AN: Well, friends, I'm two days late. Guilty as charged. I thought I could juggle moving and a chapter at the same time, and I was wrong! Oops.

However, this chapter is my longest yet... despite its spanning only the story-time of a single day. I hope that'll make up somewhat for my tardiness!

Enjoy the read!

The barracks reminded Arthur a little of the hospital: dark but not quite silent. The hallways echoed now and again with footsteps. A few lights still glowed outside the door and one within, casting a pale sheen over the room. The place had an air of guarded tension, and there was something strange about the rows of empty bunks further into the room. How long it had been, Arthur reflected, since he'd slept in a proper bedroom. He hadn't even had a hotel room in the last few days—only a couch in an old, small house in Dartmoor as he waited for a judgment on his friend's life.

Across the room from him, the thin bed-sheets rustled. Arthur rolled over and peered at the bunk opposite. He could just make out Merlin's face—at last relaxed in a deep sleep, untroubled by the creak of the mattress above him.

"Arthur?" It was barely a whisper. Arthur sat up and blinked at the stripe of light from the doorway. He sat up the rest of the way, quick to recognize the voice and the ghost-like figure silhouetted in the doorway, her shadowy face framed with curls. "I didn't mean to wake you."

"You didn't. I couldn't sleep." Arthur stretched out a hand. Gwen slipped in and pushed the door mostly shut behind her. Outside, Arthur could hear more footsteps and some voices beginning to murmur. "Are you alright?" he asked. The mattress dipped beside him.

"I'm okay," she said. Arthur wrapped an arm around her.

"Did you get any sleep?"

"A little. They don't sleep late around here, though." Arthur nodded. "I saw Leon out in the halls. He said Rodor has contacted the government. Members of at least three parties were interested in speaking with you."

"Including Fox's former party?" Arthur asked quietly. Gwen shifted.

"Yes… Some of them too." A pause. "They're part of the coalition," she added.

"And I don't want to be part of their political game," Arthur growled. "There is no coalition. We're in a state of emergency. No one's even trying to set up an election right now. This is pointless." Gwen tensed, and he let his arm drop. He could feel the weight of her gaze on him even as he stared down at his knees.

"It's not pointless. Rodor may be interested in fostering an alliance with the Druids, but any alliance he makes will last only as long as he holds power. He's a general, not a politician, and we won't be in a state of emergency forever." No… Arthur wrapped his arms around himself, suppressing a shudder. There were but a few options to end the situation. The country could devolve into full-blown civil war and tear itself apart, or one side could come out on top to rule over the shambles.

"Even if this… coalition is in favor of reaching out," he said, "Do you really think the Druids will take the offer?"

"I think we have to try." Gwen put a hand on his arm. "And I think they will be more likely to listen if the offer comes from you. Haven't they already given you their help before?"

"One of them helped me find Balinor. That's all."

"Not exactly." Gwen tilted her head. "I met Sellers too. Merlin brought you back to his home to get treatment for the burns on your shoulder. Didn't you say he saved Leon's life too?" Arthur inclined his head a little.

"I brought Mordred to him some years ago. I think he still feels he owes me a debt… perhaps not anymore now that he helped Leon and Merlin." Arthur sighed. "But even if he did still feel beholden to me for some reason, those things were on a much smaller scale. This is…" He shook his head. "I can't ask him this. To encourage the Druids to take part in a war."

"You're not asking for yourself," Gwen reminded him. "Arthur, it's that or leaving the country to destroy itself. The Druids live here too. This is entirely in their interest."

"I'm not sure they see it that way," Arthur responded.

"They should. You know what the country will become under Morgause. It would be no better than it was during the Purge. The tables will merely be turned in favor of a different side. It's in everyone's interest to prevent bloodshed." Arthur bowed his head. He knew that. But to turn the Druids in favor of his side: the side of the people who had previously persecuted Druids—hunted them like animals in their own home country… "Seeking their help may be the only way to bring peace for the country without a thousands dying," Gwen added. Her words sent shivers up his spine.

