Hey, guys! Sorry for the long wait. I'm not giving up on this fic.

Gwaine marched down the halls of the Lower Levels, footsteps echoing around the corridors. He didn't pass anyone as he went: there was no reason for anyone to be down this far after all. If he had passed anyone, they surely would have looked the other way. The strict, calculated look on the knight's face would have frightened anyone away. He was the comedian after all. In truth, Gwaine was busy mustering up every bit of courage and confidence he had to speak to the one person who had enough power to help.

Arthur.

They sat next to each other for a while longer, just taking everything in. Everything that Merlin had said, everything he'd revealed… It was incredible. And Gwaine felt like he still knew so little. He was sure the servant still had so much more to tell him. After working in the shadows for who knew how long, Merlin no doubt had much more to tell him.

He wanted to ask. He really did. It took every ounce of self control not to. They had a lot more pressing matters, and honestly, Merlin still looked too torn up to be poked and prodded. There were still tears resting on his waterline.

"What do we do, Merlin?"

The servant took a moment to meet his eyes, and sadly, he looked defeated. "I don't know."

Gwaine leapt up the stairs by twos, whipping his hair to the side. The foundation of the castle gradually changed from compact dirt to stone and granite. People really took the lower foundation of the castle for granted. It was the dirt and rocks and less aesthetically pleasing materials that actually held the beautiful white stones of the castle aloft. Gwaine bit back a frown as he realized just how much that could be compared to Merlin and Arthur's relationship.

Previous relationship.

"There has to be a way to fix all this," Gwaine said. He took a bite of the stew Merlin had prepared for them, memories of hunting trips flooding his mind.

The warlock stirred the pot, ladling out his own bowl. "If there is, I haven't figured it out. I still don't even know how Arken took their memories."

"But what about me? How you got my memories back… could you do that with them?"

Merlin shook his head. "You memories were already near the surface, all I did was prompt them to rise. The others… their memories are buried deep. I can't reach them."

Firelight flickered up the walls as Gwaine marched past, each step closer and closer to the possibility of things changing. Of either acceptance or rejection. One more turn and a short strut down the hall. And things will change. Either for the best or the worst. This was really a leap of faith. One that, whether he liked it or not, he was forced to take.

It would be worse for Merlin, but right now…

"And what about Arken? In the alley? Merlin, are you alright?"

"I'm fine," he stressed, even as his hand went to his wound. "Arken keeps trying to kill Arthur, and I keep having to stop him."

"How many times?"

"…has Arken tried to kill Arthur?"

The knight nodded.

"Eleven times, I think? It's not a big deal, I've been able to stop him each time."

"Yes, but at what cost…"

Goosepimples crawled up Gwaine's skin as he neared the king's chambers. To sat that he was nervous was an understatement. Terrified was more like it. He held Merlin's fate in his hand, and he was about to gamble with it. He was almost positive he knew what would happen, but there was always that small chance that nothing would go according to plan.

Gwaine stood outside Arthur's door, newly resurfaced memories flashing in his mind's eye. He was standing in just about the right spot, too. Morgana would have been on his left, a few feet down the hall. The knight put a hand on his chest, frowning. He could feel the sword slipping between his ribs, piercing his innards. But no, he would have plenty of time to think about his own mortality later on.

He rapped on the door, muted because of his gloves, and it took only a short moment for the reply of "Enter." He didn't anticipate this to be a fun conversation. His fingers pushed on the door and Arthur's too-clean chambers filled his line of vision. They should be messier. With bits of armor half polished on the table, clothes strewn about the floor in a questionable state or cleanliness. But with the king's replacement servant, George, everything was perfect. It was disgusting. And another reminder of how skewed things were.

Arthur was sitting at his desk, pouring over a stack of paper. Gwen was there, standing next to Arthur's desk and leaning over a single piece of paper. She looked up and her face warped into a look of deep concern. Her brown eyes sparkled.

"Gwaine! Are you alright? What happened?"

The king's eyes scanned him, his own eyes filling with worry and curiosity. Gwaine gave a little laugh. That was kind of a perfect way to describe their relationship. However, the knight was a little confused until he looked down at himself. He was covered in dirt and grime, and it didn't take long for Gwaine to feel the ache in his bones and remember what happened. He'd fallen, a lot, and Merlin had probably had to drag his unconscious body around in order to help him get comfortable. He probably looked just as terrible as he felt.

