Sir Elyan

It was difficult to keep Merlin's magic a secret when Merlin was as clumsy as he was. Ever since Elyan found out that Merlin had magic he assumed the clumsy thing was just an act that Merlin did to throw Arthur off, but now he realizes that it's 100% Merlin.

They had been on their quest for two days, a patrol spotted the Saxons in the northern edge of the kingdom and they had gone out to meet them. On the middle of the first day Gwaine was injured. Before Arthur could turn his back Merlin tried to use magic to heal him.

Leon stepped in to distract Arthur while Merlin played the part of physician. Elyan stood guard. But not as closely as Percival who towered over Merlin while he aided Gwaine.

"Will you back off, you giant oaf," Elyan asked pulling Percival back by his bicep.

"I need to know he's alright," Percival said.

"How is he?" Arthur asked, and Merlin immediately stopped using magic and the knights looked at each other.

"If he makes it through the night he'll live," said Merlin.

What he meant was: when the sun goes down and you're not paying attention I'll heal him with magic. Elyan and the Knights kept a record of all Merlin's little lines, and which ones meant magic. 90% were code for magic and 5% were insults hurled at Arthur, and 5% were secrets.

They had written this down in a tome that Leon kept secret and safe in a spot behind the lose brick in his chambers under his bed. He was too big to fit down himself to fetch it, but Gwaine was not. Often they had Percival move the bed aside to get to it.

Elyan watched as Merlin healed Gwaine with magic after Arthur went to sleep. He thought it might be easier if Merlin just told Arthur the truth. Somehow, he figured Arthur might understand. Perhaps he already knew.

Elyan felt a large, warm presence beside him and didn't need to look up to know Percival was there. The big man was in love with Gwaine, of course he was going to be around. Elyan patted Percival's arm.

After a few tries Gwaine stirred. The color returned to him. He was going to live. Merlin was very good at what he did. Elyan realized where he would be without Merlin's magic. He would have been dead.

In the morning, hiding magic from Arthur became difficult as Merlin was showing off to Percival. Merlin cleaned the dishes from the night before with magic and when Arthur turned in the direction of Merlin and Perce, Elyan grabbed his King by the arm and spun him around.

"We must talk about my sister," Elyan told Arthur.

"What about her?" Arthur asked eagerly.

Elyan studied Arthur. His face was slightly pink at the mention Guinevere. Elyan would have laughed if Arthur wasn't his king. He had to improve to keep Arthur from noticing Merlin's open use of magic.

"I don't you're satisfying her," Elyan said awkwardly.

"What? Not satisfying her? Did she say something?"

"No. Well, she doesn't have to, does she? I'm her brother. We just know when our sisters aren't being satisfied. She doesn't look satisfied."

Elyan looked over to see if Merlin was done.

"By all means, tell me what I can do to satisfy her?"

"You could use your hands more," said Elyan feeling more and more disgusted with himself for talking about ways Arthur could violate his sister. Elyan met Leon's eyes. He was shaking his head at him and trying hard not to crack a smile.

"I think I know which direction the Saxons went in, sire," said Leon finally rescuing Elyan from his lie. He led the king away so Elyan could stop Merlin and Percival.

"You're a terrible liar, El," said Percival.

"I did it for you two idiots," said Elyan. He helped Merlin up off the ground. He automatically checked Merlin for dirt and bruises—a habit he had developed over the years to make sure Arthur didn't see Merlin in a distressing state.

"I'm fine, it's only dirt," Merlin said.

"You weren't injured yesterday?"

"I'm fine," said Merlin.

Elyan didn't believe him, but he let it go. Merlin wouldn't have had the time to heal himself after taking care of Gwaine. Gwaine was up and walking around when they went to check on him. Arthur clapped him on the back.

"I thought we lost you," said Arthur.

"Too bad for you. Thought you could be the pretty one, eh? Not a chance."

"You're alive," said Percival who had swept Gwaine up in a massive hug. Gwaine was completely lifted off the ground. He patted the big guy on the arm and waited to be put back down.

"Yes, and I'm aching for a fight with the Saxons."

"No, no, I'm sending you and Merlin back to the castle."

I knew he was going to say that.

"That'll happen," said Gwaine grabbing his sword and mounting his horse to carry on with the quest. Arthur wouldn't fight Gwaine on it, but he would challenge Merlin.

"No. I'm staying with you," said Merlin.

"Why do none of you listen to me?" Arthur asked as he helped Merlin mount his horse.

"Shall I throw them in the stocks, Arthur?" Leon asked. He rather spoke to his king so casually but they were friends.

"That's a great idea!"

And Merlin stayed in the back with Elyan as they continued. Arthur was in the front. Merlin seized an opportunity to use his magic to tickle Leon's neck as if he was being rubbed with a feather. Eventually, Leon turned his horse around, trotted to the pair of them and punched Elyan as hard as he could.

"Why me? He was the one doing it?" Elyan asked as he rubbed his arm.

"He's only tiny," Leon said in regards to Merlin.

"I won't break so easily," Merlin said.

"Would you like me to hit you?"

"I'll shut up now," Merlin said.