For a moment Merlin wonders why he even bothers being strong for others. He was after all going to his death so maybe he could drop this charade and just break down. Yet all his life he had to be strong, to protect his mother, to keep his secret, to protect Camelot and Arthur, and even when he tries to shut down he just can't. Despite all this he can't stop the tears flowing down his cheeks. He isn't even sure why he is crying anymore. He wonders whether Arthur would call him a silly girl and deep down he wishes he would, not because he enjoys the insults, well maybe he does a little, but because it would mean that Arthur isn't closed off. Merlin has yet to hear anything about his impending sentence. Will it be the pyre or the sword? He thinks that maybe Arthur will want to humiliate him first, the way Merlin humiliated him in a way. Merlin thinks that maybe he is crying because he will miss his friends, maybe he's crying with a sense of relief because now his secret is out, or maybe he's crying because he lost the friendship he cared about the most.

Looking through the small window all he can see is a leaf passing by in the wind. Pain shoots through his body as the cuffs absorb more of his magic. Maybe his tears are for the magic that is being ripped away from him. It is like watching a loved one die in front of your eyes and there is nothing you can do about it. Magic has always been in him and the darkness it leaves behind is tearing his mind apart. He isn't even sure if he'll be alive by the time his execution is ready.

Before he can think more about how pathetic he is he hears swords clashing in the distance and immediately sits down.

"What the hell is going on?!" Merlin hears Gwaine coming to his cell.

Merlin sighs. He knew it wouldn't take long for Gwaine to make his way down here.

"Alright, that's it. I'm breaking you out of here." Gwaine says as he checks the lock on the bars.

"Gwaine." Merlin says in hopes of stopping the knight.

"I can't believe this! How could he? Or maybe I can believe it." Gwaine says but doesn't look up.

"Gwaine. Stop. Stop it."

"What is wrong with this bloody lock?" Gwaine says in frustration.

"Nothing." Merlin replies but looks down at his ragged shoes.

"Merlin. Tell me what's going on? I just got back and heard that you were in the dungeons. Now, stocks, I'd understand, you used to live there so I figured the princess was feeling nostalgic for the good ol' days. But dungeons? That's a bit much, even for his royal highness." Gwaine says the last part with such disdain that Merlin's impressed and a little jealous. Only he is allowed to talk about Arthur in such a way.

Merlin decides not to reply unsure of how to go about this. Does Gwaine know why he is even in the dungeons?

"Arthur had every right to put me in here." Merlin says but then more pain shoots through his body and he whimpers lightly.

Merlin was hoping that the darkness in the dungeons would cover his face but Gwaine is unfortunately too aware of Merlin's state.

"Merlin. What's wrong? What is it?"

"Nothing."

"Stop covering for him!" Gwaine yells.

Merlin closes his eyes trying to blink away the searing pain shooting through his skull.

"I'm not here just for his amusement you know." Merlin says quietly.

"Are you sure about that? Because sometimes it's hard to tell with him."

Merlin's heart begins to race as he realizes that even though his secret is out in the open another close friend of his has yet to find out and his mind is telling him to make up an excuse.

"Yes, I'm sure."

"Tell me. You know you can tell me."

Merlin turns away from him a decides to face the wall instead of his friend.

"I...I have magic...well I don't right now because well...I mean I am magic, I don't just have magic...I was born with it...but I guess not anymore..." Merlin knows he's rambling but he can't help it. He scratches at his wrists.

When Gwaine doesn't answer Merlin turns around to face him.

"I know." The knight says with a smile.

"You heard the rumours? So why are you asking me then?" Merlin says slightly annoyed.

"No, I didn't hear the rumours. I just heard you were in the dungeons so I immediately came here. But I knew before."

"How long?" Merlin asks slightly disturbed that maybe he wasn't as good at hiding his secret as he had thought.

"Just a few weeks. I've just been trying to find a way to talk to you about it." Gwaine says.

"Tell me about it." Merlin sighs.

"But I still don't understand why you are here." Gwaine jabs a finger at the stone wall beside him.

Merlin frowns. "I would think that's obvious. You do remember that this is Camelot right?" Merlin asks.

"Yes."

"Camelot punishes magic by death remember?" Merlin says.

"Yeah but you're Merlin."

Merlin begins to laugh hysterically and soon he's falling on the ground.

"Merlin? Did I miss something?" Gwaine looks at his friend on the ground.

Merlin realizes that he's not only laughing but also crying. It appears he is starting to go insane.

"You know 'being Merlin' doesn't exempt me from the law right? I mean I don't even know what 'being Merlin' means other than clumsiness." Merlin finally controls his laughter and smiles sadly.

"Arthur is okay with this? You two are inseparable and now he's just going to let you...I think it's time I had a chat with the king."

"Gwaine. Wait." Merlin sobers up.

"I'll be back."

"No. Don't...I deserve this."

"No, you don't. All you have ever done for the princess is protect him and serve him way past what a manservant does." Gwaine raises his voice.

"I lied to him!" Merlin raises his voice to match Gwaine's.

"You lied to me to and do you see me condemning you to death?"

"No but that's different."

"No Merlin, it's not."

"He is the king. He has to uphold the law otherwise no one will take him seriously. And not telling him is betrayal. He's been betrayed too many times."

"Oh Merlin. I will have a chat with him that will most likely include swords."

"Gwaine. Please. Let this go."

"I can't let this go! Not when my friend is about to die!"

"Then do this as my last wish. Arthur is a stubborn man but a good man. I hurt him and he is the king. When I'm gone...you have to promise me that you will protect him. I know you don't like him right now but please, I beg you, protect him."

"I can't, not when..." Gwaine's voice is shaking.

Merlin whimpers as more pains shoots up his spine.

"Please, Gwaine. Don't do anything stupid. Don't challenge him just protect him. Please..." Merlin feels stupid for begging like this but it doesn't matter anymore, not when he is going to be gone from this world soon.

"I will be back to bring you some food." Gwaine says and turns around leaving Merlin in the dark alone.