"Oh, yes, I'm fine," he answered. The knight unconsciously started brushing down his clothes while Gwen tried to straighten out his wild hair. He really was a mess. "Gwen, I'm sorry, but would you mind if I spoke to Arthur alone?"

The maidservant looked at him suspiciously, but nodded. "Of course. If you're truly alright."

She was such a sweet person; nothing would change her heart of gold. Even someone who stole her precious memories.

"Yes, I promise. It's just… sensitive information. I'm sure you'll understand soon." He wasn't sure if he was referring to her re-meeting Merlin, or her getting her memories back. But it would work. Somehow.

Guinevere nodded and glanced back at Arthur. She smiled at him and walked towards the door. Once she left, the knight turned back towards Arthur. The king walked over towards him, his blue eyes still glinting with concern. He clapped a hand on his shoulder, looking at him intensely. Since Arken attacked Merlin in the lower town, Arthur had seemed more concern about his knights whereabouts and welfare. He was a good king. A compassionate one.

"Are you sure you'll alright, Gwaine? What happened to you?"

"Yes, I'm fine. It's been a long night." The knight glanced down at himself, again forgetting the fact that he was covered in dirt. He really should have gone to his quarters to clean up before coming here. He'd been sweating from fever, been sick, and fell in the dirt. But, priorities.

He felt very exposed, and it was only then that he understood just how unprepared he was. He'd been in such a hurry , he hadn't really thought about what he was going to say what he needed to say. Namely, how he was going to convince the ruler of Camelot that he needed a sorcerer to protect him from another sorcerer. Warlock, Merlin's voice supplied within his mind. "I found Merlin."

Arthur turned away, heading back to his desk and fussing with his papers. "The sorcerer from the alley?"

"Yes." The king stayed silent, so Gwaine continued. "I know you all think I'm going crazy, but I'm not. Merlin's alive and here living in the castle. He's been protecting us-you-in secret. The guy from the alleyway. The one who stabbed Merlin? He's a sorcerer named Arken. He's been trying to kill you, but Merlin-Merlin keeps stopping him. Now listen…" The knight was pacing at this point, too nervous to even look at Arthur's expressions.

"Merlin is what you call a warlock; he was born with magic. He didn't choose it, and he didn't want it. It's important that you know that. He's only been using his magic to protect us, you, and Camelot. He's a good man, Arthur. And I want to ask for a formal counsel for you to meet him. The best way to protect you is for him to be by your side. We have to find Arken before he finds you. Please, Arthur."

The knight finished in a rush, eyes desperate and fingers curled against his sides. He was itching to start pacing again, but he stayed where he was, searching his king's face for any answer.

"Well?" Gwaine pressed.

The king folded his hands in front of him, resolutely not looking at him. "I've been having strange dreams lately."

Well, that wasn't exactly what he was looking for, but it did pique the knight's interest.

"They're about me and Camelot. And Gwen and you're there too. And Merlin."

Here, he paused and looked at Gwaine, almost searching for answers.

"We're on some fantastical adventure, or in the castle somewhere. But it doesn't make sense. How could I dream of someone I've never met? But in the dreams, he's my friend. But…" Arthur paused, at a loss for words. A look of betrayal flashed in his eyes, but it was gone as soon as it appeared.

The magic, Gwaine sighed. This was going to be a long road.

Gwaine pushing aside his annoyance at the king for keeping this from him, but also quickly realized that Arthur was only having dreams. His memories weren't affecting his waking life. And he probably still didn't remember what happened with him and Morgana. If he knew who Morgana was at all. The knight decided to keep that to himself.

Instead, he said: "Our memories of Merlin were stolen from us. We don't know how, but no one in Camelot remembers him. But, you said yourself, he's a friend. Arthur, you must trust him, magic and all. He only wants to help."

Arthur paused, twisting his ring on his finger.

"Listen, Arthur, please just meet him."

"He's a sorcerer. The laws, Gwaine."

