This is the last chapter for part 1. It's quite a long chapter but I thought that would be a good place to leave it.

Chapter 45 – Going Home

Merlin opened his eyes and saw the fabric of the tent that sheltered him. For a moment he wondered where he was and then everything came flooding back. He sat up slowly, it was dark but he could see Estra tending a fire nearby, the flames lit up his face as he carefully placed another log on the embers. Merlin tried to stand but his legs were still weak and he groaned. Estra glanced up and hurried across the grass to help him. As they got closer to the fire, Merlin saw Arthur wrapped in blankets fast asleep with his back to the fire.

"How are you feeling?" Estra asked helping Merlin to sit down resting his back against the large log.

"A lot better thank you," Merlin said taking a goblet of water from the elf. Although they were talking quietly Arthur must have heard them.

"Merlin you're awake," he said getting up and moving towards the fire.

"Can't get anything past you," Merlin said grinning. Arthur threw the cushion he had been using as a pillow at Merlin.

"It's good to know that some things haven't changed," Merlin said as the pillow hit him on the head.

"Yeah, you still can't catch," Arthur said sitting down next to him.

"Yeah," Merlin said still smiling and putting the cushion behind his back.

"The juggling, you used magic?" Arthur asked, his eyes widening, he hadn't seen that in the basin but it was the only explanation.

"Ooh you're sharp, careful you don't cut yourself," Merlin said laughing. Arthur picked up a log next to the fire. "You can't throw that, I'm still recovering."

"I'm sure you could catch it if you wanted to," Arthur said throwing the log on the fire.

"Would you like some water Arthur?" Estra asked smiling at him.

"Please," Arthur said taking the goblet Estra offered him.

"Is that soup, I smell?" Merlin asked.

"It is. Would you like some?" he asked.

"Yes please," Merlin said, he was surprised but he actually felt really hungry.

"How are you feeling?" Arthur asked also taking a bowl of soup from Estra.

"Much better now," Merlin said blowing on the spoon to cool the soup. Estra left them to refill the water jug. They ate quietly for a while in comfortable silence.

"It's good to see you've got your appetite back," Arthur said as Merlin put his empty bowl by the fire.

"I know you made me eat and stayed with me Arthur, thank you," Merlin said.

"It was the least I could do after all you have done for me," Arthur said finishing his own soup and putting his bowl next to Merlin's.

"Estra showed you then?" Merlin asked as Estra returned with more water.

"There was not enough time to show him everything," Estra said refilling their goblets, "but I think it was enough."

"I am so sorry Merlin..."

"Arthur you don't have to apologise," Merlin said interrupting him.

"Yes I do, I know I said it before but then I was dying. I now know how much I hurt you and I'm truly sorry. I hope you can forgive me," Arthur said looking straight at Merlin.

"Of course Arthur, I know you never meant to hurt me. You have risked your life for me more than once. I'm not completely stupid, I know we can't really be friends," Merlin said.

"Then you really are an idiot, as far as I'm concerned I couldn't wish for a better friend," Arthur said.

"Does that mean I still get two days off?" Merlin asked.

"Well..." Arthur said.

"You promised," Merlin said.

"That was before I understood exactly what you do," he said grinning.

"Arthur!" Merlin said glaring at him.

"You can't protect me on your days off can you, and I wouldn't want to get in the way of your destiny," he said laughing. Merlin threw the cushion at Arthur, who caught it before it landed in the fire. He put the cushion on the grass next to him and stared at the fire. His thoughts had turned to Morgana and he no longer felt like laughing. "I'm not sure anyone is going to get time off until we have dealt with Morgana."

"Has there been news from Camelot then?" Merlin asked. Estra and Arthur told Merlin what they had heard. He sat quietly staring into the fire, Arthur knew about his magic and had been saved but for how long.

"Her power grows and if she has joined forces with Sigan..." his voice trailed off. What chance did he have against both of them?

"You've defeated them both before," Arthur said as though he had heard Merlin's thoughts.

"Yeah, but their combined power will be far greater than mine," he said glancing at Arthur then back to the fire. "I asked Gaius once what would happen if Morgana became more powerful than me."

"What did he say?" Arthur asked.

