"Well I had an excellent time." Gwaine said to Merlin as they were all being lead to Merlin's room. It was obvious to Merlin that Gwaine was intoxicated as he completely disregarded the obvious tension in the air. Gwaine had a tendency to escape bad situations by drinking them away. He was as oblivious as ever to the tension in the air which didn't help Merlin at all. "Those women sure now how to make a man feel welcome."

Merlin gave a half smile in response. He had barely eaten anything at dinner as the food caused him to feel queasy. His back throbbed and he longed to lay down and sleep for a week.

The small amount of food he was able to stomach did wonders to increase his strength. He was able to walk back to the room without needing assistance from the one knight that would give it to him but also the one knight too intoxicated to do much good. The pain rose again and he fought to keep his face static. Taking small breaths, Merlin waited for it to retreat to a dull throb. The walking and Arthur's less than gentle reaction had done a number on his still healing body.

When they arrived to the room there were two people waiting outside the door for them. Merlin felt wary at first until he noticed that Mary was one of them. She smiled and waved to him almost dropping the large bundle of blankets in her arms. The other woman accompanying Mary stepped forward. Her hair was pulled into a tight bun and her narrow eyes roved up and down his entire body analytically. Merlin immediately felt intimidated as she stepped forward.

"My lord, I was among those that healed you after you attained your injuries. I have come to finish your healing session. My name is Sarah."

"Thanks, but I think I feel much better." Merlin responded trying to act perfectly healed. He had noticed that Arthur had stiffened at the mention of magic being perform. His hand had automatically moved to where his sword was typically seated at his side only to find it empty. Sarah's eyes squinted and she gave him a glare that could rival Hunith's when he was in trouble as a child.

"I for one know that is a lie. Your movements are stiff, like you are trying to not agitate something further."

Merlin let out a breath he hadn't noticed he was holding. "You are quite observant."

"Anyone with half their sight would be able to see that you are experiencing pain." She stated bluntly. "Pain, that wouldn't be present if you would have stayed in bed like you were supposed to."

Merlin grinned sheepishly at the woman. "Mary shouldn't be blamed for that. She was simply doing what I told her."

"Don't you worry. We know that this is because you refused to listen to us."

Merlin couldn't help but be reminded of Gaius when talking with this woman. She was fiercely devoted to her patients and cared for their wellbeing, but she wasn't afraid to reprimand those under her care for not following orders. Merlin was reminded of Gaius berating Arthur after he had carelessly cut his leg whilst trying to show off. Gwen had been at the training field at the time to watch Arthur which meant his common sense had left Camelot altogether. As Gaius was placing herbs on the wound, Arthur had looked to him exasperatedly as though he would be able to talk Gaius down. Knowing Gaius, Merlin had only responded by putting his hands up in defeat. Merlin's chest ached at the fond memory.

"Merlin, I think that the best idea would be to do anything that she wants." Gwaine said with a smirk. Merlin sent him a glare and granted them access to the room with a sigh and gesture of his hand. Mary went about laying the blankets upon the bed and bowed as she left. Sarah grabbed an ornately carved chair and moved it directly in front of her. She shoved a pointed finger at it and stared at Merlin who took it as his due to sit on. Merlin cautiously obeyed. The knights and Arthur had moved to the corner in front of Merlin and watched silently.

"You all had quite a fall, yet no one else in your party was injured, Emrys." Sarah observed in a way that lead Merlin to believe she was fishing for more information than just that.

"Yeah," Merlin said rubbing the back of his neck. His hand was quickly swatted out of the way by Sarah.

"Why is that?"

Merlin sent a quick glance at Arthur who seemed like he didn't want them to hear the answer. Sarah waited expectantly for Merlin to continue. He sighed letting his should drop in the hope of reliving the tension.

It didn't help.

"When we were falling I cast a quick spell to slow our descent." Merlin kept his eyes fixated on his fidgeting hands playing at the hem of his shirt. Arthur's face as he spoke about magic. "I never accounted for the fact that I was less protected than they were in their armor."

Merlin looked anywhere but Sarah. He sheepishly began playing with the fabric on his borrowed white shirt.