"The laws be damned!" the knight shouted. He hadn't realized he was so tense. And his chest hurt. Maybe it was a side effect of the past day. From getting his memories back. His body still felt weak. The knight took a slow, deep breath. Thankfully, Arthur didn't even seem surprised about his outburst. "He's a sorcerer who keeps saving your life solely because he believes in a better future. Arthur, he's been hurt, stabbed, nearly killed from protecting you. Arken is trying to kill you, and he's your best line of defense. Please."

"Fine."

"Arthur-what?"

"Fine. I'll meet him. But I'm not making any promises. But Gwaine, the magic…"

Gwaine was rather surprised. The king was taking this really well. Surprisingly well. "I'll tell him not to use it unless there's an emergency."

"I'm not an idiot, Gwaine," the king said after a moment. "Since that night, I've been wondering about that man. I know you. You don't trust easily. And if you truly think he's trustworthy, then I'll trust you."

The knight was frankly at a loss for words, which was truly something. "Thank you, Arthur. Really."

"But listen, if I do agree to him protecting me, there will have to be some ground rules."

"Understood."

"Get him, bring him here. Quietly. No one can know he's a sorcerer."

"I'll be back."

"You what?" Merlin gaped. "I go to sleep for a few hours and you go and tell Arthur? Why?"

"Because we're not going to get anywhere hiding in the dark. No offense."

Merlin sighed into his hand, his other hand wrapped around his middle. "It's fine. I just… what do we do now?"

"We protect Arthur. The right way." Gwaine sat down next to him. "We protect Arthur and get Arken. We find a way to get their memories back. Merlin, we get their memories back."

The warlock closed his watering eyes and rubbed his face. "I… I don't know if I can handle this, Gwaine. I don't know if I can be with them and them not… know me."

"You're okay with me?"

"Yes, but you know. You know who I am, what I've done. And you're fine with my magic. I mean-"

The knight let out a small chuckle. "Merlin, I'm okay with the magic. You're still you."

"But… being with them… and having magic. What if they hate me? What if they don't accept me like you did?"

Gwaine sighed sadly. Before him was a broken man. Someone who had lost everyone he knew. Well, save Gwaine. Now. But the pain he'd suffered in the months he'd been alone… And now Gwaine was asking him to go back into the world he knew… without the people he knew. He was asking him to be a ghost among old friends. He was asking him to suffer even more.

The knight put a hand on his shoulder. "They won't. They love you. Even if they don't remember. Arthur wouldn't have agreed to this if he didn't trust you somewhere deep down. I'm going to be with you every step of the way. You're not alone anymore."

Merlin nodded. He took a deep breath in through his nose, letting it out breathily; he was shaking subtly. "Okay. You're right. The best way to protect Arthur is to be by him. I'll… I'll be fine."

"Merlin, I'll be right there with you."

The warlock nodded, running a hand through his charcoal hair. It was messier than usual, and his clothes were disheveled and frankly, a bit filthy. He had dark scruff on his tanned face.

"And Merlin, maybe clean up a bit before you see the king."

"You're the one to talk," Merlin laughed. "Oh god, I'm sure I look like a mess. Well, watch this."

There was a sparkle in his eye, however, a bit of mischief. He stood up, snapped his fingers, and was engulfed by a very sudden gust of wind. Gwaine was taken aback, and covered his eyes from the dust flying around him. It was a very specific whirlwind that covered Merlin alone. His arms were slowly raising until they were slightly above his head. The warlock held his arms there for a moment, and then suddenly lowered them. The whirlwind died quickly and before him stood a different man.

"How?"

Obviously, he was still the same person. But clean. Everywhere. His skin was clean and his clothes were fresh. His hair was perfect, with just a slight cow's lick near his forehead. There wasn't a trace of dirt on his whole person. He even smelled better.

"Magic," the warlock grinned. "How do you think I stayed clean running around after Arthur? Unfortunately I don't have any experience doing it to someone else, so you're on your own."

Gwaine groaned loudly, throwing his head back. "Ugh, I need to clean up. Why don't you grab a few things, and we can stop by my quarters so I can clean up. You can sleep in my quarters until we get everyone's memories back. Gaius had turned your quarters into a patient's bed and storage room. What can I help with?"

