Disclaimer: I do not own Merlin. I am however, obessed with Merlin.

Sorry guys, this chapter is mostly dialogue. Mostly just describing the trip. I've tried to insert a bit of attempted humor, but remember, it is attempted.

HAPPY BIRTHDAY DAD!

Stunned. Astonished. Flabbergasted. Arthur wasn't sure how to describe how he felt. "What?"

Merlin gave him a exasperated stare. "You heard me."

"You're just going to... abandon me? As much as it pains me to say it, Merlin, I have always been impressed by your stubbornness to go with me."

The servant fingered his red scarf, staring sadly into the distance. "I'm sorry Arthur, it's just..."

"Just what?" Arthur asked sharply. He felt betrayed. He hadn't taken the curse seriously before, but now Merlin had refused to go with him, it seemed to be worse. Much worse. Going to see the most powerful warlock of all time with a trusted friend was one thing, going alone was another. After all they had done together, how could he abandon Arthur that? He had faced a bloody dragon with him!

The servant sighed, lifting his head ever so slightly. Arthur froze. Was that glint in his eye... guilt? Before Arthur could investigate any further, the eyes turned back to the floor, the glint disappearing into the shadows of his eyelid.

"Just... Arthur, it's complicated. I'm not going. Get over it."

This shattered Arthur's patience. Growling, he grabbed Merlin's arm and pulled him toward the court yard. The young man yelped, slapping Arthur's hand, and causing him to let go. Arthur turned, his hard gaze softening as he saw Merlin's frightened expression. What was he doing? He couldn't force his friend. "I'm sorry. I didn't mean to... I'm just scared." he blurted, ignoring the startled stares he got from passerby. "I'm terrified. Don't abandon me. I can't go there alone."

Merlin was torn. He knew what Arthur said was true, he wouldn't make it without the support of a friend. But going with him would be to much of a risk. Arthur would go looking for him after he disappeared. Of course, he would be there, in the form of Emrys, but Arthur wouldn't know that. He couldn't go.

He swore Arthur looked like a baby seal. His eyes were big and round, begging him to help.

He didn't realize he'd nodded until Arthur clapped him on the shoulder. "Go get another horse ready. I'll be waiting by the gate."

The King walked off, Merlin glaring after him.

Sometimes he really hated his selflessness.

"Took you long enough." Arthur chuckled as Merlin struggled to get the pack on his horse. The servant climbed on himself, but froze when he saw the angry glare the blond was sending him. "What?"

"Where is the other pack?"

"We're sharing one. You are going on a diet."

"Merlin!"

"Don't look at me like that. You could lose some 'padding'."

Merlin practically saw the smoke curling from his nostrils. "I am fighting fit!"

"Whatever you say, sire."

Arthur sent him a death glare. The next few minutes were ridden in silence, only broken by the occasional jangling of chain mail. It was welcomed by Merlin. While Arthur was always complaining about Merlin talking too much, the servant noticed that the King was a chatterbox himself. He could think of the strangest things to complain about. Some things didn't even make sense. 'Merlin, have you seen these socks? I'm absolutely certain that the blue was duller yesterday. Go wash them.' It was hilarious to see Arthur fretting about things that simply did not matter.

Hours later, they stopped to set up camp. Merlin stirred the stew, the wooden spoon emerging and disappearing in the thick soup. Tasting it, Merlin made a face. Maybe he had added a little too much ginger. He reached for the basil. Arthur appeared from the forest, dumping the load of firewood into the fire and crouched to watch as the servant added various ingredients. "You know, I appreciate you coming."

Merlin snorted. "It wasn't as if I had a choice in the matter. Don't ever give me that look again."

"What look?"

"You gave me the pleading eyes, you know, where you're eyes go all big and round."

The King shrugged. "Well, it worked. What were you pouting about anyway?"

Merlin didn't answer. The king tilted his head, trying to decipher his expression. The younger man's eyes were downcast, the corners of his mouth turned down slightly He almost looked guilty. Suddenly, Arthur's eyes sparked with mirth. "You sneaky little..." his sentence was left unfinished as he chuckled. Merlin just looked at him, oblivious. Forcing his breathing to slow down, Arthur grinned at his servant. "You didn't think you could hide it forever, did you? You can't keep secrets from me."

Merlin's eyes widened. "You... know?"

"Of course I do!"

"But... you won't throw me in the dungeons?"

The king raised his eyebrows. "What? That would be extreme, wouldn't it?"

Merlin didn't know what to say. As he redirected his gaze back to his pot, Arthur scooted closer and nudged him. "What's her name?" He drawled the last word, pronouncing it so it seemed as if he were teasing. Merlin shook his head. "Although I know how much you enjoy matchmaking, a girl is not why I was 'pouting'."

Arthur's smile melted. He hoped he hadn't upset the servant. "Oh."

Merlin handed him a steaming bowl of stew, the slight up-turn of his lips betraying the fact that he was actually very amused.

Yeah, I know, short and boring, BUT, yes that 'but' deserves to be capitol, BUT in the next chapter we'll get to Dragoon/Emrys! I always love it when Merlin becomes old like that. Grumpy and powerful. The ultimate combination.

-The World Out There