"You were lucky you didn't crack your head open." Sarah came round to his line of vision. Her face held the look of one who was talking to a petulant child. "I had a patient that did just that once-"

Sarah continued talking while poking and prodding Merlin, but he paid little attention. Merlin wondered what Arthur was thinking.'Probably planning the best way to execute you when we get back.' A nasty voice in Merlin's head said, but the thought was interrupted when he realized that Mary staring expectantly at him.

"Excuse me?" Merlin asked in regards to whatever had been said.

"Did you hit your head as well?" Sarah asked brusquely. "I asked you to remove your shirt so I can finish your healing."

Merlin gave a nod and proceeded to slowly remove his shirt. As the layer hiding Merlin's damaged body was remove, Arthur noticed a series of bruises on the side that hit the ground. He felt a stab of guilt at what he allowed his blind rage to do, but he quickly squashed it down. Merlin was a sorcerer, twisted by the use of magic. He deserved even more of a punishment than that. It was then that another mark on his torso caught his attention. A large circular burn was at the center of Merlin's chest. There were years of healing on the scar. There was a chance that it had happened before he moved to Camelot at Elador.

Whenever it had happened it was yet another thing Merlin had lied about.

Arthur noticed Mary eye the bruising suspiciously. He held his breath. For whatever reason, Merlin had refrained to discuss Arthur's actions with Catherine at dinner. Not that Arthur cared what these sorcerers thought, but he feared they would be unable to leave this place if it were discovered he harmed Merlin. His careless actions may be discovered by her which would endanger his own life as well as the lives of his knights. To his relief her gaze switched to focus on where Arthur assumed Merlin's back had broken. He let out a sigh of relief that was quickly sucked in as she began to speak. A series of strange flowing words came from her mouth just prior to her eyes morphing into the golden color Arthur had come to associate with magic. Merlin's frame tensed in response and a poorly hidden grimace was on his face. His entire frame suddenly relaxed and he released he breath from between his clenched teeth.

"Thank you." He said to Mary who simply nodded. She handed him his shirt which he put back on, but not before Arthur noticed the bruising on his side- or lack of bruising as it was completely gone. Arthur was struck with as sudden thought of how far he would have taken his punishment had Gwaine not stopped him. How many more bruises would have been littered upon Merlin's damaged body until Arthur's anger had been sated. His father would have simply executed him immediately after the fact, something Arthur had been trained to do since he first entered the knighthood. This was Merlin though. As much as Arthur hated admit it to himself, Merlin had been his friend- even if he hadn't been Merlin's. Looking back on it now Arthur realized the entire friendship was a lie. A well-devised plot to gain favor with the king. Arthur knew he should feel angry that he was healed by magic.

The only thing he felt was relief.

Sarah began to leave, but turned around and asked, "King Arthur, may I have a word?"

Taken aback Arthur reluctantly followed the intimidating woman toward the door. The knights made to follow him protectively until Arthur held up a hand signaling them to stop. Sarah turned round to face him and looked at him with no judgement or hatred in her eyes.

"I know that you are angry with Emrys." Arthur was about to respond, but she continued to talk over his voice. "I don't know the reason and I am not going to pry, but I want you to remember how you are feeling right now knowing that he is not feeling the pain you caused." She gripped his shoulder gently.

"Remember that the next time you feel the need to act out in anger towards him."

With that she left leaving an extremely shocked Arthur standing staring after her. He was taken aback by her boldness. She had never even met Arthur and she had understood that much about him. Deep down he knew she was right about him feeling guilt, but he pushed that thought aside. The Merlin he knew was dead.

He just had to keep telling himself that.

Arthur turned back around to find Merlin passing blankets around to each knight as if he were back in Camelot as a servant. He kept the last blanket and Arthur glanced over to the large bed that was obviously made for Merlin. He strutted up to Merlin.

"I need a blanket also." Arthur said coldly.

"Well then it's a good thing you have a plethora of them over there, sire." Merlin pointed to the bed. "But if you wish to have another." Merlin handed him the blanket which Arthur took. Merlin started to turn away which enraged Arthur.

"Why are you still holding onto this act?" Arthur asked with a bite in his tone. Merlin turned back around to face him.

"What?" Merlin asked genuinely confused.

"Why are you continuing to act as my servant?"

