A/N: Fun fact- last chapter was actually slightly longer than its predecessors, it only seemed shorter ;)
Another thing that will be covered outside of this fic- Ardale's future (though there will likely be huge hints at the end of this fic).
Also, 655 reviews! :D
Technically this one should be part of Passing the Time but I figured there would be objections if I skipped it here.
Thinking about going back and sticking the PtT chapters back into this piece anyway
The crowd had exploded with boos and cheers as the official delivered a speech about the final event the next day but for Merlin and Arthur it was just the two of them, clinging to each other as they made a hasty exit. Ardale was waiting on the other side of the gate and, upon seeing them, swept his own cloak onto Merlin's shoulders with the hood obscuring his tear-streaked face. Arthur spared him a grateful glance before refocusing on his brother.
They made the return trip as quickly as possible, the prince spiriting his servant up to their room before requesting a light dinner be sent to them there. The blond pushed his counterpart so he sat on one of the cots while Arthur pulled his own close and sat facing the younger man.
Merlin had long since stopped crying, but was now staring sadly into space. He only looked up for a moment when Arthur put comforting hands on his shoulders.
"Merlin, talk to me." The warlock shifted uncomfortably under the attention, clearly not willing to speak. "Alright, then I'll talk." The knight rose and paced a bit in the small space between beds, "I was 11 when I first killed a man." Merlin's head jerked up at the pronouncement. "My father took me on a raid with him. It was a druid- not much older than myself. He- he didn't even have a weapon." The warrior exhaled heavily, running shaky hands through his hair.
"None of them even fought back- there was no danger to any member of our party- but I still killed him just to please my father. I will never, ever forget the look on that boy's face. Don't even know his name but I will always remember his eyes as- as the light just..." he rubbed his face and sat back down on the cot. Merlin was watching him intently.
"What I'm trying to say is- well, sometimes things happen that we can never forget and maybe we can never forgive ourselves for doing them- but Merlin, this wasn't your fault. It was what he wanted and he would have found a way despite your feelings or attempts to help him. There was nothing you could have done..." dark brows remained furrowed. "I'm not doing very well with this, am I? Look-"
Merlin launched himself at Arthur, awkwardly hugging him under one arm and over the opposite shoulder.
Little more than a week ago this would've been unnatural, even inconceivable, between them. Now they simply sat in silence, arms around each other providing mutual comfort. It wasn't until quite some time later that Merlin spoke.
"It's not that I- I've killed before, Arthur. More than you know. It's just... I'm supposed to help these people and then I- and he was innocent...
"Look at me, Merlin," blue eyes locked on, "the only person who expects you to work miracles is yourself." The warlock scoffed. "Fine, the only person who has a right to expect things of you is yourself... and me, of course," he ruffled the younger man's hair and smirked, puffing out his chest.
The last bit of tension drained from Merlin's shoulders and he smiled. "Thanks, Arthur."
The prince nodded, then stood abruptly. "Well, let's enjoy our supper before it gets any colder."
The servant chuckled and, with a whispered word, brought the food back to temperature. The royal grinned approvingly and they both tucked into their meal.
"So, are you going to tell me what this final round nonsense is all about?"
Merlin dropped his spoon in surprise at the sudden question. "Ah, well, I don't really know... just a hunch, really..."
"Merlin"
"Just... trust me. It'll work out better if you don't know." Arthur glared at him. "Your reaction needs to be natural! If it's what I think it is then my plan will work and we'll be able to escape with a minimum of people chasing after us."
The prince's expression soured further, then he sighed. "I don't like it, but I do trust you, Merlin. Just promise me you'll be safe."
The warlock chuckled darkly, "No one will even lay a hand on me."
