Disclaimer: I do not own the Merlin series.
Chapter A Herald of the New Age
Arthur sets off to find Merlin. It has been a month since anyone had seen him. Arthur takes Gwaine and Elyan with him.
"The Queen approves of this?" Gwaine asks.
He looks over at Gwen's brother, who shrugs his shoulders.
"She understands," Arthur replies for Elyan. There is a noise from a distance. "Shhh…"
They walk until they find an odd looking place.
"What is this place?" Elyan asks.
They have come across a shrine.
"Be careful," Arthur tells them.
They look around, but find nothing take could have made a sound. As they leave, Elyan stays behind and drinks some water he finds. A hand suddenly grabs him. He turns and sees that it is Merlin. However, Merlin does not have a happy look on his face. Disturbing a shrine is bad luck.
"What have you done?" Merlin asks.
The sound of a sword hitting the ground can be heard. Merlin closes his eyes tight and inhales deeply before turning. He knows it is Arthur and is not sure if he is ready to face him again. Even after a month. It is hard for Merlin to look Arthur in the eyes when he finally turns.
"Merlin," Arthur says.
Arthur can only stare. He wants to run to Merlin, but his legs won't seem to let him.
xxx
Gaius and Gwen run up to Merlin and embrace him when they arrive back in Camelot the next day.
"Thank God you're safe," Gaius says.
Gwen smiles and places a hand on Merlin's cheek. Merlin cannot help but notice her new look as Queen. Before Merlin can tell her anything, Arthur grabs his shoulder.
"We need to have words," Arthur says. They go to Arthur and now Gwen's chambers. Merlin keeps his distance as Arthur walks over to the window. "Why did you leave?"
"I was ashamed," Merlin replies.
"A month! You were gone a month," Arthur yells out.
Merlin looks down.
"I know," he says.
"Gaius told me what happened. The bracelet," Arthur replies.
Merlin opens his mouth to speak, but there is a knock. Gwen enters. Merlin smiles at the new queen.
"You make a beautiful queen," he tells her.
"Thank you, Merlin," Gwen replies.
Merlin then clears her throat.
"I need to see Gaius," he says.
Merlin tells Gaius about the shrine and how Elyan had drank water from there.
xxx
Merlin enters Arthur and Gwen's chambers to find Arthur asleep at his desk the next morning.
"He's been there this whole time?" he asks Gwen. Gwen nods. "Arthur!" He bolts upright. "Sorry."
Merlin and Gwen share a look and laugh seeing that food was in Arthur hair.
"What's so funny?" Arthur asks.
"You have a bit of stew in your hair," Merlin tells him.
"A joy to have you back," Arthur says sarcastically.
"Thank you," Merlin replies.
"Better get ready. Training today," Arthur says.
When Merlin sees Gaius again, he tells him to tell Arthur Elyan is possessed. But it is too late. Elyan attacks Arthur.
xxx
Merlin tells Arthur about Elyan being possessed after finding out about the attack. Elyan has fled. They go to find him. Merlin laughs as he remembers the meal before leaving.
"You must be hungry," Arthur says.
"I'm starving," Merlin replies.
Arthur points to the chair next to him.
"Pull up a chair," he says.
"Thanks. I am…" Merlin starts, but he suddenly realizes what is going on. "You're joking."
"You were away," Arthur says.
Little did Arthur know Merlin had already been looking for Elyan?
"Sorry," Merlin apologizes.
Arthur shakes Merlin from the memory.
"So this Druid boy possessing Elyan wants revenge?" Arthur asks.
"That's what Gaius believes. He craves peace," Merlin replies.
They finally reach the shrine. Arthur drops his sword.
"Here I am," Arthur yells out.
Elyan shows himself.
"I am responsible for what happened. I was young and inexperienced. Desperate. I'm sorry. The Druid people will no longer he treated like that again
Arthur is astonished when Elyan hugs him. The spirit leaves.
xxx
Merlin finds Arthur just sitting on his bed when he enters the royal chambers later that night.
"How's Elyan?" Arthur asks.
"He'll be fine," Merlin tells him. Merlin walks over to Arthur. "I don't think I've ever seen that side of you. It was nice."
"Shut up, Merlin," Arthur says.
Merlin frowns.
"And I thought you'd changed," he replies. Arthur sighs. "No chance that we could have a hug?"
Arthur turns to find Merlin's open arms. Merlin starts to run, but Arthur catches him. They sway and laugh for a moment.
"Gwen will be here any moment," Arthur says.
Merlin nods.
"Goodnight, Arthur."