A/N - This one is pretty short, but the next one looks like it's going to be a lot longer so hopefully that'll make up for it.

I hope you enjoy this, and feedback is always appreciated!

I don't own 'Merlin', and it doesn't look like they're going to give it to me anytime soon either.

-JKelly

Precarious:

adj. - not securely held or in position; dangerously likely to fall or collapse

dependent on chance; uncertain

Merlin was all too aware of just how precarious his position was.

On the one hand, he was Merlin: best friend, unofficial advisor, and manservant to the king of Camelot. He laughed with him and the knights on hunting trips, gave advice on how new laws might affect the people, and made his royal bed at least five times a day (or so it seemed to him). But on the other hand, he was Emrys: hero of the druids, guide to the Once and Future King, and most powerful warlock to ever walk the Earth. He helped druid prisoners escape, worked to change Arthur's views on magic, and overcame various magical threats at least five times a day (or so it seemed to him).

And he could handle it. Really, he could. Just so long as what was in one hand stayed in that hand. It was when one life tried to interrupt the other that Merlin felt he was most at risk of dropping everything.

Unfortunately for Merlin, this was something that seemed to be happening with increasing frequency. He would have to play both manservant and protector all at once to defend Arthur from a visiting dignitary with evil intent, or he would have to give vital advice on how to move towards Albion while in his disguise of the foolish friend.

Every time, he managed to juggle all his different roles, wearing the right hats at the right times, and leaving almost everyone around him none the wiser. But deep down, he knew that one day he would have to choose a life. He would have to choose between a placating lie or the harsh truth, protecting Arthur's heart or protecting his throne, between being either Merlin or Emrys.

But not yet. For now, he simply balanced his roles and played the parts that were necessary for the situation.

And he never let himself forget just how precarious his position was.