TITLE: Into the Woods
CHAPTER/TITLE:Chapter Ten/ Choosing Sides
RATING:T (just to be safe)
A/N: Merlin might be a bit OOC in this chapter compared to how he has been throughout this story, but he isn't OOC for the show, I believe. We see varying sides of Merlin. He isn't just the shy, quietly suffering, humble servant. He is also the strong sorcerer. The protective friend. A little of that old Merlin shows up in this chapter.
DISCLAIMER:I don't own Merlin or Robin Hood.
Chapter Ten: Choosing Sides
"That's the fourth time this week!" Will's exclaimed as he tossed his ax into the dirt.
Merlin glanced up at his new friends' return to camp after another apparently unsuccessful robbery.
"They're using decoys," he continued as he slid down to sit next to his weapon.
"Robin, I don't like this," John added with a huff. "Something doesn't feel right."
"How do they always know?" Much threw his hands in the air.
"I don't know," Robin sighed tiredly.
"It is like they know every move we are going to make," Djaq shook her head.
"Maybe it's just bad luck," Allan shrugged and Merlin drew his attention to the man.
"And maybe it's more than that," Robin countered.
"Robin," John stepped forward, "we're running low. If we don't get more soon, we won't have enough to make our drops into town next week."
"I know," Robin nodded solemnly. "I'm taking Merlin into Locksley today. Joshua sent word last night that Anès took a fever. We'll discuss it tomorrow."
At this, the physician's assistant wordlessly abandon his practice with a bow and followed the outlaw from the camp, his eyes falling back on Allan as they went.
The better part of the day had passed by the time the duo returned to camp. Whenever Merlin went to a village, he never solely saw one patient. Word would spread of his visit and others would come flocking forward. They would have to hide or flee on occasion from the sheriff's men or the actual appointed physician, and the days were long and tiring, but it was well worth it.
He had tried to push the nagging sensation that had gripped him out of his mind, and yet it had refused to listen. Upon returning into the forest, the feeling only magnified.
Merlin watched Allan duel with Will from a distance until the duo parted and the cause for Merlin's concern was left alone.
"You are a good swordsman," Merlin complimented casually as he approached the man.
"Against him?" Allan chuckled. "Will's not much of a challenge. Only joking, of course."
"Of course," Merlin forced a smile.
"What? Do you want to go?" Allan laughed. "Been practicing?"
"No," Merlin laughed. "I've been practicing, but I still think I'll stick to plants."
"Suit yourself," Allan shrugged, "but you don't know what you're missing."
"Yes I do," Merlin replied seriously, causing Allan to pause. "Fighting and killing and death. Watching people you care about die."
"But we're fighting for something," Allan continued after a moment. "That's different."
"Everyone is fighting for something," Merlin sighed. "Everyone thinks they're right. Doesn't matter if you were right or wrong when you're dead."
"You sound like Robin," Allan mused.
"People choose what they fight for, right?" Merlin disregarded the comment. "Or who?" He added after a beat.
"Yeah, I guess so."
"They pick sides." Merlin straightened himself. "Because, if you're fighting for something, you can't be on both sides, right? If you care about what you're fighting for, you can't be in the middle. You can try, but eventually, you have to choose."
Allan neglected to respond and Merlin knew his suspicions were slowly being confirmed. He didn't know if it was his magic warning him, or his past experiences pulling at his gut. Somehow, that morning, he had just known.
"What are you getting at?" Allan questioned, a touch too defensively.
"Nothing," Merlin shook his head. "I just know from what I've seen that you're a good man. But a good man with secrets, and a serious problem."
"I don't know what you're talking about, Merlin," Allan shook his head. "Too much time in the sun picking plants."
"I'm trying to offer you a chance to tell the truth," Merlin pressed. "To come clean."
"Come clean? About what? And who are you to talk about secrets? We hardly know anything about you!" Allan was barely controlling the volume of his voice now.
"You want me to tell you something about me? About my life?" Merlin stepped forward. "I watched people, good people, do bad things. Terrible things. Confused and hurting and thinking that they were all alone. Some of them thought they were doing good. I've seen traitors and spies and I know when people are lying. Because I've seen them. Because I've had to live a life. I had to lie and hide, because if I didn't, people would get hurt. I couldn't tell anyone what I really was. I had to look my best friends in the eyes and tell them lie after lie to protect myself and them. I hated every second of it, but I didn't have a choice. You do. What are you lying to your friends for? To protect them? How is money in your pocket helping them, or anyone besides you? I'm assuming that's what you're getting from whatever deal you've made."
"This is ridiculous," Allan scoffed. "Crazy! You're trying to pin your problems on me, is what this is!"
"I'm trying to help you!" Merlin shouted back. "To help them, your friends. The people who you are going to get hurt or killed if you don't stop."
"I don't know what you're talking about," Allan repeated.
"I won't tell Robin," Merlin swallowed. "Not yet. Because I still think are good people left in the world. And I really think you can be one of them. But if you don't, soon, I will."
"What's going on?"
The pair turned to face a confused and concerned Will.
"Nothing," Allan spoke quickly.
Merlin merely nodded as the other man hurried marched away.