"I know," he said hoarsely. He knew as well as she did that they would both be captives if it weren't for his mystery protector. If it weren't for magic. "My uncle doesn't like the idea." Gwen's hand slipped from his arm to fall into her lap. He glanced at her from the corner of his eye.

"Arthur…" Gwen was twisting her hands together. "There's something I meant to tell you—"

"You're not going to agree with him, are you?" Arthur straightened up to stare at her.

"No!" Surprise flitted across her face. "I think you need to speak with the Druids. It's about your uncle." Arthur stilled, aware of the anxiousness and gravity in Gwen's expression.

"Did something happen to him? Did he tell Morgause and Cenred anything?" he asked slowly.

"I don't know." Gwen untangled her fingers. She braced her hands on her knees and drew in a little breath. "I saw him before you arrived to negotiate. I only got a quick look, but he was standing with Morgause off to the side. He wasn't restrained like Leon and I. He just… he seemed comfortable. Like he knew her." Arthur's shoulders tensed a little.

"He does know her," he pointed out. "They're politicians. They've met before many times." Gwen's brow furrowed.

"She was your father's staunchest political enemy, and she's been in exile for the last several years. There's no reason for those two to have any relationship." Arthur leaned forward and looked down at the thin strip of light cutting across his knees.

"My uncle and I have had our differences, but nothing so extreme that… I can't see any reason why he would sell us out to Morgause."

"I don't mean that." Gwen shifted. "It just seemed strange. That's all. I don't know if he was helping her. I just saw them talking, and I thought…" She stared fixedly back down at her hands. "I'm sure there's a reason." Arthur bit back a twinge of doubt. Agravaine was his last living relative. The man had loved Ygraine dearly. He wouldn't betray his sister's only son—his last living relative.

"I'll talk to him," he said at last. "It's probably nothing." Gwen nodded again. She was sitting stiff and tense beside him, so he wrapped an arm around her and rubbed her shoulder, and she leaned against him.

Across from them, Gwaine stirred, and the bunk creaked softly. A trickle of doubt flitted through Arthur's mind, alongside the subtle undercurrent of worries that had plagued him ever since the appearance of the silver-blue light.

"Merlin didn't like it either," he murmured. Gwen's head shifted against his shoulder.

"No… he didn't seem to. But he doesn't seem himself right now." That was an understatement. Arthur pressed a hand to his eyes with a sigh. "Arthur, is he really alright?" she asked. Her gaze was bent on the lower bunk where the faint lighting in the room illuminated a head of messy black hair. Merlin's face was half-hidden under the blankets he'd pulled around himself. Arthur hesitated. He could fairly feel the distress written in the tense lines of Gwen's back and shoulders.

"I think so." He was afraid the statement sounded no more confident than he felt about it.

"I thought…" Gwen faltered. "I really thought he was gone. If you'd assumed that too—"

"No," Arthur interrupted. "Gaius was there. Merlin wouldn't have been abandoned." She lifted her head from his shoulder.

"You saw Gaius?"

"Yeah. He was right there with Merlin when we found him. He's fine." Some of the tension eased from her shoulders, and she relaxed against his side again with a sigh.

"I'm glad you found them," she murmured.

"Me too." He closed his eyes and let his head rest against hers. He felt an almost dizzying sense of relief having her beside him again. Following the chaos and fear that had ensued in the last few days, it was a blessing beyond words to have her safe, alive, unhurt… In the face of the bombardment of revelations he'd experienced at Dartmoor, he was grateful for her support. He could trust her. He knew that. But more than that, Gwen wasn't already tangled up in the web of relations with the Druids like Gaius and Hunith.

"I don't know how Merlin got here." Gwen raised her head.

"I had guessed that he didn't come with you. Hence the friendly greeting." Her eyes gleamed with gentle amusement.

"It's a bit more than that. Merlin's never had a license. I've seen him try to drive my car. He's hopeless, even when he's not about to collapse from exhaustion. He couldn't have gotten himself here." Gwen lifted her shoulders.

