A/N: I had intended for this to be the last chapter but it went for too long and as I hadn't finished it, it would be several more days before I could upload. As a result I decided to end this chapter where I have. The good news about that is the next chapter should be uploaded by the weekend as I've already written half of it. So this is now the second last chapter. I'm sorry it's taken me longer than usual to upload. I always find it really hard to write when I come to the end of a story. It seems to take me twice as long. I think this is because I want the ending to do justice to the story.

Thank you for all the reviews to date! I never for a moment thought this story would become as popular as it has done, neither had I thought it would go this long! I think it is now over 180,000 words! That's like writing a saga. Hmm, maybe this has become a saga?

That said, enjoy the next chapter of this saga of mine!

Chapter 25.

It was a relief to see Merlin awake, though the young man still looked far too pale. It had been an anxious two day wait, a wait Percival could have done without. It had shaken him to his core when he had found Merlin's crumpled body on the floor of Arthur's room. Merlin was the only sane thing in his life since his memories had returned.

He would find himself reflecting for many hours on that other life. The memories would return as if wanting to be remembered and lived once again. Some memories hurt, but there were many others that filled him with a happiness and richness he had yet to experience this lifetime. Once he had known love, married and had children of his own. And Merlin had always been there, just as he should now. A life without Merlin in it was inconceivable to him. Merlin's face, the last thing he had seen, when he died. It had been comforting, fitting somehow, that Merlin held him; his lifelong friend. Seeing Merlin on the brink of death left a horrible ache in his heart.

"Merlin will pull through," Lancelot had reassured him, "He is strong."

Yes, and far stronger than anyone here would ever know other than Gwen. And none of them had seen Merlin broken, but he had. A man, after all, could only endure so much. Merlin had his limits.

He had taken Arthur's death hard, locked himself in his room for many days until Gwen had convinced him that he needed to return to the land of the living. In those earlier days Merlin rarely smiled anymore. But then none of them had. There hadn't been much to smile about. Those days had been dark. So much loss and too much grief, it had taken years for Camelot to rebuild itself.

Then there was all the fear, doubt and hate Merlin had to put up with once they all discovered he was a sorcerer.

Merlin stood pale and thin in front of the court as the battle raged on what should be done about him? The elder men were set in their ways and beliefs, still withheld Uther's bigoted views on magic.

"The laws regarding magic have not changed. Merlin is a sorcerer and should be judged accordingly."

"He should be burnt at the stake," another had yelled.

It made Percival feel sick in the stomach.

"Without Merlin would any of us still be here to argue this?" Gwen threw back in their faces.

He couldn't help but to admire her. Her face was pale, drawn and she looked to have lost weight, but she still held her head high.

"It's time the laws changed."

Leon gave his testimony, spoke of Merlin's courage, the many times he had saved their lives and that he himself had only survived as a result of magic; magic the druids had used on him.

"Why would the druids want to save a knight's life when all we have done is persecute them for the last thirty years?" he had said before the whole court, "Does not those actions speak of people with good intentions in their hearts, compassionate, kind. They showed me mercy when we had given them none."

His words echoed loud and clear, holding a startling truth that none could deny.

"What's not to say he had planned for the King to die in the manner that he did all along?" one of the court members protested.

"Why would a man most loyal to King Arthur want him dead?" Leon returned.

The debate continued for many days, taking its toll on all of them but especially Merlin, who was too fragile at the moment. It had only been a month since Arthur's death and Gwaine's, none of them had recovered from it yet. It was like a heavy black cloud had descended upon Camelot.

Behind closed doors in the council chambers, privy only to a selected few, they all regrouped; Gwen, Leon, Gaius, Merlin and himself. Merlin sat, legs drawn up, biting his thumbnail. Leon had poured himself a drink. Gauis stood, quietly contemplating and Gwen was pacing. There was a long lengthy silence.

"Maybe I should leave," Merlin spoke, breaking the gloomy silence.

Percival straightened up in his chair, shocked. "No!"

His voice louder than he had intended, and the cup halfway to Leon's mouth froze.

Gwen turned to Merlin suddenly. "You cannot leave us Merlin," she exclaimed. "We have lost far too much already, you are one of us. You belong in Camelot."

Percival heard the desperation in her voice. "You know A-Arthur ..." her voice broke off there, and she began to sway unsteadily on her feet.

