Disclaimer: As usual, I own nothing related to Merlin or any of the songs that Laya might sing in the chapter. The song is the Glee version of "A Thousand Years" originally by Christina Perri. Just like previously, the usual bold is Laya, the straight is Arthur and the bold italics is them both. I hope you enjoy this chapter.

Also...I'm sorry.

Merlin ran down to the caves where the Great Dragon was held and waited for him to make his appearance. He didn't have to wait to long until he heard the roar and the sound of wings.

"Young Warlock, you have arrived." He said, landing on his perch.

"Yep. You wanted to see me about something?" Merlin replied, sitting down. The look in the dragon's eyes told him that it was going to be a bit of a long visit.

"I did. It involves Laya." Merlin felt himself tense up slightly at those words.

"I have thought about your riddle and no matter how I try and think of other ways to send her back...I just can't do it...She has to die...doesn't she?"

"Yes, but she will not really be dying." The dragon said, a softness in his tone. "She'll just be going back to her own time."

"Yes, but here she will be dead. Not to mention that because she was brought her by some sort of magic, everything she has done here will be forgotten..." Merlin hung his head.

"Indeed. It will be as it should. She was not meant to come here but she appeared and nothing can change that." He replied. "Only those possessing magic will remember her and her time here."

"Everything will go back to the way it was before...it will be forgotten." Merlin whispered, tears pricking the corners of his eyes.

"Yes, but there will be a time of reunions and remembrance." The dragon said, gently patting Merlin with his claw. "But that is not why I have summoned you here."

Merlin looked at him. "Then what is it?"

"You have a quest." The dragon said.

"A quest?" he repeated. "What quest?"

Laya gave Gaius the things he needed and then went in search of Merlin. After wandering the castle grounds for hours she headed back and along the way she found Arthur.

"Sire, have you seen Merlin?" she asked.

"He left awhile ago. Apparently, he was sent on a quest." Arthur said.

"A quest. By who?" she asked then stopped. "Never mind...I think I know."

"I asked him how long it was going to take but he ran off." Arthur huffed.

"Oh...I don't think it'll be long...I can do his chores and such in his place." She nodded.

"Well, thank you, that would be nice." Arthur said. "Now, let's change the topic. Father has informed me that you are performing again at the ball tonight."

She nodded. "Yes, oh crap. Merlin usually accompanies me to these things..."

"I've already discussed that with my father. I shall be accompanying you and Gwaine will be in the ballroom for protection."

"Wow. That's really nice of you." She said, smiling.

He linked their arms together as he led her back up to the castle. "Part of being the prince is taking care of all of my subjects...even the ones who aren't meant to be here."
She stood on her tip toes and kissed his cheek. "Then make me a promise. When I go back home...Take care of Merlin."

"I think we both know that Merlin takes care of me." Arthur mused. "But something tells me that's not what you meant."

She nodded as they entered his chambers and closed the door. "I was referring to the fact that you love him and have a way of screwing up when you talk to him about things."

He nodded. "I do need to work on that. I still can't figure out why he was so mad in Ealdor."

"It took him a week to speak to you pretty much. You see, he's afraid then when I leave...everything is going to be forgotten." She said, sitting on his bed.

"Wouldn't that be a good thing though?" He asked, leaning on his table. "It would be like nothing ever changed."

"Okay, think about what you just said." She said, leaning back a bit.

It took him a few moments before he spoke again. "I don't get it."

Laya sighed. "Forgetting everything. Tell me something, do you think you could forget the first time you and Merlin kissed."

"It hasn't happened...well nothing more then a few pecks here and there." He said, clearing his throat.

She watched him. "You know why he got upset? He's afraid of you forgetting that you love him."
Arthur's hand slipped off the table. "What?"

"You really are an idiot." She huffed.

"But...I loved him since before you appeared." He said, looking her straight in the eye. "I could never forget that. Not ever."

"Well, you have to let him know that." She said softly.

"How?" He asked, running his hands through his hair. "Who knows when he'll be back."

"I have an idea." She said. "But it'll take a bit...depending on your memory."

"My memory?" He asked.

She nodded. "Something I've learned about Merlin since I've been here is that he loves the music from my time. He also set a spell in place that will let me sing without people realizing that they're from my time."

Arthur nodded. "I figured as much."

"What do you mean?" She asked, standing.

"You're telling me you can speak another language?" He said with a smirk.

"Actually, yes. I can speak one other language fluently and then the others are basic knowledge. I can also speak with my hands."

His jaw dropped slightly. "Right. I forgot that you're weird."

"I might be weird here but back where I am from it's common to know more then one language." She said. "Do you want to reach Merlin or not?"

"Like I previously said, how can it reach him? He's not here." Arthur snapped.

"Easy. With this." She said, showing him the flower broach that she kept at her hip. "We've been using it as a two way connection."

"Can he hear us now?" Arthur asked, looking at it.

"Only when I hold it close to my mouth." She said, shrugging. "So back to the plan. I'm gonna teach you to sing a song from my time. It'll change into a different language."

"Really? You think it'll work?"He asked.

