thank you again to everyone who has been reading this. I have been trying to update daily but I am camping this week which means-dum dum dum...no internet! I will probably be updating again sometime this weekend.

Merlin ran through the castle, the world blurring around him because of the tears that were threatening. He found Lancelot by the stables chatting with the servants who were filling the feeding troughs. Becoming a knight had in no way changed his personality.

Lancelot was surprised when Merlin ran up to him but once he got a good look at his friend who was covered in sweat, pale, and shaking he was instantly concerned. "What happened, Merlin?"

"I…I need to get out of Camelot now!" Merlin huffed out as he gasped for air from his sprint.

"What? What are you talking about?"

Gesticulating wildly he replied. "They know Lancelot. They know and they hate me and they are going to tell Arthur. You need to get me out of the city or they are going to kill me!"

"What are you talking about Merlin? Who knows?" Lancelot asked, knowing automatically what they must know.

It was then that Percival decided to walk out of the quickly deepening late afternoon shadows. Lancelot did not miss the way Merlin flinched at the sight of him.

"Gwen, Gwaine, and Leon." Percival said flatly. Lancelot shot him a questioning glance. "The people who know about what Merlin is and are going to turn him in." Percival explained.

Lancelot looked at Merlin who merely nodded in confirmation of Percival's words.

"You two prepare a horse, if you tell me what you will need I will go back and get it for you Merlin."

Merlin was instantly suspicious. "Why do you want to help me? You heard what the others were saying about me."

"I don't trust you." Percival said bluntly, crossing his arms over his chest. "But what you said to Leon seemed more like a warning than a threat. I am giving you the benefit of the doubt since you intend to leave anyway."

Merlin nodded, accepting his answer. "Thank you. If you go into my room there are some loose floorboards. Take the knapsack, book, and staff that are in there. I will also need some provisions." Percival nodded and headed back towards the castle to gather the supplies.

"You will not need anything else?" Lancelot asked with a raised brow.

Merlin suddenly seemed to find the ground beneath his feet infinitely fascinating. "I kept that knapsack prepared just in case something like this was ever to happen. It is filled with everything that I will need."

Merlin looked so young in that moment that Lancelot had to resist the urge to ruffle his hair and tell him everything would be okay; after all he knew it wouldn't. Merlin walked silently towards the stables and saddled a horse he had ridden on past trips. Lancelot walked another direction and after some minutes reappeared in the quickly darkening stables.

"Where did you go?" Merlin questioned.

"I realize that you are hopeless with a sword, but I figured it wouldn't hurt for you to carry one anyway." Lancelot said, forcing a smile.

"Thanks." Merlin whispered, taking the pile of items Lancelot offered him. There was the sword that Lancelot had mentioned, a sword belt-no surprise there, a dagger, and a brilliant blue cloak. Merlin unfolded it and noticed it had the Pendragon crest on the front. He raised an eyebrow at Lancelot who merely shrugged.

It was then that Merlin noticed the item that had been at the bottom of the pile. It was a mail shirt and Merlin could tell just by looking at it that it would fit him. He was far slighter in build than any of the knights or guards. There shouldn't have been a mail shirt small enough to fit him.

At his questioning look Lancelot said, "Arthur had that made for you specifically."

Before Merlin could respond Percival returned with the items that Merlin had requested. "Did Gaius say anything?" Merlin asked.

Percival shook his head. "He wasn't there."

Merlin packed everything into the saddle bags and mounted the horse. The three rode out of the main gates, the guards never even thinking to question where two knights and the prince's servant were headed at dusk.

…

Merlin stopped at the clearing he had teleported himself to after his confrontation with Gwaine. Had it really only been the night before? It was amazing how quickly his life was able to fall apart. He had met the dragon here several times before and had considered on the ride here whether or not he should call him now. He had decided against it. Kilgharrah would only say that he should go back to Camelot, that it was his destiny.

Merlin was snapped out of his reverie by Lancelot. "Would you like help setting up camp?"

Merlin turned away and using magic assembled a pile of wood and set it alight, filling the small, muddy clearing with a golden glow. The shadows among the trees almost seemed eerier in the firelight than they had in full dark. "Yes, I'll be fine. Would you say goodbye to Gaius for me, Lancelot?" His voice was a dry whisper.

"Of course I will, Merlin." He and Percival turned their horses around to head back to Camelot. "Stay safe."