I've been responding to reviews since lunch. Now it is just past 2 (not that I'm complaining because I love reviews).

Fun fact: when I started writing the drabble, Arthur knew about Merlin's magic because he told him. However, the twisted part of my soul pulled a few strings and...well, check the time frame.

Disclaimer: It's not my fault that I don't own Merlin.

Prompt: Inspired by Seedsiz: Arthur's biggest regret...

Rating: T

Genre: Angst

Characters: Arthur, mentions of Ygraine, Uther, and Merlin

Time Frame: Actually set during the Burning series? Set during what would have been "The Sins of the Father"; Post "Forgiveness," pre "Sometimes"

Summary: Sometimes, we all must take a moment for ourselves. This is one of those times...

Let's Go On An Adventure

Hidden away in a dark, unused tower, he pressed his knees to his face and let out his quiet sobs. It was too much, all of it. He couldn't take it.

It was his fault. His mother was dead. His father was heartless and insane. The Purge claimed more lives with each waking day.

But none of that compared to the horrible truth.

It was his fault that Merlin had to live in fear, and it was his fault that Merlin was dead.

"I'm-I'm sorry, Mer-lin," Arthur choked. "I-I should have never been born."

I think that Arthur needs Percival right now.

Please remember that Arthur's under the assumption that Merlin's dead now, and he's blaming himself in the confines of a lonely tower. Arthur hasn't started talking to the Dragon yet, so he doesn't go down into his cavern.

OH! I just had a thought whilst I was trying to think of what to name this! Remember in "There and Back Again" when Uther said that the person helping the sorcerers would rue the day they were born and how Arthur was so calm? That's because he already rued it! Boom! Took Arthur's indifference and added a backstory.

Who told the sad music to play?

Thank you Arachnide, AutumnMoonlightShine4, Careiless, Falling Willow, Geccarenee13, ImpalaToDream81, KisetsuWaTsugitsugiShindeiku, KLR9KuroDeath, Lycropanthy, MythologyStar, Riah021101, Rose PenGibbAck DragoSHaddo, ScruffydaDruid, SisterOfAnElvenWannabe, Skypeoplephoenix732, SweetangelSeve, Sword1428, TheDarkestDreams, artistialyanartist, bonecrusher1st, goodgirl275, himeisawriter91, hollyhobbit101, lexi1220, pezzz, roseannacharlotte, sarahmaria98, skydoe16, winter368, and yeolepostalservice for favoriting.

Thank you 1 of 1 secondary drone, AnimeFreak132002, Arachnide, AutumnMoonlightShine4, BlankAce, Childatheart28, Dalek. Sec. Tardis, Doughnut Holschten, Falling Willow, Geccarenee13, ImpalaToDream81, Jetom, KisetsuWaTsugitsugiShindeiku, KLR9KuroDeath, Linorien, Lycropanthy, MythologyStar, Riah021101, Rose PenGibbAck DragoSHaddo, ScruffydaDruid, Seedsiz, ShadowsRising, Skypeoplephoenix732, Smallville Girl, SummerElfOwl, SweetangelSeve, Tabbitoast, TheDarkestDreams, WEast, bonecrusher1st, goodgirl275, henr4588, himeisawriter91, hollyhobbit101, lexi1220, magicforever39, mersan123, morningstar115, neal4grissom, pezzz, roseannacharlotte, skydoe16,tara hitge, winter368, and yeolepostalservice for following.

Thank you goodgirl275, morningstar115, Arachnide, KisetsuWaTsugitSugiShindeiku, Tabbitoast, pezzz, MythologyStar, SisterOfAnElvenWannabe, skydoe16, and Seedsiz for reviewing.

Next chapter: Merlin finally exacts his vengeance on Arthur.

~Lya200~