Merlin was up and out of that chair before Percival had even blinked. He took hold of Gwen and gently lowered her into the chair he'd just vacated.

"You see what this is doing to you Gwen," he murmured bitterly.

A slow tired smile crossed her face. "It's not that Merlin. I just need something to eat."

She then took Merlin's hand, placing it across her lower abdomen. Percival watched as Merlin's eyes widened in shock.

"Y-You're ..." he began, but words seemed to fail him.

"Yes," Gwen whispered.

A smile crossed Merlin's thin face, the first Percival had seen in a long while.

"I'm carrying Arthur's child."

Merlin's eyes grew bright with unshed tears.

"Soon you'll have another prat to put in its place," she lightly quipped.

She placed her hand over Merlin's. "Just as much as Arthur needed you Merlin, so will this child."

Merlin blinked the tears away. Percival was still reeling from the news, but the heaviness that had resided in his heart lifted just a fraction.

"What would Arthur say if you were to leave?" Gwen continued.

A thoughtful look crossed Merlin's face as his eyes met with Gwen's. "You're the bravest man I know. I never took you to be a coward."

Gwen's smile widened. Merlin took a deep breath.

"I will never leave, we can fight this and we can win."

Merlin strode back into the court room with purpose and renewed strength. And there in the small corner of the castle, a little ray of hope began to grow.

Percival hadn't been able to bring himself to visit Merlin in his unconscious state. It wasn't right to see the young man in that condition. It worried him, though he kept his thoughts to himself. The others wouldn't understand. The Merlin he had come to know in that other lifetime wasn't the gangly bumbling idiot Arthur believed him to be, though he was aware that Merlin meant far more to Arthur than he would let anyone know.

Arthur's attachment to the young man had bemused and touched him. They often squabbled like brothers had a tendency to do, Percival would know, he had had three brothers. Arthur was the typical older brother, bossy and always ordering Merlin about. Often taking his frustrations out on the young man, but also confiding in Merlin when he thought no one else was around to see. When Merlin went missing the King was relentless in his search for him. Percival would often notice the pained, worried shadows in his eyes and he had come to the conclusion that Merlin meant a hell of a lot to him. At that time he couldn't quite understand it. Sure everybody liked Merlin. Most the knights were fond of him and quietly admired the gangly young man. He was brave, always by Arthur's side and had a mischievous sense of humour. Often making some cheeky remark to Arthur that would have the rest of them quietly sniggering. They would wait with baited breath as to how much Merlin could say and get away with before Arthur would lose it. Sometimes they even had bets running, always instigated by Gwaine.

Percival had the sneaking suspicion that Gwaine would put Merlin up to it. He'd sometimes see Gwaine whisper a word into Merlin's ear followed by a big grin crossing Merlin's face.

Those days and those memories would bring a smile to Percival's face. After Arthur had died he had in many ways taken on the role of looking out for Merlin. No one dared insult the young man in front of him. They were a tight knit group now, just Leon, Merlin and himself were all that was left from the original Knights of the Round Table. Although Merlin wasn't technically speaking a knight, he was still one in body and spirit as far as Percival was concerned.

Since the memories had returned Percival hadn't had much of a chance to talk to Merlin on his own, not with Arthur constantly by his side. Though during their many conversations in the recreation room with Arthur, Gwaine and Lancelot, he would find his eyes resting on Merlin and those other memories from that other time would resurface. What had happened to Merlin after Camelot fell? The man had experienced so many losses and grief, Percival couldn't begin to imagine it. Despite Merlin's cheerful manner he often glimpsed the haunted look in his eyes. Sometimes their eyes would meet, and they would exchange a shared understanding. There had been plenty of times, and lived experiences when it was just the two of them.

When Gwaine informed him that Merlin had woken up, such was his relief, that he had to quickly avert his face from Gwaine's to wipe away the single tear that slid down his cheek. Thank god, he inwardly murmured.

When he walked into Merlin's room just after lunch, Merlin smiled warmly and quipped.

"Don't tell me, you're going to kill me too?"

Percival shook his head. "No, I already know how futile it is to tell you what to do."

He sat down in the chair by Merlin's bed, his eyes resting on his face.

"Just don't scare me like that again," he continued. "Life without you in it Merlin ... wouldn't be the same."

Merlin appeared touched by his words. "I remember you saying that to me before, long ago."

He smiled. "We fought many battles then and not just physical ones."