"Merlin is resourceful. He must have found another way," she replied. "I'm not surprised he came after you. He's always followed you into trouble." Arthur pursed his lips.

"There's… a little more to the story this time than that," he said.

"So I've noticed," Gwen said mildly. Arthur dropped his gaze.

"I wanted to talk to you earlier," he said.

"I know." Gwen stilled him with a hand on his arm. "It doesn't matter. I only wanted to know if there was some way I could help." Her gaze flitted to the bunk opposite again. "You think Merlin knows something about this guardian angel Leon talks about." The thought had crossed Arthur's mind. It made him uneasy. Merlin had lied in his account of his arrival—or at least left out huge parts of his story. Of that, Arthur was certain.

"I'm not sure." He took an end of the worn blanket beside him and began rolling it between his fingers. "There's something strange going on with him, and he's not really helping to clear it up at all." She watched him in silence as he twined the end of the blanket around one hand. "There's a good reason I didn't expect Merlin to be here. He wasn't just shot. When we found him, the bleeding had stopped, and he seemed… not alright, but stable. The bullet hadn't gone anywhere vital. I thought we could get him treatment and have him sent somewhere safe to recover. But… he was cold—really cold. Gwaine and Percival were wrapping him in blankets and coats, and he was still shivering like he'd fall apart." Arthur turned his eyes down and stared at a scab on the back of his hand. Both hands, and more so his palms, still felt scraped and raw from the desperate scramble to pull rocks and rubble off of Merlin. Gwen's reached over and found his hand in the semi-darkness, and he resumed: "He was… sort of conscious and talking a lot of complete nonsense. He told us to leave him, that he was dying, and when we asked him what was wrong, he started talking about magic. He said the magic was cold." He took a breath, and Gwen's fingers laced between his. "Merlin hasn't told me anything about what happened. I'm not sure he remembers. But I think that woman—the one who attacked us—she must have conjured the wind and fire. She did something to him with magic."

"He's not…" Gwen's grip tightened. "You don't think Merlin could be like Lance?"

"No." Arthur's voice sharpened. The thought made him feel sick. He couldn't make out the expression on her face well in the shadows, but he could hear the tremor in her voice. He slipped his hand out of hers and rubbed her arm. "He's not. I promise. From what Morgause said earlier, I think they meant to leave Merlin for me to find. He was just a warning—to remind me of what they could do to… anyone close to me." Gwen's breath hitched. They sat a few seconds longer, watching the steady rise-and-fall of the blankets on the bed across from them. It had been a frighteningly close call: far closer than either of them cared to admit. "Merlin says he doesn't remember any of this either," Arthur said. "But when we first found him, he was convinced that the curse—or whatever it was—was killing him. Gaius couldn't treat him, and… I didn't know what else to do." Gwen squeezed his hand, and a little smile tugged at her lips.

"You took him to the Druids." He nodded and let out a breath. He should have known he wouldn't have to explain to her. She understood not only what he'd done but why. Because she would have done the same. "So," Gwen fixed a shrewd look on him. "You left to come back and find me, leaving Merlin in their care. Merlin figured out your harebrained scheme and followed to rescue you from your own stupidity. Am I close?" Despite himself, Arthur responded with a small chuckle.

"Thanks, Gwen," he responded with a trace of sarcasm. She arched an eyebrow, and he sighed. "Yes… I get it. You and Merlin have both read me the riot act. It wasn't my finest moment," he admitted. "But honestly, it's… a bit more complicated than your version." He raised his head to glance around again. Both of the room's other occupants were still fast asleep. Gwaine was even snoring softly on the top bunk. Arthur wondered fleetingly whether some of the chill still lingered in Merlin. Unlike Gwaine, he was very still and quiet, and buried under his baggy jacket and two blankets. Since finding him again, Arthur hadn't once seen Merlin without a blanket or coat wrapped around himself.

He felt almost guilty, talking in undertones this way with Merlin asleep only feet away from them. "Gwen…" he lowered his voice. "There are things that Merlin's been keeping from us. A lot of things." Gwen blinked once at him, her head tilted slightly to the side. In the faint light from the doorway, her eyes gleamed.

