Left Behind

It was barely nightfall when Will arrived at Hunith's door. She'd been expecting him.

"You didn't have to send him away," he said. "I wouldn't have told anyone." He was downcast and sullen, but when she met his eyes his expression changed and suddenly he looked very young.

"Oh, Will," she said, pulling him into a hug. His shoulders were tense under her hands. "I didn't want Merlin to leave either. But don't you see? This isn't the place for him. He needs to meet new people-"

"New friends," Will muttered.

"New people that will teach him how to manage his gifts," Hunith said firmly. "He'll be back soon, you'll see. Merlin wouldn't forget about us."

"No matter how much fun he's having in Camelot," Will grumbled, though he managed a grin. Hunith smiled in return, but as watched him go she thought, I know I did the right thing.