Arthur really didn't mean to eavesdrop. But he couldn't help himself. He was just about to walk into Merlin's room when he saw Percival sitting at his bedside. He didn't know why he just didn't announce he was there, but they both looked engaged in a serious conversation. So he stepped back, was about to head to his room when he heard the words, 'so many years it took for them to accept you.' Percival had spoken them and Arthur's curiosity was aroused.

They were talking about the past. Merlin had answered any and every question he'd asked, but somehow it was different when hearing two people, who had lived then, discussing it.

There was a look of deep kinship between the two. Arthur had seen it before, choosing to ignore the funny fluttering in his stomach. It kind of sucked dying early on in the picture, then listening to people who had lived on talking about a time he wasn't there. It was probably the hardest thing he had found to deal with since the memories had returned.

The many questions that had plagued him over the last month came back. Why were they really all here again? What did the future that looked so uncertain at present, hold for them? Would he ever get to be with Gwen? Would Merlin always be by his side? How long would they live this time around? Was there another war to come, one where he was to play a large part in? They did, ironically, all happen to be in the Army. Then there was the Pendragon Industries he was supposed to, one day, takeover from his father. Hell would freeze over before he did. He wanted no part of it.

He certainly wasn't as naive or trusting as he had been in the previous life. But he was just as bound by what was expected of him, especially that of his father. He was still fuming about it. Upset with Gwen for giving her word to his father. He hadn't even told Merlin about it yet. Maybe Gwen had?

"Penny for your thoughts Arthur?" a voice asked.

He blinked and looked up at Percival. Seemed he was caught. He felt his cheeks redden.

"I was just ... thinking."

"No good can come of that Arthur," Merlin cheekily quipped from his bed.

Well it looked as if Merlin's sense of humour had returned, Arthur dryly mused.

Percival smiled, patted him on the shoulder. "He's all yours."

Percival moved on and Arthur entered Merlin's room, glad to finally be able to sit down. It was a major pain in the ass getting around on crutches. He still had months of it too, hopefully not eight like the doctors had grimly predicted. Maybe Merlin's magic might have sped the process up?

He glanced at Merlin. "You two looked cosy," he said, noticing the hint of jealousy in his voice and cursing it.

Merlin must have also noticed given the slight puzzled frown denting his forehead.

"We had a lot to talk about," he slowly replied, "Are you jealous Arthur?"

"Don't be absurd Merlin," he scoffed.

But he could tell Merlin didn't believe him.

He sighed. "Alright then, maybe I do resent that he got to spend 30 odd years with you, and you both obviously became mates in that time, raised my kid I never got to meet, and probably had many adventures along the way, like the ones you and I had ..."

"Not quite," Merlin interrupted, "Like what you and I had."

He saw the brief flicker of pain in Merlin's eyes. Arthur felt stupid now for his outburst. It was hardly fair of him to be ranting like this when Merlin still looked like death warmed up.

"Nothing replaced what you and I had," he continued making him feel even worse.

He shook his head. "I'm just being an idiot."

Merlin slowly smiled. "What you? Never."

He felt a smile tug at the corners of his mouth. But the smile left his face as he watched Merlin struggle into a sitting position and he silently fumed. Merlin, the real idiot here, wasn't moving with the same freedom he had before casting that spell on his leg. Though it had only been one day since he had regained consciousness.

Merlin reached for the glass of water on his bedside table.

"You see," Arthur couldn't help pointing out, "You shouldn't have cast that spell on my leg."

"I'll be fine in a few days," he returned with a dismissive wave of his hand.

Not the answer Arthur wanted to hear. He noticed the way Merlin's hand shook when he held the glass of water to his lips.

"You're not immortal anymore Merlin?"

Merlin gave him a relieved look. "Yeah and I'm really glad about that too."

Morgana's words from last night suddenly came back to mind, 'He said he was cursed, said there were times he wanted to die, so many times he wished he'd done things differently.'

Arthur swallowed. It was pointless to press Merlin though. Merlin would only ever discuss what he felt he should. As much as it frustrated Arthur, he also came to the conclusion; that's just who Merlin was. He never put himself first, was reluctant to talk much about himself either.

Arthur wasn't the best with handling emotions as it were, even though he found himself wanting to get inside Merlin's head so he could figure him out.