"I've always known that. Merlin has always had elements of his past and person that don't quite make sense." Arthur blinked at her.

"This is different—" he started emphatically.

"Arthur," Gwen hissed. He stopped. She was shaking her head, and he realized that Gwaine had stopped snoring, and on the lower bunk, Merlin was stirring. He and Gwen sat still a moment, but Merlin merely turned his head into the pillow so his face was half-hidden against it and settled again. "I know," Gwen allowed at last in a low voice. "But forgive me if I'm not very surprised. Merlin was never normal. His best friend back at home was a sorcerer. You told me that yourself. Merlin was also the one who found the Druid boy back in Camelot. And that was strange enough, even before it was coupled with the fact that Aredian scared the wits out of him." Gwen's hand shifted to cover his again. "What happened this time? Something particularly out of the usual I take it." Mordred. Mordred and Will… Arthur had nearly forgotten about them. He hesitated. The question suddenly didn't seem so straightforward as he had first thought.

"Hunith was there," he said after a moment's pause.

"What?" Gwen's eyes widened.

"She didn't know Merlin would be there. I heard her speaking to Iseldir and Gaius before she came inside. Someone contacted her long before Merlin arrived. She came to see Balinor."

"Balinor," Gwen echoed. "He's the one you and Merlin went looking for last time, right?" Arthur nodded slowly. "She knows him?" Gwen asked.

"He's Merlin's father." Arthur leaned forward, staring down at the ground. He heard Gwen draw in a quiet breath.

"Hunith told you that?"

"More or less." For a while the room was utterly silent, and several long minutes passed before Gwen responded.

"It makes sense."

"How?" Arthur stiffened, and his brows drew down over narrowed eyes. "How does any of this make sense?"

"Think about it, Arthur. Merlin's always been uncomfortable talking about magic. He was more spooked than I was when Aredian came to Camelot, yet he was the first one of us to protect the Druid boy. It's always been there. We just didn't have enough pieces to make a clear picture."

"I always assumed he was scared of it," Arthur muttered. Until Merlin had met Iseldir, that was. That had been one among many uncharacteristic moments he'd witnessed—the sudden air of self-assurance and determination that had manifested in his ash-sprinkled, worn-looking friend in that moment. He pressed a hand to his face with a sigh.

"He might have been in a manner of speaking," Gwen said. "Any discussion of magic probably unnerved him. He wouldn't want to incur any trouble for his family."

"No." Arthur shook his head stubbornly. "It couldn't have been that. He never even knew who Balinor was before. Hunith said she never told him. They only met recently."

"Balinor wouldn't have been Merlin's only exposure to magic," Gwen reasoned. William Dempsie. Arthur exhaled heavily and leaned forward, resting his head in his hands. He ran his fingers through his hair. "Gaius was connected to the Druids as well," Gwen added quietly. "He's the one who contacted them to help get Mordred safely away."

"So he's always known sorcerers… He and Gaius both." Somehow that didn't make Arthur feel any better. "Why didn't he ever say anything?" he murmured, raising his head enough to squint at the sleeping figure.

"What was there to say? If what Hunith says is true, he didn't lie. He didn't know his father. With Will or anyone else he might have known, he probably felt that it wasn't his secret to tell." Arthur didn't answer. The issue seemed much bigger than Merlin's parentage. It felt strange—uncomfortable even—to imagine Merlin living an entire side of his life that Arthur had never seen, recognized… even conceived of. "What about the light, Arthur?" Gwen quietly broke into his train of thought again. "You sounded like you knew something too. You said it was from a friend. Was it someone Merlin brought with him?" When Arthur didn't answer, she pressed a little further: "Was it Balinor? Surely he would have come if Merlin asked him."

"Maybe…" Arthur's mind turned back to the man—stiff and slow—his hair peppered with still more gray than the first time they'd met him. He thought of Hunith's words when she first arrived. How is he? Has it gotten any worse? He was ill. And it must have been serious for someone to contact Hunith. He doubted the dragon lord had gone anywhere just now. One thing he was sure of, however: "But the light wasn't his."