"It has never been an act. I may not have told you about my magic, but that does not mean that I have been acting as your servant this entire time." Merlin said in a final tone. "Even though I have lost your trust, I am still loyal to you." Arthur noticed that his voice had broken on the word trust. "That will never change."

Arthur had no response, he simply watched as Merlin chose a spot on the floor close to the door to claim as his bed for the night. Gwaine also went to make a bed close to Merlin. Arthur watched silently as the rest of the Knights went to various spots on the floor strategically surrounding the bed in order to protect him in the event of an intruder Arthur simply stood there dumbly. He heard Gwaine mutter something about the gas lamps still being on and then saw a small flash of golden light from Merlin's direction. Immediately after the room began to dim. Arthur was bathed completely in darkness left with his own thoughts.

When Arthur awoke he had no idea how long he had laid in bed thinking about all the events that had transpired The fact that they were underground meant that it was problematic in knowing the approximate time of the day so Arthur lay in silence. The room was rather dark, except for the small amount of light seeping through the bottom of the door from the hallway. He could just make out the sleeping forms of three of his Knights surrounding his bed. He could also see where Gwaine and Merlin lay. He noticed the deep breaths that Gwaine took as his chest expanded and compressed while Merlin's were shorter and more sporadic. His irregular breathing was the only indication that he was awake.

Arthur was just about to get up and wake the rest of the Knights when Merlin rose suddenly. Arthur kept still and watched as Merlin made his way over to the door and opened it. A young girl's greeting to Merlin met Arthur's ears. They exchanged a few words that he couldn't quite make out. He was able to hear the word "breakfast." Merlin then shut the door and leaned back against it with a sigh. His breathing was too controlled. It was a common practice Arthur saw among new knights in their first battle. It was a way for them to keep their emotions from overtaking them. Merlin's frame slid down the doorway until he was sitting on the ground.

"Alright there Merlin?" Gwaine said his voice barely audible in the heavy silence.

"Why was I even given this destiny if I was just going to be hated for it?" Merlin seemed to ask not only to Gwaine, but to the heavens.

"You're talking about the prophecy you mentioned yesterday?"

Merlin simply nodded. Arthur watched as Gwaine sat up and scooted next to Merlin. He leaned up against the door and put an arm around Merlin in a brotherly way. Nothing was said between the two as the moments passed on Both sat with only their thoughts keeping them company. Eventually Gwaine patted Merlin's back and started putting his shoes on. It was then that Arthur realized Merlin was wiping furiously at his eyes. Arthur knew Gwaine was giving Merlin time to regain his composure.

Arthur felt confused. Destiny? Merlin had no idea what it felt like to not be able to choose what he wanted to do with his life. Merlin was free and he chose to betray Arthur. He had no right to be upset.

Merlin knew nothing of destiny.

"We should probably wake the others. Breakfast will be brought in soon." Merlin said standing up. Gwaine nodded and Arthur saw a small golden flash from Merlin's eyes. The dark room began to light up and was eventually bathed in a dim light that was comfortable for the eyes to adjust to. Arthur saw the other knights begin to stir and decided to get up along with them. Arthur feigned a yawn as he saw Gwaine staring at him and quickly gathered his face into a bitter look. He leaned over the bed to put his shoes on. As he was just finishing the laces he saw two worn, leather shoes appear in his peripheral vision.

"What is it now, Merlin?" Arthur said with a bite in his tone.

"Mary and several others will be bringing breakfast to us in a short while." Merlin said keeping his eyes down in a subservient manner and confirming Arthur's suspicions. His eyes, which were difficult to make out in the dim lighting, were rimmed with a red puffiness, confirming that Merlin had been crying.

'A trick to seek your pity and regain your favor,' Arthur thought, but when he looked at Merlin he saw only a sincere expression. Merlin was an even better actor than he thought. Arthur angrily shoved past Merlin who stumbled slightly but was able to keep his balance.

"Fine," was the only reply he gave Merlin as he walked towards Leon, Percival, and Elyan.

Merlin felt sadness seep through his entire frame as he watched Arthur proceed towards his knights. His secret had destroyed any foundation of trust that had been built over the years. All the Druids here saw Emrys as a gift sent to save them in their most desperate time, but his magic was a curse. Not only had he lost Arthur's trust, but he was bound to destroy the faith the Druids and all those with magic had in him.