If he thought deeply enough about it, what he wanted was total honesty from Merlin now. There had been too many lies and too many wasted years. It still left an empty feeling in the pit of Arthur's stomach. It had nothing to do with trust, he'd trust Merlin with ... well everything. No it was more to do with the fact that Merlin didn't open himself up to him in the way Arthur wanted. Not that he blamed the young man. No doubt all those years of old habits were hard to break. In as many ways, Merlin had also erected a wall around his heart, much like Gwen, only his was well hidden. It was still there all the same. Arthur wanted to tear it down.

"You never did like to discuss you Merlin," he blurted out.

Merlin appeared, momentarily, startled by those words before replying. "I never could."

Arthur shook his head. "There were times," he began, "I think you could have told me." His voice cracked on the last few words.

"There were so many times when I wanted too," the young man softly returned.

He tried to fight back the many turbulent emotions swirling through him. "I wished you had."

"So do I," Merlin admitted.

Again those unspoken words, so many times I wished I had done things differently, hung in the space between them. A long, awkward silence followed, whereas Arthur began inspecting his fingernails as a means of distraction, ignoring the painful thud of his heart.

"Alright Arthur, spit it out," Merlin spoke at length.

He took a deep breath. "I just don't get it Merlin," he muttered, "In all those years you never sought any credit. You were always there for me, but I was never there for you, and when I tried you actually never let me. All the times I asked you what was wrong, you never once were honest, or felt you could be honest with me." He raked a hand through his hair, as emotion got the better of him. "It's like I never knew the real you, and I'm not just talking about you having magic, I'm talking about YOU Merlin, the real you, who you are inside."

He swallowed the lump in his throat and raised his eyes to Merlin's expecting some kind of brush over, a joke of sorts, but not the hint of tears in his eyes. It made him swear under his breath wishing he'd kept his fat mouth shut.

"The heart is sometimes a fragile thing Arthur. It has to be safeguarded."

These were words he understood but it still hurt to hear. Is that what Merlin was doing in that time? Safeguarding his heart?

"It's like the longer you keep a secret," he slowly began with a deep sigh, "The longer you hide who you really are; the harder it is to ... be you. I kind of forgot along the way. I kind of lost part of myself, forgot what I once was, a boy full of hope and optimism. You get jaded Arthur. The burden of trying to fulfill my so called destiny weighted me down. And then I failed in the end anyway, and afterwards all I could think of 'what was the point of it all?'

Arthur was sorry he had asked now. Hated seeing the pain in Merlin's eyes, knowing he had put it there. Raising a hand he lightly squeezed Merlin's thin shoulder. Merlin blinked back tears.

"Things are going to be different this time around," he stated, "It isn't just about me and you always saving my ass, this friendship goes both ways."

A slow tentative smile crossed Merlin's face. "Yeah I like the sounds of that."

"So you don't shut me out anymore," he continued. "If you're pissed at me then you tell me."

"Well I always have done that Arthur," Merlin quipped.

True, Arthur mused, "But you don't when you hurt Merlin."

Merlin grimaced. "That might take me a while, not use to that."

"Well get use to it," he muttered gruffly.

"Yes Sire," he returned with a mock salute.

Arthur shook his head.

"It's Sir, not Sire you idiot, besides I'm not exactly the same person as I was then," he continued.

"I know. You're not such a dollop head now."

He let out a brief laugh. "You really don't change Merlin."

"No, you'd get bored."

He leant forward in his seat and stared at Merlin intently. What he began to realize then and there, that despite Merlin being a so called powerful sorcerer, despite he'd lived so long, Merlin beneath it all was really kind of vulnerable; still very much the boy with a need for acceptance.

"I tell what will change though," he began, "You," he continued, pointing a finger at him, "Will never lie again and not use any magic spells to fix me till you're better."

"What about the burns to your legs, if I don't heal them soon it'll be too late for me to do so."

Arthur could hardly believe his ears. Did Merlin never listen? He glared at him.

"So, they are just burns Merlin."

"There third degree burns Arthur," he glibly pointed out.

"Really," he drawled sarcastically, feeling his patience slip, "I hadn't noticed."

Merlin appeared taken back for a moment.

"You, have to start thinking about you and not do anything stupid."

"You're beginning to sound like Gaius," he grumbled.

"Yeah well I'm beginning to understand Gaius' frustrations," he muttered. "And there is no need for you to use magic right now. We are not living in a world full of sorcerers with evil intentions ..."

