"Ready" (Rose)

In the little time that we have before the last preparations for war, I steal a few minutes with Merlin. "Good, you're here," he steps in front of me, grabbing my hands and pulling me to a private spot with no spectators in sight. "I hope I'm not frightening you," he says with eyes wandering over my somewhat shocked face, releasing his hold on my hands and clasping his own behind his back awkwardly.

"No, no," I shake my head with a small smile, running a few fingers down the side of my face. "I just wasn't expecting you to be seeking me out at all."

"Well, there are just some things I'd like you to know in case we ..." he trails off without the heart to finish voicing his thoughts.

"We're on the same page then," I nod solemnly.

"You too?" he asks, taken aback in concern for my spirits, which are normally more optimistic.

I nod again. "Unfortunately so, I'm afraid ... It's not that I've lost all hope. Simply, like you, I prefer to cover all probabilities with great care. Granted that some words are left unspoken, between us, I don't see that being the case."

"Nor do I," he grins.

"Might I inquire as to what is on your heart to say?" I gently probe him.

"Oh, uh," he shifts his weight around ineptly as his tongue fails him. He clears his throat and steadies himself, drawing boldness from within. His blazing eyes meet my own, which quickly become lost in the sharp blue color of his irises that shine straight through my soul. "Knowing you has been my privilege entirely, and I wouldn't trade the time we've shared for anything. You have been the greatest of friends and soundest of allies. You have the sweetest countenance and most tender spirit, yet you are vigilant and immovable when it comes to what you believe in. I have the utmost respect for you. I believe deeply in Arthur and the soldiers, in you and Gaius, but I cannot be sure of the events to come, although I'm not afraid. However, I will do everything in my power to see you to safety. I swear."

Indescribable warmth rushes over every inch of my trembling body. "Oh, Merlin," I exhale, wrapping my arms around his neck softly. He holds me tight in response. "You're the most steadfast companion I've ever had. I have only the deepest regard for you. I can't imagine what it is you face every day, and I cannot surmise how you manage your destiny with me as your supposed protector. It is not I in this unlikely trio that keeps us going, it is you. You possess greatness in you unlike any I've seen. You're compassionate and brave and wonderful in all your ways and I cannot thank you enough for your care."

We separate after a lingering moment, and I brashly sneak a kiss onto his smooth cheek. The tips of his ears grow red as we share a smile. Inside, we both know, we are ready for whatever comes. Without another word, I walk off to join Gaius, and he to suit Arthur. It is now that we stand together, or not at all.

"No Retreat" (Merlin)

The booming of the enemy army outside resounds in Arthur's chamber as I secure the final pieces of his armor. In glancing toward the window for a second and yanking on the belt of his arm plate a bit roughly, I mutter, "Sorry."

"It's not like you to get nervous, is it, Merlin?" Arthur straightens the arm piece, mustering a bit of expression that fades as quickly as it came.

I peer at him in assuring correction. "I'm not nervous."

"No?" he questions doubtfully.

I shake my head, even though his eyes are elsewhere. I pause and inhale deeply. "Because I trust in your destiny."

At first, he looks appreciative, but then shakes his own head with a sudden idea. "Have you been on the cider?"

I slowly draw his sword from its sheath on the table. Eyeing the gleaming blade, I ignore his comment and elaborate. "It is your fate to be the greatest king Camelot has ever known." I step back into my original place in front of him, holding out his weapon for him to take. I slightly nod toward the window. "Your victory today will be remembered ... by every age ... till the end of time."

His eyes, now glued to me, I begin to fidget. Every time a glimmer of the side of me that keeps my secrets and knowledge unbeknownst to him shows, I don't really know how to act. He grabs hold of the hilt, taking the weight of the sword in hand. I revert to my seriousness once again. "Just trust in yourself." I give a few small nods, and then turn my attention to the items left on the table, feeling Arthur's eyes never leaving me.

"There are times, Merlin, when you display a sort of- I don't know what it is," he pauses with an almost comical expression, but his tone is sincere enough. "I don't want to say- it's not wisdom." I shake my head, grinning, and fighting quiet laughter at his supposed inability to compliment me. He almost cracks a smile, but doesn't. Instead, he finds the humility to continue vocalizing his thought. "But, yes ... that's what it is." I look at him with a smile creeping on my lips. He returns my look but squashes all sentiments. "Don't look so pleased. The rest of the time, you're a complete idiot." He promptly walks away, shoving his weapon into its scabbard.

My smile lingers, knowing that he meant the good of what he'd said. However, the warmth of the moment soon vanishes as I recall that from this battle, there can be no retreat. I'm not nervous, but I cannot discount all probabilities. Whatever occurs, I have one solitary goal: protecting those I hold most dear.