Three raps on the door pulled Merlin back to reality. Merlin noticed the knights had each tensed up in reaction to the possible threat that lay beyond the door. This further plunged Merlin into his own regret and the hope of ever rising out of the Great Purge peacefully became just a dream.

Merlin sighed and opened the door to accept what he thought would be only one or two individuals. Those individuals actually turned out to be at least fifteen perky Druids each peering excitedly at Merlin. Merlin surprise kept him firmly in place. It wasn't until his eyes roamed to look at what they were carrying that Merlin began feeling entirely overwhelmed. Half of them were carrying trays of food. Meats, cheeses, and breads weighed heavily upon the shoulders of individuals each dressed with exuberant and excited smiles. There were also several people carrying baskets of clothing and other miscellaneous items. Towards the end were several individuals dressed in white threads standing behind the ever formidable Sarah. Mary stood at the front of the group and looked expectantly at Merlin.

"I- I thought that there would only be a few of you." Merlin stuttered while trying to regain his composure. Gwaine came up and clapped a hand upon Merlin's back and laughed.

"Well this is elaborate." He said while grinning. He seemed to be thoroughly enjoying Merlin's reaction.

Merlin gave him a glare and turned to people saying, "We could have come down to the dining hall. There's not that much room in here. You didn't have to go it of your way-"

"It's our pleasure Emrys." A young boy piped up.

"What William is trying to say is that we are all honored to serve you and our King." Mary said after fixing a glare at the boy who interrupted. "And we can fix the space issue very easily."

"No-" Merlin began, but she had already started. The words of magic flowed smoothly from her lips. Before Merlin could stop it the mattress from the bed had tucked itself underneath the bed revealing the wooden surface of the frame. Mary nodded to those carrying the food and they each muttered a spell which sent their trays flying upon the surface.

Merlin looked at Arthur in a panic. Arthur looked taken aback and startled. Merlin had thought Arthur would have bolted to grab the closest item that could be weaponized and go after every person who uttered a word magic or not. All around him people acted like it was so natural. It was a part of their daily rituals. They knew nothing of a world without magic. They needn't worry about hiding who they were when they were already hidden.

Everyone then poured into the room and began assisting with doling out food. An overwhelming number of them immediately went to Merlin. The healers went about pulling him away to a chair for a check up while those with the clothing went about comparing various shades of fabric and deciding which they liked best for him. Arthur, Percival, Leon, and Elyan were also being attended to. Several bubbly young ladies that giggled after every sentence were serving them. One of them was eyeing Percival's muscular arms with wide eyed interest as he went about strapping his sword back at his waist. These women had returned their weapons and chain mail that had been confiscated when they were arrested.

Merlin looked to Gwaine, his eyes pleading for help as he was poked and checked on by the healers, but Gwaine was preoccupied and thoroughly enjoying the copious amounts of food and attention. As Gwaine was too invested in his surroundings, Merlin had to deal with the overzealous Druids by himself.

"I am completely healed so there is no need to continue. Sarah did a wonderful job last night and I appreciate everything you have done for me." Merlin said standing up slowly like he was trying not to startle a sleeping bear. He began backing away and edging towards where Gwaine was located. "Now if you don't mind l will just be going-"

As Merlin turned around he was met by another flock of Druids holding baskets of clothing. They all bowed low and one of them stepped forward.

"My lord," he began with another low bow. "My name is Anthony. We are pleased to say that we have chosen a shade of cloth that will do justice to both your skin tone and eyes."

Merlin simply stared at Anthony. He was dumbfounded that anyone would put this much thought in an outfit. Then again, he had dressed the king of Camelot for several years now. He looked into the expectant and eager eyes of Anthony.

"Thank you all vey much, but I don't need you to go out of your way for me."

"It is our honor." Anthony replied. "You deserve the best that we have to offer."

"You really don't have-" Merlin began, but he was ushered away to the far corner of the room before he managed to escape. They magically installed a privacy curtain which he was pushed behind.