"You sure about that?" Merlin quipped.

Times like this Arthur had to resist the urge to throw something at him.

"Maybe not sorcerers but definitely people with evil intentions," he continued.

He had a point; like his father for instance.

"Gwen rang me this morning and told me all about it," he spoke as if having read his mind.

Arthur let out a bitter sigh. "When you are better Merlin, I'll have no qualms about you using magic on him."

"I already did in that other lifetime."

He sat up straight and looked at him. "You mean when you tried to heal him?"

"Which would have worked, but unknown to me Morgana had given Agravaine an enchanted necklace that would kill him quicker once anyone used magic, but that is not what I'm talking about Arthur."

Arthur was confused.

"Your father was going to kill you, remember, when you accidentally brought his ghost back?"

He remembered the moment, 'Then you will have to kill me. I am not you, Father. I can't rule the way you did.'

'Camelot must come before all else. Even you.'

Nothing had changed, he bitterly thought. Whatever happened next he couldn't recall and glanced at Merlin for answers.

"I told him to get away from you. He'd caused enough harm. You're father told me this was his kingdom, that I couldn't drive him from it. I was nothing more than a serving boy."

Just how many telling conversations had Merlin had with him being unconscious?

"I told him, I am much more than that," Merlin continued. "Once he realised I had magic his fury was unstoppable and I think you remember the rest Arthur."

He did. His father looming over Merlin, Merlin trapped by a spear either side of him, 'It'll give me great pleasure killing you.'

Those words had chilled him as much as it had broken his heart. 'Father!'

'Arthur! No! Please. Whatever I've done, I have done for Camelot.'

'You've had your turn. Now it's mine.'

Arthur had sent her a text that morning to let her know Merlin was awake. The first thing Gwen did was call him. She needed the reassurance of hearing Merlin's voice for herself before driving the one hour journey to the hospital.

She had probably had the worst night sleep ever, worried sick about Merlin's condition and then there had been the whole horrible, ugly confrontation with Uther. It had left her shaken far more than she had admitted to Arthur. At that time she had been more worried about Arthur, wanting to protect him.

Soon as she heard Merlin's voice, tears of relief filled her eyes. Then she began blurting out everything that happened. Uther had threatened Arthur. Uther had found some way to have her posting at Camp Bastion extended, and on and on she went.

Poor Merlin. He always had copped the brunt of her exasperation's, frustrations and pain. Forty years of sharing everything with him made it all far too easy to do so. He was every bit her confidante, of the male kind.

After hanging up and telling Merlin she would be in to see him soon, Gwen spent the next half an hour fussing over her appearance. Trying to cover up the dark rings under her eyes with foundation, her thoughts drifting to Arthur.

Watching Arthur stand up to his father the other day had filled her with a sense of satisfaction, soon followed by dread. She had no qualms about Uther following through on his threats.

She had felt sorry for Arthur. Least her parents had loved her, they were sane. And it seemed they had to; once again, hide their feelings for each other. Nothing had changed! The thought of Uther extending her time at Camp Bastion had infuriated her. She would be far away from everyone she cared about. She didn't know how she was going to bear it? She had even lain in bed last night considering going AWOL. After all what was the worst thing that could possibly happen to her if she did? A lot in fact, and she soon dismissed the idea. Like it or lump it she had no choice but to serve her time in the Army. Her, and Arthur were merely puppets on Uther's string. Not only that, but she had given the insufferable man her word! The look on Arthur's face still haunted her.

She could only hope Uther would drop dead from a heart attack or something and soon. She felt no remorse at those thoughts. The sooner Uther was out of their lives the better. They wouldn't be free until he was.

When Gwen entered Merlin's room, anxious to see him because Merlin would know what to do, she was startled to see Arthur there. He appeared as equally surprised. Her eyes drank in the sight of him. He looked as haggard as she felt. Then she realised Merlin wasn't there and her heart leapt into her throat.

"Where's Merlin?"

"He had to go have some scan of his head."

Gwen's lips twitched at his choice of words. "He's alright though?"

Arthur nodded, looking very much like a small boy, lost and unsure. Her heart went out to him. Would she never stop loving this man?

They stood for a long silent moment staring at each other. Her heart thumping in her chest at the mere sight of him, and it had been incredibly hard to stay away from him the last two days. Judging by the expression in his eyes, he felt exactly the same way. This had to be the epitome of self inflicted torture.

