Merlin was already busy stuffing the few supplies they'd pulled out the previous night back into the pack when Ar started to slowly open his eyes. He smiled wearily before gesturing for Merlin to join him. With a happy smile, the smaller boy granted him with a light good morning kiss, grinning madly when Ar did. The blonde sluggishly pushed the blanket off, grunting about the uncomfortable rock he'd apparently slept on.

"We should be in Camelot by mid-day." Merlin offered, handing Ar a small portion of cooked meat for breakfast, "We're almost home free."

"Ah, then we've yet to see the king."

Merlin scooted himself closer to Ar as they sat and munched on a bit of salted venison, "Why so down? You were excited only yesterday."

"Not down." Ar corrected, "Just simply saying we wouldn't be 'home free'."

"Your optimism has the moods of a lady during her minstrel cycle."

The blonde cringed for a moment before shooting Merlin a glare that lacked any real malice, "Don't be gross."

"That wasn't my intention." Merlin grinned, a devious grin tugging at the edges of his lips, "Simply stating that-"

"Oh hush." Ar ordered, leaning to the side a little and covering the boy's lips with his own, reveling in the silence that followed.

The rest of the journey seemed more tolerable in one another's company. In fact, it was fun. Ar had discovered just how much he enjoyed teasing Merlin, and kept poking and prodding at his side with little remarks like, "You love me" and "Girl". There wasn't any malice behind his words, but he had a cocky, confident and superior tone about him that made Merlin eager to knock him off his high horse.

"You're as bad as me!" the boy retorted, stepping carelessly over a long branch in their path, "You were the one that kissed me first!"

"Only because you were shaking like a lady without her stockings." Ar chuckled, leaning to his side in order to nudge Merlin's arm with a sadistic grin stitched across his face with lingering promise.

Merlin pouted, "It was cold."

Ar leapt ahead a few steps, a happy smile brightening the mood even more and making Merlin's cheeks feel warm. The blonde held out a hand to the boy, who took it gladly, "Camelot is just ahead. Come!"

Merlin followed Ar with joyful bounds close behind, only bothering to stop once they'd reached the front entrance. Walls of thick stone piled up for what seemed like miles guarded the grand kingdom. Camelot had always been famous for its durability and strength, as well as their legendary protest when it came to magic.

Now, Merlin was no fool. He was nervous entering the place, knowing how quickly they would kill him if they found out he had magic. It wasn't his fault though. He was born with it. Merlin had kept his abilities a secret for most of his life with the staggering encouragement of his mother, and the support he got from the only other person who knew. Will found out when they were little. He was reliable though, and understood Merlin's ambitions; agreeing to keep it a secret as well.

He'd sort of forgotten about the entire thing while they were traveling, but now that he was here, Merlin finally felt the wave of nervousness wash over him. Ar waited patiently by a tree for the boy, a questioning expression only stretching over his features once he realized Merlin was being slow on purpose, "You alright?" he asked, touching his shoulder in a comforting gesture.

"Fine." Merlin assured him, faking his best smile.

Ar nodded his head towards the entrance, making sure Merlin had started walking forward before moving ahead himself. He kept a weary eye on the boy in a concerned manor as they finally found themselves with the guards. Ar opened his mouth to say something but decided against that, his train of thought warning him that a man with no name probably wasn't easily welcomed into a place like Camelot. He ushered Merlin forward, hoping that he could do better until he was suddenly stopped.

One of the guards had already stepped aside for him, nudging the other back like it was a matter of duty.

The two boys were confused, but cautiously entered, one of the men tagging along behind. Merlin mumbled with hesitance, "Did we do something wrong?"

"I don't know.." he lifted his head and spoke with a more dignified tone to the guard that was tailing them, "Excuse me sir, but we've no need for an escort, unless we've done something wrong. If that be the case I'd love to know."

"Sire.." the guard spoke tentatively, like he was walking on eggshells, "Your father issued the order to have the royal family escorted after the recent attack... I'd thought you would have been made aware."

"Sire?!" Merlin screeched before thinking.

Ar shook his head, "You must have me confused with someone else." he chuckled, "I've only just arrived."

"You are prince Arthur, are you not?" the man questioned, a puzzled and slightly embarrassed look on his face.

Merlin turned cautiously to meet his friend's gaze, "Prince Arthur?" he echoed, tasting the name on his tongue.

"That name..." Ar muttered, "It's my name. I remember it."

Merlin didn't know how to react, but his first instinct was to smile and congratulate his amnesiac. He'd just found out who he was! That was cause for celebration if ever there was any, "Then... that makes you the prince of Camelot!" He'd managed a happy tone, grinned brightly even, but Ar-Arthur looked frightened.

He cringed visibly before replying, "I remember Merlin. I remember what happened the day I lost my memory."

Venison - Deer

Minstrel Cycle - ... Well.. umm.. basically a period. XD