"I think so." She said, leaning back. "But we never know."

"Okay. Well I am your pupil for the time"

She smiled. "I'll get my ipod." She smirked.

Later that night, she was standing with Arthur, waiting to go into the ball and she took a breath. "Ready to tell your father about me teaching you to sing?"

"As I'll ever be." He sighed. "You ready to sing."

"As I'll ever be." She smiled.

He smiled back and he took her arm, leading them into the ballroom. They bowed to the king and then took their respective places.

Dinner was a pleasant affair. Then Uther stood up and announced that it was time for Laya to sing.

She stood up and took her place in the middle of the room, the flower broach close to her chest so that if Merlin could hear her, he could. "Um, sire. If I could, Arthur and I worked on a song together."

"My son?"

"Yes, sir." she nodded. "He approached me, wanting to learn a bit. If you wouldn't mind."

Shocked, Uther nodded and Arthur stood behind the chair where Merlin would sit. Laya smiled at him then turned to Gwaine. It was now or never.

"The day we met,

Frozen, I held my breath

Right from the start

I knew that I found a home for my heart

Hearts beat fast.

Colors and promises.

How to be brave?

How can I love when I'm afraid to fall...

She walked over to Gwaine, taking his hand. They may or may not had planned this.

But watching you stand alone?

All of my doubt

Suddenly goes away somehow.

Arthur smiled and watched them as Gwaine twirled her, his voice soft and fond.

"One step closer"

Gwaine and Laya did a waltz, the world seemingly gone from around them.

"I have died every day waiting for you.

Darling, don't be afraid,

I have loved you for a thousand years

I'll love you for a thousand more."

While the knight and singer were in their own world, Arthur approached them, silently asking for Laya's hand so that Merlin would hear him. Hear that no matter what happened; nothing in all the world would stop him from loving the young wizard.

"Time stands still.

Beauty in all she is."

Arthur looked nervous but all of their practice throughout the day brought them to this. She gave him an encouraging smile and nodded.

"I will be brave

I will not let anything

take away

What's standing in front

of me.

Every breath

Every hour has come to this.

One step closer...

They began to move across the room as they sung together.

"I have died every day

waiting for you.

Darling, don't be afraid.

I have loved you

For a thousand years

I'll love you for a thousand more.

All along I believed I would find you.

Time has brought your heart to me.

I have loved you for a thousand years

I'll love you for a thousand more.

I'll love you

For a thousand more

One step closer

They broke apart and she made her way back to Gwaine, taking his hand once again. This was her confession.

I have died every day

waiting for you.

Darling, don't be afraid.

I have loved you for a thousand years.

Arthur, having returned to his prior spot used the ability that she taught him so that his voice would carry and finished the song with her.

I'll love you for a thousand more.

All along I believed I would find you

Time has brought your heart to me.

I have loved you for a thousand years

I'll love you for a thousand more.

Laya had stopped singing, letting Arthur take the final verse for him to let Merlin how he really felt. They had both agreed that it would mean a lot more for him to hear it face to face but that would have to wait.

I'll love you for a thousand more.

The song ended with Gwaine leading Laya back to her seat and letting her sit down again.

"Arthur, I never knew that you had this talent." Uther said, slightly shocked.

"Honestly, Father, neither did I. Laya came to me saying that she needed a partner and what kind of future king would I be if I turned her down." Arthur said, smiling Laya in a knowing manner.

Uther nodded. "You should accompany her more often."

"I intend to, Father. She has offered to help me learn her craft and I am very willing to learn." He said, nodding.

"It would seem, though, your knight, has seemed to gain her favor over you." Uther said, arching his brow.

Arthur floundered for a moment, only gaining his composure when Morgana kicked him in the shin. "Ow! Oh. Um. Yes, they have come to me with the nature of their relationship and I have approved. Laya, in the short time that she has been here has been nothing more than a little sister to me. I am happy for them."

They smiled, both bowing their heads in respect to Arthur.

"Well, you know, you have to choose a bride sooner or later." Uther said.

"I know, Father." Arthur said, ignoring the question the best that he can.

"Well, just so you remember." He said.

After several more hours of idle conversation they headed out for the night. Gwaine bid them goodnight having to patrol for the night.

Arthur walked Laya back to her room, turning to bid her goodnight when he saw the look on her face.

"Laya, what's the matter?"

"It's n-nothing." She looked at the door. "I-I just haven't slept without Merlin since my coming to Camelot..."

He patted her shoulder. "I'm right down the hall if you need me."

"Thank you." She murmured, bowing slightly before going into the room.

Arthur headed back to his room and had just finished getting changed into his night clothes when he heard a knock on the door. "Enter." He said, after making sure that his breeches were tied properly.

"Sire." Laya said, poking her head in.

"Laya. Is everything alright?" He made his way over to her, concern in his eyes.

"I...I'm fine." She said, softly. "I'm just...lonely."

Arthur visually shrank a bit. "Laya..." He pulled her into his arms, not knowing how to comfort her.

"I miss him." She said into his chest.

"I know, I do too."

He comforted her for a few more moments before sending her back to her room.