"Limited" (Rose)

We arrive at an inn, soaking to the bone, and apparently interrupting the guffaws of the room full of drunken men who we find staring at us with disapproval. I attempt to give a little smile as Merlin shuts the door behind us, but I'm not certain if I was at all successful. There is silence all around until Arthur jumps in with a superfluous, "Greetings!" This gathers little to no response, and any response he does receive is not positive.

After making our way awkwardly to an empty table, they make their requests. Their drinks delivered and slammed onto the wood our arms rest upon. I jump with a start and Merlin chuckles nervously. "We're looking for a man named Balinor," Arthur declares upfront. "I'm willing to pay," he sets a pouch full of coins down, "handsomely."

The grubby man looks to the side, gives Arthur the nod, and leans in, all our hopes rising. "Never heard of him," he nearly growls, taking the exposed coins set on the tabletop.

"You think one of these men is Balinor?" Merlin asks, gazing about the room with anxious and wide eyes.

"I hope not," Arthur slumps a bit.

Merlin nods, "So do I," he gulps.

"C-can we please go to our room?" I beg quietly, my orbs darting from harsh stares to cold scowls, some men pointing, some giving me a sly grin.

Arthur and Merlin follow my gaze just before I look down. "Yes, let's," Merlin grabs my hand and Arthur walks behind me protectively.

We settle into the cramped room that they miraculously managed to fit three beds inside. I take the one that is set near the foot of the others. Arthur yanks off his shirt, revealing his bandaged and bleeding shoulder. He looks at Merlin, trying to decode him. "What is wrong with you today?"

"What?" Merlin asks coyly.

"It pains me to admit it, but I enjoy your surly retorts. In fact, it's probably your only redeemable feature," he jabs.

"Thanks," Merlin replies.

"Plenty of servants who can serve, but so few are capable of making a complete prat of themselves," he laughs softly, blowing air out through his nose as he lies down. When Merlin does not respond, he pursues, "What is it?"

"Nothing," Merlin says all too quickly.

"It's something," Arthur contends, "Tell me." He remains silent. "Alright," Arthur yields, "I know I'm a prince, so we can't be friends, but if I wasn't a prince ..."

"What?" Merlin grills him back.

"Well, then ..." Arthur finishes drawn out, "I think we'd probably get on."

I smile to myself as Merlin asks, "So?"

"So that means you can tell me," Arthur concludes.

"That's true. But see, if you weren't a prince," he snaps and states he'd say to mind his own business.

"Merlin!" Arthur exclaims. "Are you missing Gaius?"

"Something like that," Merlin relents.

"Well, what is it then?" Arthur chucks his pillow at Merlin's head.

Merlin sighs, "I'll tell you." I hold my breath, unsure of what he will say. "I'm worried about everyone back in Camelot. I hope they're alright," he uses some truth to cover the real reason for his actions.

"So do I," Arthur says quietly.

I lean up a bit, just to get a glimpse of them both, "Me too," I exhale noisily, feeling horrible for Merlin being so limited in speech. "However, we won't do much good if we search for Balinor half asleep, so, gentlemen, I bid you good night."

Arthur laughs, "Was that your way of telling us to shut up and go to bed?"

"You said it," I smile with warmth in his direction.

"Sleep well," he returns my gesture.

"Sweet dreams," Merlin pipes up.

"You too, boys," I turn over in bed, "Rest easy."

"Somehow" (Merlin)

Just when I thought we could sleep in something close to peace, I am startled awake by Arthur snatching an intruder in our room by the collar, holding him at sword point. "What's going on!?" I demand as Rose's upper body springs from her covers.

Arthur interrogates him, "Do you know what the punishment is for theft?"

The burglar stumbles on his words, "Please, I've got children to feed."

Arthur uses his somewhat brutish mind to our advantage for once, "Tell me where to find Balinor."

"Balinor?" he whispers in question.

"What do you know of him?"

"Nothing, I ..." he trails, and Arthur digs the blade in just a little.

"Do you value your life?" Arthur asks in a dim and deep tone.

"It's been many years since I saw him", the man almost squeals, quaking with fear.

"Do you know where he lives?" he presses, sounding gentler.

The man pants, "You must travel through the forest of Merendra, to the foot of Feorre Mountain. There you will found the cave where Balinor dwells." I blink in wonder, exchange eye contact with the stunned redhead across the room as Arthur releases the would-be thief. "But don't get your hopes up," he adds.

"Why?" I ask a little too quickly and eager.

"He will not welcome you," he looks from me to Arthur, "Balinor hates everyone and everything. A cave's the best place for him."

I feel the knife twist in my heart, hoping against all hope that isn't true. 'Even if he's right, people can change their minds, Merlin,' Rose's voice swims in my head. I give her a thankful smile. "Are you alright, Arthur?" she proceeds as normal.

"Yes, I'll be fine," he hisses a little as he rotates his shoulder, "Scared were you?"

She smiles at both of us, "Not particularly. I was taken by surprise, but I wasn't worried for my own safety. I'm pretty sure you two do that enough for me," she laughs softly, lying back down. Arthur and I chuckle quietly. "Somehow, these things play their course, but I never doubt either of you will come through ... for all of us." With the warmth of friendship fresh in our hearts, we all exchange goodnights once more before we succumb to slumber again.