I know i said last time that i would post more quickly, but I then decided that I would attempt to finish my story before i posted any more. I got a good portion done before deciding that it didn't feel right and re wrote it. Therefore, i have no idea when i will next post but i hope to have finished it off by that time (shouldn't be too long as i only intend to write a few more chapters). Anyway...here is an extra-long chapter that i got carried away with to say sorry for the wait. Thanks!

(Also, thanks to people who have reviewed my last chapter! i loved reading them but i couldn't seem to reply so sorry about that. Please keep reviewing though because your enthusiasm is both amazing and contagious. Thank you)

Now...on with the story (full of characters that I do not own ;) )

"Arthur," Merlin said, striding up to his masters side with a confidence that he didn't feel, "I need to tell you something." There was a long expectant pause as Arthur turned towards him and waited. When it was obvious that Merlin would not continue, he rolled his eyes.

"What is it?" Merlin shuffled his feet and glanced around at the knights that were surrounding them. "Umm..." he stumbled, suddenly not even able to appear sure of himself, "I kind of...could I talk to you alone?" Arthur's eyebrows raised sharply in surprise even as Gwaine gave a quiet wolf whistle from behind him.

"Surely anything you want to say can be said in front of my men," he said with a slight laugh, "you've never been bothered about what you say before." Merlin lowered his head and his voice came out so low that Arthur nearly missed it,

"Not this time," He raised his eyes to meet his King's once again and Arthur was surprised at the strength and conviction that shone through them, "What I have to say may win us this war," his word caught the attention of all the knights around them that were pretending not to be listening in, "If you do not listen to me and if you do not accept what I have to say," he paused, eyes drilling into Arthurs, "We will almost certainly lose this fight."

Unsurprisingly, Arthur was quick to agree to his request and lead Merlin off to a spot at the edge of the group, away from the army they had recently joined. He had learnt over the years to pay attention to Merlin's advice and 'funny feelings', (even though he would deny following it if anybody asked) which is why he turned to face Merlin when they were far enough away and asked casually, "So, what's so important?"

"Magic," was Merlin's only reply. Arthur waited for any elaboration but soon realised that it was not coming.

"Yes..." He replied slowly, as if Merlin really was the simpleton he constantly accused him of being, "Magic. We are about to fight a war against it," When there was still no answer, Arthur sighed and turned away, wondering why he had even come out here.

"If that is truly why you are fighting, then I cannot help you," Merlin's voice came, strong and defiant, from behind Arthur. Arthur frowned as he turned back.

"What do you mean?"

"You should be fighting today against the injustice and fear that Morgana spreads. Not what she uses to do it with." He took a step towards Arthur, "Hate the killer, not the weapon."

Both men stood staring at each other, neither appearing to move a muscle, until Arthur gave a jolting nod and Merlin visibly relaxed as he let out a breath he didn't know he was holding.

"OK," Arthur conceded "I understand your meaning, but I don't see how this can help us now," Merlin took a deep breath,

"You need to accept help from the magical community," as Arthur jolted back, Merlin grabbed his arm, "It may be the only way for us to have a chance." Arthur stilled at his words, closed his eyes and took a deep breath.

"Even if I did have enough time to ask," he said sadly, opening his eyes to meet Merlin's once more, "What magic user would ever follow me into battle? I may not be my father but I still prosecute their kind." A sad smile graced his lips. "Who would trust me after what I have done?" Arthur glanced down at where his hand rested loosely on his sword, missing the tirade of emotions coursing across Merlin's face.

"I would," he whispered. Arthur looked up sharply, his face contorted in confusion.

"You would what?" he asked.

"Follow you. Trust you," Merlin replied simply. Arthur shook his head,

"Thank you for your loyalty Merlin, but you are no sorcerer," he smiled softly and patted Merlin on the shoulder sadly.

"Yes I am," came Merlin's horse reply, "That's what I wanted to tell you," he continued, reaching up his hand to scrub away the sudden tears that had sprung up at his admission, "I'm a warlock, I have magic," Merlin had to look away from the slideshow of expressions that were darting over Arthur's face, not wanting to see his King's expression merge into the inevitable fear and hatred, not wanting warning if he were to drive a sword between his ribs. "I use it for you Arthur," he whispered into the silence, "To protect my king. My friend."

Whatever it was Merlin was expecting, it wasn't to feel Arthur's hand land heavily on his shoulder and his voice whisper,

"Why did you never tell me?" Merlin hadn't expected to look up and see the same inexplicable tears in Arthur's eyes that were within his own. But, looking back, he should have.

"I was always waiting for the right time," Merlin answered honestly, "It took me a long time to realise that there would never be one." As things connected together in the Kings head, the inexplicable events that seemed to revolve around Merlin suddenly making sense, he pulled his friend into a tight hug. As he thought about all the mysterious ways his life had been saved over the years, he whispered,

"Thank you, for everything you have done."

Once both men had suitably calmed themselves and were once again capable of thinking about the problems at hand, Arthur voiced a query which he really should have thought of earlier.

As much as I appreciate your alliance and, for once," he glared lightly at Merlin, "Your honesty," Merlin had the good sense to look sheepish at this, "How is the alliance of one man, even with magic, going to help us defeat Morgana's army in any way?" a sly smile slid it's self across Merlin's face but, just as he opened his mouth to reply, a commotion was heard from the camp. Both men jumped, having forgotten the presence of the army. Merlin blushed, realising that they would have witnessed the crying and hugging parts of the conversation. Great. The tense line of Arthur's shoulders showed that he had realised the same thing. Even better.

"Sire," a voice called, dragging both Men's attention back to what was going on, "We found these men trying to sneak into the camp," he gestured behind him at a group of ragged looking men being held at sword point by Camelot's finest. Arthur strode towards the men, watching as one stepped in front of the others slightly, clearly the leader even with his unimpressive physical appearance. Arthur couldn't quite put his finger on it, but he was sure he had seen the man before.

"Why are you here?" Arthur asked, head held high, exuding power and status. The boy before him smiled lightly but barely had a chance to open his mouth before another voice interrupted him.

"Release them," Merlin's voice was strong, sure, and when Arthur turned to look at him, he had that expression on this face. The one that told Arthur that he should listen, trust that Merlin knew what he was doing. And, for the first time ever, Arthur listened to that expression.

"Do what he says," Arthur told the guards firmly, watching as they stumbled in their movements slightly, unsure, before slowly removing their swords and taking a step away.

Nobody spoke as Merlin stepped forwards so that he was standing right in front of the leader of the group. There was a beat of silence before both men's faces split into wide grins and they embraced each other enthusiastically.

"It's good to see you, Merlin," the leader said as he finally stepped back from the embrace, hands still resting on Merlin's shoulders,

"You too, Gilli," Merlin beamed.

Please review, I hope you liked this! It was surprisingly easy to write...even if it was about 3AM when i finished...oopse :)