The day was long and exhausting. There weren't many survivor's within the castle- it seems as though those who were there started an uprising when the word spread that Prince Arthur and his knights were fighting to win Camelot back. Morgana and Morgause were both dead- Morgause by Merlin's hand, and Morgana was a mystery.

Even though she had been evil in the end, it was hard for Arthur. He was raised with her, saw her as family. But she betrayed him, betrayed everyone. And with that thought he told them to take her body away to be put with the others- she wouldn't be getting any different of a burial than the servants she was responsible for killing.

Uther was fine physically, but he hadn't said much since he left Gaius's.

Gwen had been brought back into the city. Arthur greeted her, but Lancelot was the one who her eyes reached for first. He knew then that he wasn't the only one with issues regarding any future relationship.

Merlin, of course, had been 'outed' to not only Arthur, but the knights as well. Luckily no one had a problem with it since they saw the good in it as it was used to save their lives, but Merlin was fearful of Uther.

They were currently sitting in Arthur's room, discussing his wish for them to tell Uther of how Merlin saved them all using magic. Arthur didn't want Merlin to have to hide anymore- not after Merlin had told him a few stories of his struggles in the past. Everyone would be much better off if he could do what he needed without sneaking about and figuring ways to cover up his actions.

"Merlin, I won't allow anything to happen to you."

"You'll have no choice. He'll have me executed Arthur. Besides, I'm fine hiding it from the rest. As long as you know, I'm happy. And I'll always continue protecting you and Camelot, it's my destiny. I'm fine with having to be a little secretive about it. "

"It would be much easier if you didn't have to hide, and could get help from the rest of us."

"Like I said- having you know is enough for me. I'm not ready for Uther to find out. Especially after this happened... it will only reinforce his hatred of magic even more."

"Not when he finds out what you did! How you saved us all! I'll make him see. He may hate magic but I have to believe that you saving us over and over again, especially this time, will appeal to his logic. Just don't mention the dragon. I don't think he'd be very happy about that."

"Arthur..."

"Merlin. Trust me."

Arthur's eyes were pleading, soft. He had his hand on Merlin's shoulder, thumb grazing his neck softly. Merlin's eyes slid shut for a moment.

"Fine. But if I get executed for this I'm cursing you with eternal dung breath before I go." He said with a smile. Arthur shoved him playfully