"You know whose it was though?" Gwen asked. Arthur shook his head, hunching his shoulders a little.

"I saw it before, several years ago: the night Merlin was in the hospital back in Camelot." Gwen shivered.

"I remember. You were out trying to get the antidote. You told a strange story about a sorceress and giant spiders." Arthur inclined his head.

"I didn't mention the light at the time. I was in enough trouble without discussing magic with Leon and the other Patroni… But the light we saw today—it's exactly the same as the one I saw that night. It led me somewhere safe. I don't know who sent it or why… but whoever it is, I owe them my life twice now. And yours."

"We all do." Gwen's shoulder pressed against Arthur's. She leaned her head against his, and Arthur put an arm around her again. "Do you think Merlin knows who it is?" she asked. He considered, casting half-an-eye on his sleeping friend.

"I'm not sure what Merlin does and doesn't know anymore," he said quietly. He wasn't sure of anything anymore, save the reality of Gwen, here beside him, her head on his shoulder, warm, safe. It was enough to make him wish for a moment that he could speak to the unknown conjurer of the light—if only to send a message of thanks. Gwen hummed thoughtfully and turned her head to peer at him from the corner of her eye.

"Do I need to ask if you've actually spoken with Merlin about this?" She didn't. He could see that she already knew. He sighed.

"How am I supposed to bring it up? You saw the way he reacted yesterday when I started asking about how he got here."

"You could start by sounding less accusing," Gwen recommended. Arthur lifted his shoulders. He couldn't help a twinge of anger at the thought of just how many things Merlin clearly hadn't mentioned—not least that he had some tie to the Druids—one which Iseldir had probably known. "You could speak to him," Gwen said, "Or you could wait and see what comes up. But speculating any further won't help. We still don't have the full story." Arthur nodded.

He pulled his legs up onto the bed and watched the shadows fall across the doorway as people passed by outside. Merlin's background was one of the many mysteries that would have to wait. There were more pressing problems at hand for now.

"I'll talk to Rodor today," he said. "There must be a safe place he can take both of you two where Fox and Cenred won't find you again." Gwen stirred and lifted her head from his shoulder. She blinked at him.

"I think I can speak for Merlin too when I say we're not going anywhere," she said. Arthur's arm slipped from her shoulders.

"You have to. You're not safe." His voice sharpened. "This is the second time Fox has tried to use you against me. Your relationship with me puts you at risk." Her lips thinned, and he recognized the hardening expression on her face. He pulled away from her. "Guinevere, Lance was cursed. Percival was injured. Gwaine was stabbed five minutes after meeting me. I'm trouble." He gestured emphatically at the sleeping figure on the bunk across from them. "Did you not notice Merlin… Merlin almost died." He swung his legs over the bed and stood to pace a few steps away, then turned back. Her hands were clasped in her lap, and she was looking back at him, but her expression hadn't changed. He shook his head in agitation. "If anything happened to you…" He stopped and swallowed. Chilling images flitted through his mind of Gwen shivering and pale, stained with blood as Merlin had been… Lying on the pavement in the open parking lot where he'd come to bargain for her safety. If Morgause's order had gone through; if Gwen had been shot; if she had been tortured or questioned, held somewhere far away where he couldn't have found her again… "I don't know what I would do," he said tightly.

"Arthur." Gwen rose, and Arthur was prevented from taking a step back when she put a hand on his arm. "Nothing is going to happen to me." He stood frozen as her fingers traced his cheek and turned his head so he was looking down at her face, half-lit by the glow from the cracked-open door. His breath caught, and he dropped his gaze hurriedly, but he could feel her fingertips brushing the hair around his ear and the pad of her thumb stroking his cheek. Despite his halfhearted attempts to pull away, Arthur's heartbeat quickened, and his cheeks warmed. She reached an arm around his shoulders and leaned close. "I love you," she murmured against his lips. He silently gave in and wound his arm around her waist and kissed her. She leaned her head against his and slipped her other arm around his back. "Even if these truly were to be your last days, I would want to spend them with you—not somewhere safe waiting for a man who might never come back to me." Arthur brought a hand up to smooth Gwen's hair.

