, of course, my computer spontaneously combusts. And Simona's. And Eleanor's. In which case we may have a problem replying. But that will be the least of our problems, we will be far too busy organising the epic sorcerer man-hunt for the oh-so evil warlock who exploded out laptops. Where did I put my pitchfork...

Next Chapter: The Opposite of Treason