"That we should hope it never happens," Merlin replied still staring at the flames.

"You're not alone this time. We will defeat them Merlin, together," Arthur said remembering what Merlin had said to him all those years ago.

"Well it's good to have the support of my king," he replied smiling.

"You two have been through so much and as long as you stay true to each other I believe you will prevail. Throughout the ages Gaya has kept Cate in check because the light is more powerful than the dark. Love is the strongest magic of all and truly can conquer anything," Estra said taking the dirty bowls and putting them in a pile. Merlin yawned.

"You need to sleep," he said looking at Merlin. "You are still weary from your journey. If you can manage to walk I will take you back to the willow tree. It is a place of healing and you will rest better there. Later today you will want to leave for Camelot."

"Can you walk?" Arthur asked as Merlin tried to stand, his legs still felt weak and shaky.

"I think so," Merlin said, Arthur helped him to his feet and with Merlin's arm across his shoulders to support him, they followed Estra through the trees. As they walked Merlin told them what had happened to him on his journey through the veil.

"What happened to the things Bella gave me?" he asked Estra while he rested on a fallen tree.

"I do not know, the White Goddess called us and we found you unconscious by the stone table. You did not have anything with you except what you took when you left us. The veils protect the worlds and perhaps this world is not meant to see such things."

It was almost light when they reached the willow tree as Merlin had needed to rest twice more on the way. Merlin sat on his bed with a sigh, the journey from the circle had tired him more than he expected.

Estra poured some clear liquid into a glass. "It will help you recover your strength," he said passing it to Merlin. Merlin took the potion, expecting it to taste as foul as Gaius's concoctions, but it had no taste at all.

"Thank you," he said passing the empty glass back to Estra and lying back on the bed.

"You should both rest while we make the preparations for your journey back to Camelot," he said leaving the shelter of the tree. Merlin laid back on the bed he felt so much better but he was tired and his whole body still ached.

"Are you alright?" Arthur asked sitting on his own bed.

"Just tired," Merlin said.

"Get some sleep then," Arthur said.

"Careful," Merlin said grinning at him. "You actually sound like you care."

"I do care about you Merlin, but I shall deny I ever said so if you tell anyone."

"Don't worry I'm good at keeping secrets," Merlin said.

"So it would seem," Arthur said and they both laughed.

"How are you feeling?" Merlin asked, remembering that Arthur could hardly walk when he had left him.

"Much better," he said lying back on his bed and watching the sunlight start to play on the leaves. "I did very little but sleep after you left, Estra gave me a sleeping draught and when I woke up the bruising and pain had gone."

"I know Estra showed you some of the things I have done," Merlin said turning on his side to look at Arthur.

"I can't believe I was so blind. You have been helping me all these years and I never once suspected," Arthur said.

"I did do some really stupid things as well and I'm so sorry I could not save your father."

"I saw the amulet, I know what Agravaine did. You tried everything in your power to save him, which is all I could ask for," Arthur said.

"I wonder what is happening in Camelot," Merlin said yawning.

"We will find out soon enough, though it's going to be a long walk," Arthur said, he turned to look at Merlin but Merlin was already asleep. Arthur fell asleep thinking of Guinevere and how it would feel to hold her in his arms once more.

Merlin and Arthur were woken by Estra an hour before noon. Arthur's chainmail and armour had been repaired and cleaned. Merlin helped him put it on, falling into their servant and master roles without thinking. The elves had prepared a meal for them in the clearing by the fire. They had just finished eating when Alba appeared carrying two rough woven grey robes which she carefully placed on the ground near the table.

"You will be pleased to know that your quest was a success and the crystal is recovering," she said bowing low in front of Merlin. "The balance has been restored and we owe you a great debt."

"I'm just glad I could help," Merlin said.

"How are you feeling?" she asked getting up and joining them at the table.

"Much better, thank you" Merlin replied which was the truth. He had struggled to walk when they had returned in the early hours but now he felt like he could run all the way to Camelot.

"Are you both ready to return to Camelot?" she asked.

"Yes I think we are," Arthur said. "It's going to be a long walk."

"You will not have to walk, your horses have been found and will be waiting for you when you return to your world."

