Arthur let out a sigh. Above his feelings, above anything else, was the importance of Camelot. His people deserved to be safe. If there was anything or anyone who threatened that safety, it was Arthur's job to interfere. He didn't sleep that night. He lay awake in bed, mentally preparing for the morning. Elaine would have to be taken care of, which meant a journey with his knights. Arthur was not sure that he looked forward to that tas; not considering the way his men currently regarded him. Regardless, it was his duty as Camelot's king.

The hours crawled by, but at last morning came. It brought Merlin with it, although the man was none too cheery.

"Here!" Merlin said in greeting. He held out a wooden tray and slammed it onto the table. "I brought his royal highness breakfast. I assume that you can feed yourself, and judging from yesterday's astounding accomplishment, you can dress yourself as well." Arthur watched in amazement as Merlin spat these words out.

"Well good morning to you too." The king grumbled. Merlin raised his eyebrows.

"Oh, and what was that? I see you decided to say a generally pleasant phrase. Congratulations. Now if you'll excuse me, I'll be off the do something useful. Maybe I'll go plot against Camelot with some sorcerers, you know how much I love treason." The warlock shot Arthur a pointed look before spinning around to make his way towards the door.

"Merlin!" Arthur shouted, but his manservant had already left, shutting the door louder than necessary. Arthur let out an aggravated cry as he jumped out of bed. Ignoring breakfast, he pulled on a shirt and ran his fingers through his hair a few times. Grabbing his sword, he too dashed out of the room.

The knights were on the practice field, hopefully not eager for another 'friendly duel' with Arthur. Arthur approached him, and after an awkward moment, nervously cleared his throat.

"Hello." He said. The knights looked at one another. Finally, Elyan took the initiative to speak.

"Morning Arthur." He said. The other men mumbled similar greetings, none of them particularly heartfelt. Arthur licked his lips, unsure what to say. Gwaine gestured towards his jaw.

"I guess I hit you pretty hard." He admitted, somewhat sheepishly. Arthur shrugged.

"It's not too bad."

"Sorry."

I don't think you are. Arthur thought, although he wouldn't be inclined to blame him if he wasn't. Leon stepped forward then, seemingly less angry than the day before. As the wisest, and the oldest of the knights, he no doubt put ill feelings aside in favour of his friendship with Arthur.

"What would you like to do today?" He asked.

"Isn't it obvious?" No one answered, suggesting that it was not. Arthur sighed. "We need to go to Shallot- at least, I need to. Anyone else who wishes to come, well I would not argue having the company. I plan to leave within the hour." To Arthur's surprise, the knights smiled at this- well, most of them. Gwaine replied with a seemingly positive grimace. If not positive, it was at least a confirmation that he would travel with everyone else.

"Elyan can get the horses." Percival offered. "I'll fetch Merlin." Arthur bit his lip.

"So he is coming then?" Percival nodded.

"Don't think that he won't. He's angry, yes, but Merlin has been angry before, and he has never before let his feelings get in the way of his idiotic need to risk his life for your sake. Arthur was surprised that he felt a bit relieved at this. He had wanted Merlin's company of course, but it would not do for him to ask the man himself. He was fortunate that Percival was so eager to extend the invitation in his place. Arthur nodded his approval.

"You might as well go, then. I'm in a hurry. I expect that Merlin will be in the armory." Percival dipped his head in response before heading off. The knight hurried into the palace, feeling accomplished in a way. They would get Merlin with them, and with luck, Arthur would both realize and admit his stupidity before they actually got to Elaine. It was his hope that those cuffs would be gone, and Merlin would find himself free to again use his gifts. His magic was a gift of course, despite what Arthur may believe.

Percival arrived at the armory within minutes, and as expected, Merlin was inside. But now, now the man did not wear the stubborn, fiery expression that he had the day before and earlier in the morning. Now his guard was down. Softly, the knight made his way towards his friend and knelt beside him. Merlin was staring at the ground, an un-polished sword and cleaning rag hanging limply from his hands. Percival stayed in that position for a few moments, silently offering what little help he could offer. After a time, Merlin gave a small sniff.

"I wish Lancelot was here." He admitted.

"We all do." Percival told him. Merlin looked up, and Percival saw the sorrow that was burrowed deep within the sorcerer's eyes.

"He knew." Merlin admitted. "He knew about my magic, and he didn't mind." Percival furrowed his brows, surprised at this revelation. Lancelot was close with all of the knights, so in a way it struck Percival as strange that, if Lancelot knew, he would never tell anyone else. Of course, neither man could guess what anyone else's reaction would be. Perhaps it was best left a secret after all.

"I'm sorry." Percival said, hoping that Merlin caught that he was being sincere. "If I could take those things off, I would." The warlock gave a sad smile.

"Thank you. If only Arthur would, maybe things would be a bit different." Percival nodded, and took a minute to think over what it was that he intended to say. It was a bit difficult speaking to Merlin after what happened. After a time, he reached forward, and took the cloth and sword from Merlin's hands.

"We are leaving, all of us. You too, Merlin."

"Where are we going?"

"To Shallot, to see Elaine." Merlin nodded.

"When?"

"In about an hour. Think you can be ready by then?" Merlin bit the inside of his cheek and shrugged. His eyes lingered on the cleaning cloth as if he would rather be doing mundane chores than embark on another adventure.

"I'm not too sure Arthur will want me with him…. Not that it matters."

"He does. It was him that told me you'd be here in the armory. Don't worry, he's alright with it. Not that it matters!" The knight joked. To his satisfaction, he was able to extract a small smile from his friend. Percival stood up and motioned for Merlin to do the same. The warlock looked at Percival and smiled.

"Thanks."

"For what?"

"You know." Percival grinned and clapped Merlin heartily on the back.

"Come on, friend. Let's go."

Yeah, my last chapter was super short, so I thought I'd give you another one. I am actually super excited for the chapter AFTER this one, so you can expect it tomorrow…. I think. Gwen is still absolutely nowhere. This has gone past a visit to her father's grave. Maybe she became a druid or something, dunno. That or she's just wandering in some random field of flowers for days on end. Anyways, I do not own BBC or it's characters. I say this somewhat sadly. Thanks for the reviews, I'm loving them! :-)