The warlock nodded, looking about his scattered belongings. He didn't have much to start with, and it looked like he'd just brought enough to survive. "Can you pack up the medical supplies? I'll grab some clothes. I can always come back later for the rest."

The worked quietly, the weight of what the were about to do weighing on their shoulders. Gwaine watched the tension build in Merlin's shoulders. He watched his emotions rise just before he suppressed them. It was just like Merlin to not want to worry anyone else. To just keep going despite the repercussions to himself. Gwaine would have to talk to him about that sooner than later. Again.

"Merlin, listen," the knight began carefully. He didn't want to get his friend's hopes up, but he had to know. "Arthur… Arthur's been having dreams. About you."

The warlock halted, body rigid.

"It's not like with me," he said quickly. "He's not having waking memories, but… it does mean his memories are there. And maybe not as deep as you think. Do you think it's possible to bring them back on your own? Like you did me?"

Merlin was quiet. His back was turned to the knight so he couldn't see the countless emotions fliting through the servants irises. Gwaine couldn't see the most dangerous one brightening his eyes: hope. But, reality crashed back just as quickly, and honestly, Merlin said, "I don't know. I can try. But only with his consent. If he's against it, it could have the opposite effect and push the memories further down."

Gwaine nodded, letting out a low sigh.

It took a while to climb the stairs carrying Merlin's things. They had to take a few breaks for the warlock to rest from his injuries, but they made it to the top eventually. When asked how he did this everyday, Merlin joked that it was a lot easier when he wasn't suffering from a stab wound. The knight didn't really find it humorous, but chuckled anyway.

Once they were in the actual castle, Merlin had a more difficult time. He was tired, to be sure, but it was more than that. And he kept almost hiding every time they passed someone. Especially once they almost physically ran into some guards that Merlin knew on the second floor. Merlin froze and gasped, stumbling over his words as he apologized. The knight sighed inwardly and grabbed his arm, pulling him along the hallway. It was just a few more feet to his quarters and he wasn't about to let Merlin get arrested. That'd be pretty awkward if Arthur and his first meeting was through the jail bars.

Gwaine shut the door behind them, and the warlock all but collapsed into a chair at the dining room, head in hands.

"I don't know if I can do this, Gwaine," Merlin groaned. "I couldn't even talk to Rocher and Luke. How am I going to pull this off with Arthur?"

The knight set down the medical kit carefully on his bed. "Listen, Merlin. You can do this. I know it's going to be hard, but you can do this." The confidence Gwaine felt was real. He was sure Merlin could do this, he just needed some support. His life was changing again, dramatically, and it was going to be hard. But it was going to be okay. He just needed Merlin to believe it too.

Merlin nodded sharply, eyes closed. The knight let him be as he changed his clothes and splashed some water on his face. Once he was satisfactorily clean (he'd take a full bath later), he ran a hand through his hair and turned back to his friend.

"Ready?"

The warlock was shaking ever so subtly, but he stood up and straightened his clothes. "As I'll ever be." Taking a deep breath, Merlin took the first step towards the door. He took the first step out of the knights chambers and led the way down the corridor towards Arthur's chambers. He seemed like a different person. All calm and collected and confident as he strutted down the hall. Gwaine followed right behind him.

They bounded the stairs in twos and before he knew it, the two of them were standing in front of Arthur's chambers. Merlin's velvet cloak sparkled in the torchlight, accenting his azure eyes. They were unsure, questioning, in pain. But he could do it. Gwaine could see the determination in his eyes. He would do it.

Gwaine clapped him on the arm. "You can do this, my friend."

Merlin took another deep breath and squared his shoulders before knocking on the door. The king's voice responded after a moment. The warlock's breath hitched for a moment, but he pushed the door open. Gwaine had never been more proud.

He couldn't see the emotions in Merlin's eyes anymore. The man was very carefully guarded as they entered the king's quarters. Gwaine took the lead here, and Merlin followed on his heels. The king was standing at his window, overlooking the courtyard. The sun shining through the stained glass colors the king's face ever so slightly, making him look a little angelic. Not that Gwaine would ever say so. He walked around the table to greet them.

"Ah, you must be Merlin," he began, extending his hand.