"That is great news," Arthur said smiling. "We can be back in Camelot tomorrow evening if nothing happens on the way."

"You will have to be careful, King Lot has offered a reward to anyone with news of Merlin. It seems he knows that Merlin was the sorcerer at Camlann and has offered you refuge in his city," Alba said.

"How would he know?" Arthur asked.

"Morgana must have told him," Merlin replied.

"Until you reach the safety of Camelot you must try to keep your identity secret, both of you," she said picking up the two robes she had brought with her. "You can wear these over your clothing and you may pass as druids going to Camelot to offer your help to the queen."

Merlin and Arthur thanked her. The robes were similar to the ones the druids wore, with long sleeves and would easily cover Arthur's armour. They were also warm and had large hoods that would hide their faces.

"There are still many of Lot's men in the woods using the poisoned arrows. They retreated for a while but they have now returned. You will need to use your skills to avoid an ambush. If you are caught try to keep your powers secret, you do not want Lot or Morgana to know where you are just yet," she said.

"I've been doing just that for years," Merlin said quietly.

Arthur heard him and put his hand on Merlin's shoulder. "You do know you won't have to hide who you are, once we return to Camelot? You have my word, you will be recognised for all you have done."

"Yeah, I know," Merlin replied, nodding his head.

They both turned back to Alba, who was smiling at them. "If you will take my advice once you reach the trees you should travel north east until you reach the Darkling woods. I know it will take you a bit longer, but if you can get there by tomorrow evening, you may find a friend there that needs your help," she said.

"What friend?" Merlin asked.

"Elves are wise and know many things Merlin but we don't know everything. I just have a feeling that's all," she replied.

"Well that's alright, Merlin knows all about feelings," Arthur said looking at Merlin who shrugged.

"If you are ready I will now take you back to your world," she said standing up. Estra approached carrying Arthur's sword and knelt as he presented it to him.

"Your sword my lord, it has been an honour to serve you Arthur," he said, standing as Arthur put the sword through his belt.

"Thank you," Arthur said putting his cloak around his shoulders. Estra helped Arthur fasten the cloak then did the same for Merlin.

"It has been an honour to meet you Merlin," he said kneeling on the ground in front of him.

"Thank you," Merlin said looking down at the elf. Merlin held out his arm to help Estra to his feet and hugged him. "It has been an honour to meet you too."

"I will remain here but I hope that we will meet again one day. Perhaps I will journey once again in your world when magic is no longer feared," he said holding out his arm to Arthur. Arthur took his arm then hugged him.

"You would be very welcome in Camelot, as long as I am king," he said.

"Thank you for all you have done for us," Merlin said as they turned to follow Alba. She led them through the trees and back towards the lake. They followed the white path down between the hills. Arthur looked down and for a moment he thought he was walking on water he blinked and the path returned. They stopped at the inlet where the boat was still drawn up on the grass.

"I can go no further," Alba said.

"We can't thank you enough for all you have done for us," Arthur said.

"You have accepted our help and no longer fear magic, that is all the thanks we need," she said.

"How do we cross the lake?" Merlin asked.

"Just walk towards the bank it is closer than it looks. Your horses will be waiting for you with enough supplies for many days," she said.

"Thank you for everything," Merlin said taking her hand and kissing it then he turned and walked out across the lake towards the far bank.

"Goodbye Alba," Arthur said bowing to her and following Merlin. Merlin had taken no more than three steps when he was walking on to the shore of the far bank. He turned just in time to see Arthur walking across the water then up onto the bank.
Their horses were tethered nearby with bulging saddlebags and water bottles. They both looked back across the lake and Merlin could see a white light dancing across the water. The sun was shining and it was mid afternoon but the light was not as bright as it was on Avalon.

"That was weird," Arthur said, walking towards the horses.

"Which bit?" Merlin asked looking through the saddlebags on his horse.

"Walking across the lake, I expected to have to swim. But you're right, after everything that happened I shouldn't be surprised," he said mounting his horse.

"There's enough food to last for a week," Merlin said getting on his horse.

"I hope it doesn't take us that long. Come on let's go home," Arthur said turning his horse in the direction of Camelot.

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