"Guinevere," he murmured.

He barely called her that now. It broke what little resolve she had. "Arthur," she sighed.

Before she knew it, Gwen found herself in his arms. His lips were upon hers, filled with desperation and need. Time hung suspended as his lips roamed hers.

Finally they broke apart. With a heartsick moan Gwen buried her face against his throat. And as unwise as she knew it was, nothing could have prevented the words from pouring out. "It hurts so much loving you! Because nothing has changed."

"I'm sorry, I'm so sorry," he murmured, his hands cupping her face, the kisses he scattered over her face were feverish, moist and filled with longing.

Her heart couldn't keep taking this. But she was loath to let him go. She wanted him, and badly. They had been separated for so many many years. Even after his death she had never forgotten him. She doubted she ever would.

His hands were in her hair now, toying with the errant strands. The warmth in his eyes making her toes curl.

"You know I think I prefer it shorter, I kind of like the way the curls wrap themselves around my fingers," he said, voice husky.

She snuggled into him. "Kind of like the jeans too," he whispered in her ear.

"So do I."

"You have a sexy ass."

"That's not why I wear them."

"Don't go killing my fantasies Gwen."

She couldn't help the laughter bubbling up in her throat.

"I've always been a bit of a tomboy actually."

The warmth in his eyes entirely her undoing as her fingers lovingly caressed his face.

"I think my mother despaired I'd ever be a lady," she continued, voice husky.

"You are definitely a lady," his thumb brushing against her lips. "And a very sexy tomboy at that," he murmured his breath warm against her mouth.

"A sexy tomboy," she lightly quipped.

He pulled her tighter to himself. "My sexy tomboy," his breath hot against the curls that encircled her neck, this man was playing havoc with her heart and totally unaware of it.

"My Guinevere," he murmured.

She shut her eyes as his lips rained kisses down her neck to her shoulders before his lips claimed hers. So immersed in that kiss neither of them heard anyone approach.

"Oh that is disgusting." Came a voice and they broke apart so quickly, Arthur very nearly fell over.

Probably would have if Gwen didn't grab him.

He glared down at Merlin, who was grinning with amusement.

"You making out in my room now?" he continued, "You even scared the poor nurse away."

For a moment Arthur's voice got stuck in his throat.

"She took one look at the two of you snogging and ran out the room." His smiled widened. "Screaming I might add."

Arthur clenched his jaw and shook his head. "As always Merlin, your timing is impeccable."

Gwen chuckled beside him and went to hug Merlin. "Thank god you're alright," she breathed and ruffled his hair, the smile left her face and was replaced with a frown. "Merlin, when was the last time you combed your hair?"

"I've only been unconscious for two days," he protested in his defense.

Gwen raised a skeptical eyebrow, "Before then?"

He opened his mouth, frowned in thought, shutting his mouth.

"Figures," Gwen muttered with a shake of her head, and moving to his bedside locker she pulled a comb out of the top drawer.

She handed Merlin the comb. He stared down at it as if it was about to bite.

"What?!" He glanced up at her gobsmacked, "Now?"

Arthur was beginning to find the whole moment sort of amusing. He sat down in the chair, his leg was beginning to ache and his underarms were rubbed raw from those damn crutches.

"I don't think I can," Merlin continued stubbornly, "I'm not feeling up to it."

Gwen gave him a patient look. "Fine, I'll do it for you."

"No," he squeaked, "Leave it be ... Gwen."

However, Gwen wouldn't take no for an answer. Merlin began to squirm in discomfort as she pulled the comb through his hair. Arthur couldn't stop the wide grin crossing his face.

"Ouch! That hurts," Merlin whined.

"That's because it's full on knots."

"C'mon Merlin, stop being such a girl," Arthur chimed in.

Merlin glared at him.

Arthur watched with amusement as Gwen continued to fuss over Merlin and the somewhat perturbed expression on the young man's face. Gwen had now insisted that he should be wearing a jacket, it was cold. Then she went on about how he needed to eat better. After a time Merlin shot him an imploring look as if to say, can you not to do something about her?

She really tended to mother him. It was kind of enduring. She would make a good mother one day, then it suddenly dawned on him; she was one once.

"Why don't I just slip out the room again," Merlin suggested, "leave the two of you to continue doing whatever it was you were doing before."

Arthur was in total agreement.

"But I'm not supposed to," she began hesitatingly. "I gave my word."