There was a moment of visible hesitation before Merlin took his hand and shook it briefly. "Yes, my lord." His voice may have been steady, practiced, but Gwaine could see the tension building in his shoulders. He thought maybe Arthur could, too.

The king eyed him curiously. "Based on what Gwaine has told me, I have multiple reasons to thank you, Merlin. He told me you've been protecting me from the assassin. Arken, I believe?"

"Yes, my lord. I've done my best to help."

He caught Arthur's bewildered eyes for just a moment as soon as the words left the warlock's mouth, and from behind Merlin, Gwaine nodded. He couldn't agree with Merlin more. He thought back to what the king had said about his strange dreams and wondered if Arthur was thinking the same thing. No doubt, he at least felt in his heart it were true, otherwise Merlin would not be standing here now. A warlock in the king's chambers. Secretly, of course, but there nonetheless.

"I will, of course, have to hear everything from you at a later time, but I wanted to at least briefly meet you." The king looked Merlin up and down again, searching for… something. "Gwaine tells me you were injured in Arken's latest attempt?"

The knight was rather surprised that Arthur remembered that; Merlin had often teased him for his lack of detail orientation. Gwaine realized he didn't give the king enough credit. Sure, he could be forgetful and stubborn and arrogant, but the reason the knight continued to serve him was because of his good heart.

"A slight stab wound, sir."

"Slight?"

Gwaine tried desperately not to laugh at the resigned wonder in the king's voice. It seemed like things might be back to normal sooner than later. Memories or no.

"It's not too bad, your highness."

"Does it require medical attention?"

"Yes, Arthur," Gwaine said pointedly, giving Merlin a serious look.

"Then that's the first priority. Gwaine, please take him to Gauis' chambers and have him looked at. But Merlin," the king said. There was a slight warning in his voice, but unthreatening. "You can't use magic within Camelot unless it's an absolute emergency. I will not have my people panic."

"Of course. I understand," Merlin agreed. "My lord, with all due respect, the best way for me to continue to protect you and find Arken is to be by your side. Might I return here after seeing Gaius?"

"Yes. Thank you."

"I'll arrange rooms for you, and someone to take care of your material needs."

"Arthur," Gwaine interrupted, "if it's alright, I think Merlin would prefer to stay with me. If he is to work covertly, it would draw less attention than getting him his own quarters." And well, while that was true, the knight didn't want Merlin to be cooped up in too-big quarters all by himself. He never wanted Merlin to be alone again, never wanted him to feel lonely. Not after everything he'd been through. Merlin needed a friend now more than ever. And if that meant sharing his space for a little while while they figured this out, so be it.

The king twisted the ring on his fingers, thinking. "Merlin? Is this what you prefer?"

"Sir Gwaine does make a good point." The warlock's voice was deep, tight. Gwaine saw a slight quiver in his hands. Uh oh.

"Alright. I'll have some servants fetch an extra bed and extra food."

"Thank you," Gwaine said. "I'll take Merlin to Gaius now."

Arthur nodded, but took two more steps towards the warlock, until he was standing almost next to him, taking in his sharp elfish features. "There's something about you, Merlin. I feel like I can trust you."

The servant said nothing, but nodded. And as Arthur turned towards his desk and walked away from them, Gwaine grabbed the warlock's arm and pulled him towards the door. Merlin stood where he was. He didn't fight him, but he unconsciously took a step towards Arthur, eyes filled with longing. The knight pulled him back quietly with two hands on his shoulders, guiding him towards the door.

Once they were outside and the door was shut behind them, Merlin collapsed against the wall, tears filling his eyes. His face was red and he was shaking. His breathes came in short rasps, and his chest jerked with each breath. "Gwaine. Gwaine."

The knight ripped off his gloves and put his hands on either side of Merlin's head. The servant fingers tangled tightly in his shirt. "Merlin, you need to breathe. Breathe with me. Come on. In, out, in, out. Merlin, please."

He grabbed the warlock's hand and placed it on his own chest, deliberately take slow, deep breaths. "Breathe." It took a few moments, but Merlin slowly calmed down. Gwaine kept speaking comfortingly. He would be alright. "Let's get you to Gaius' chambers, okay?"

His friend silently nodded, and Gwaine led the way.