Arthur had watched as Merlin was bombarded by the copious amounts of people. Being a king, Arthur knew the intense overwhelming feeling of everyone trying to help you at once. He had lived it his entire life. He almost laughed at Merlin's stressed look, but stopped himself. He continued to watch as Merlin struggled to get out of the reach of the healers. Once he did he was accosted by a new group. He smirked as Merlin was practically dragged away to the corner. He tried to clear his face of emotion and turn his attention back to the young lady explaining the food choices they had but paid little attention. He looked back to the corner just as Merlin stumbled out of the changing area. Leave it to him to nearly fall flat on his face after tripping over the low hanging fabric. He was wearing the same pants (much to the displeasure of those dressing him) and a rich emerald shirt.

"Thank you. This really is good enough for me." Merlin said attempting to appease them.

"Well, if you want anything else you can always send for us." Anthony said eyeing up his worn pants. "Are you sure that you-"

"I'm sure." Merlin said convincingly enough for them to bow and leave.

As they made their exit Merlin finally made his way over to where the food was. He looked ecstatic to have gotten away, but sobered as soon as he looked at Arthur. Arthur noticed that the shirt he was wearing was simply made, very much like what he typically wore in Camelot. The only thing missing was the neckerchief. Even with all those elaborate fabrics that the Druids had brought, Merlin still opted for a basic shirt and the same worn old pants. The Knights had begun to help themselves to food. Arthur turned away from Merlin and grabbed a bit of everything.

Those that had been serving them eventually left them, bowing on their way out.

"I will return soon." Mary said with a curtsy. "Catherine has requested that you meet her so she can give you a formal tour of the complex."

Merlin acknowledged her with a nod and watched as she shut the door. He stood there, motionless, until Gwaine came and stood at his side.

"Nice shirt. It complements your eyes beautifully." He said with a smirk. Merlin's face went red immediately. His mouth opened and closed several times and he seemed to be having trouble forming words.

"Shut it, Gwaine." Merlin said finally, with a small smile, easing over to grab breakfast. "They barely allowed me to leave with just this. I don't think that I can ever see the appeal in having people dote on you constantly."

Merlin went to grab a biscuit, but was cut off when Leon intercepted his path.

"Merlin, the king needs to return to Camelot. He can't be kept here."

"No one is keeping him here, Sir Leon." Merlin said in a firm but respectful tone. "He has not expressed the desire to leave. I simply assumed that he was willing to remain here for a while."

"He has a valid point." Gwaine said. Leon looked at Gwaine and took a deep breath as though he was trying to keep the situation calm and continued.

"Nevertheless, King Arthur-"

"Can speak for himself." Arthur interrupted. He turned to Leon and nodded his head in a respectful way.

"Thank you Leon for showing your loyalty and support for me." He nodded at his knight. "These people seem to be kept in their place by Catherine. She has demonstrated that she can act in a civil matter towards us so I am not concerned with being able to leave. I will inform her that we will be leaving immediately when we next see her. I do not need hisassistance in doing so." Arthur said with a quick hand motion towards Merlin.

They spent the remainder of their time in the room in silence. The Knights were busy putting their chain mail and red emblazoned capes back on and ensuring their swords were as sharp as ever. Gwaine on the other hand only put the chain mail on. Taking his cape, he folded it nicely and laid it at the foot of the bed Arthur had slept in. Merlin felt a pang of guilt knowing that he was the reason that Gwaine was no longer a knight. Upon seeing the guilt ridden look on his face, Gwaine placed a hand on Merlin's shoulder.

"It was my decision." He said, reading Merlin's mind perfectly.

Three raps upon the door was their cue to to be on their way. They followed Mary silently as she led them to meet wth Catherine. There was an obvious division between them as they trekked along through the tunnels. Arthur and the knights in the back while Merlin and Gwaine were directly behind Mary. Merlin felt at a loss. It wasn't just because his friendship with Arthur had ended, nor was it that he had no life in Camelot anymore. It was a deep sense of knowing that permeated through his raging emotions of guilt and grief, tying them tightly together.

Merlin felt the loss of Albion.

Wow! You guys are seriously FANTASTIC! Every review, follow, and favorite for this story causes me to grin like an idiot. I love that you guys are enjoying the story but not as much as I love all of you.

Thanks again!