"Technically speaking Gwen," he pointed out, "You are not really breaking your word if you decide to visit Merlin and I just happen to be here."

A slow, bemused smile crossed her face. She glanced at Merlin, bit down on her lip. "He looks tired though and he should be in bed."

Arthur inwardly sighed but when he glanced at Merlin he had to accede she was right. Merlin looked exhausted. He wasn't protesting either, a clear sign he was feeling as haggard as he looked.

"Yeah, I think you're right," he agreed. "Merlin, off to bed at once."

He could help adding that part. Merlin merely rolled his eyes and snorted. But the pallor of his skin was beginning to concern him, doubled by the fact that he wasn't coming back with a witty retort either.

Gwen helped him out of the wheelchair and on to the bed. Even that seemed an effort for the young man. Arthur refrained from saying anything. He felt a tightness coil in his stomach. It just wasn't right and it wasn't fair.

Morgana walked into the room just as Gwen had Merlin settled into bed. She stood there looking apprehensive as her eyes swept from him, Gwen and Merlin. She smiled warmly at Merlin, took the few steps to his bedside, a brown paper bag in her hand with the distinctive MacDonald's logo on it.

"Merlin," she spoke, holding out the bag to him. "I just thought you might be sick of hospital food. And you need fattening up."

Merlin appeared touched by her thoughtfulness. "Thanks," he stammered, taking the paper bag from her.

Why was it that everyone felt compelled to fuss over Merlin?

"Um, don't mind me, I'll be fine, I'll just sit here, don't think about buying me any MacDonald's, even though I've lived on nothing but hospital food as well for the last month."

"I think his royal highness has just spoken," Merlin lightly quipped.

"It's not as if you need fattening up Arthur," Morgana remarked. "In fact you should probably start watching what you eat," she continued with a sly grin, "you won't be able to exercise for months to burn off the calories."

He felt like wiping the teasing smirk from her face. Then she had the audacity to stroll over to him, bend down and pinch his waist.

"You don't want to end up with love handles."

He smacked her hand away annoyed. He looked up in time to notice the hint of amusement in Gwen's eyes and scowled.

Morgana straightened up and also looked in Gwen's direction. Arthur noticed the sudden apprehension steal over Gwen's face. Then much to his astonishment Morgana went up to Gwen and pulled her into a warm embrace.

"I'm sorry," she murmured, "For what I did to you."

Gwen blinked stunned, before her arms also went around Morgana. The two young women held each other for what seemed like ages, laughing and crying. Arthur felt amazingly happy, like everything was right again, well almost right. He looked at Merlin and saw the warm, happy smile on his face, despite his tiredness. And he really was beginning to look wearier by the minute.

"We should go and leave you in peace Merlin," he said to him.

"No, don't, please, I want you to stay. I'll sleep either way. It's comforting to have you all here."

Of course, he understood. Merlin had spent far too many years alone. He didn't want to be alone any longer.

They discussed his father, what they were going to do about him. Morgana was sure she could dig up some dirt on him. Only it would have to wait till she next had R&R. She was also due to fly back out to Camp Bastion in a week's time. Arthur could scarcely believe she was now his ally. It was going to be so quiet when they all left. The thought of not seeing Gwen for months still left a bitter taste in his mouth.

At least he would have Merlin. He glanced at him. Merlin, unnoticed by them, had fallen fast asleep. His eyelashes flickered darkly against the pallor of his skin. His breathing however was steady and even. He looked not much more than a boy, so innocent. It still amazed Arthur that someone like Merlin could be a sorcerer, and a powerful one at that. To him Merlin was just Merlin, more human than anyone else he knew; unabatedly loyal.

Gwen and Morgana had stopped chatting and were also gazing down at Merlin. There was no need for words, judging by the expression on everyone's face they were thinking the same thing as him.

Morgana stepped closer to Merlin's bed, brushing a dark lock of hair from his forehead she murmured, "We are only all here because of Merlin."

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A/N: Thanks for reading. As I hadn't planned to end the chapter here, as mentioned at the beginning, I feel it's a bit sort of rushed. But this chapter has taken me soooo long to write I just wanted to put it out there.

The next chapter will be the last one but I've set it up in a way that a sequel can follow. I know the action is moving really slowly, but as it's all about everyone remembering it's kind of hard to write it any other way.

Please review. I always love the feedback.