"I don't want you to be hurt."

"I don't want you hurt either. But I can't keep you out of trouble." Gwen smiled half tolerantly, a trace of sadness in her eyes. He cupped her cheek with his hand.

"I'm sorry."

"There's nothing to be sorry for. We're both here." She pulled him closer, and this time he responded readily, deepening the kiss with an almost desperately passionate feeling. Worry and care melted away as he pulled her close against himself.

Above Arthur's head, someone coughed quietly. Arthur relaxed his hold on Gwen and drew back, breathless. Damnit, Merlin.

"If we're going to be roommates for a while," a drowsy voice drawled, "We might wanna have a talk about overnight guests." It sounded distinctly unlike Merlin. There was no cheeky grin nor blue eyes sparkling with humor. For once, Arthur's long-time roommate remained sound asleep. Arthur glared up at the occupant of the top bunk.

"We… she wasn't—"

"S'alright, princess." The American sat up and pushed his dark hair back from his face, grinning. "Long as you're quiet," he said brightly. Heat rose instantly to Arthur's face, and he spluttered.

"Thanks, Gwaine," Gwen deadpanned, . "We're glad we have your blessing." Gwaine chuckled.

"Don't think I'm the one you ought to worry about." He tilted his head towards the door and dropped down from the bunk. Gwen made a little sound of surprise and turned from Arthur's side.

"I could talk to the General about getting you two a room if you're really that desperate."

"Elyan!" Gwen yelped indignantly. Elyan shuffled back as she started towards him.

"Hey! I'm just here doing my job!" he laughed, catching her by the arm as she tried to push him back out of the doorway.

"Oh, Rodor sent you to be a nosy brother?" Gwen snarked.

"That bit comes free." He grinned. Gwen pulled out of his grasp and backed away and glared halfheartedly at her brother. "You have a visitor," Elyan added more soberly. "She's a public relations representative from the New Liberals—" The smile dropped from Arthur's face in a split-second.

"I won't be talked into giving another statement," he bit out. His expression darkened. "How did she get in here? Is Rodor in the habit of letting Paparazzi onto his base now?"

"Arthur." Gwen tilted her head to the left, indicating the bottom bunk again. Arthur gritted his teeth and followed Elyan out into the hallway with Gwaine close on their heels.

A thin stream of sunlight was just beginning to peer through the hallway windows. Morning… Arthur wondered distantly when the entire night had passed.

"She's only recently arrived. There's time for you to get breakfast first." Elyan ushered them forward. They were far from the only people frequenting the hallway, and he steered them towards the heart of the building.

"What does she want?" Gwaine asked. What the hell do you think? Arthur gritted his teeth.

"She believes she may be able to help us reach out to the Druids," Elyan answered. "You did discuss that yesterday—"

"She's from Fox's party. I want nothing to do with them," Arthur said. Gwen's brow creased and she turned to shake her head slightly at Arthur.

"She may be our best opportunity. Her party has been the foremost in promoting amnesty. Working with them would signify a gesture of compromise to the Druids. As you said, they're going to need the right encouragement if they're even to consider working with Rodor." Arthur jerked his head—a short, sharp gesture of dissension.

"I'll find another way to reach out to them."

"Arthur," Gwen's voice dropped. "I know you have bad associations with the party, but you aren't bound by your father's political agenda any longer." Arthur's eyes snapped up to her face.

"This isn't about my father," he responded at once, aware that his defensive tone lent no credence to the statement. Gwen's expression hardened.

"What is it about then?" she pressed. "This is a political party—not a single hostile person. You don't have to negotiate with Fox or any of her associates. She was never party leader—only an extreme member of their group."

"Odin—"

"Odin reined her in," Gwen reminded him. "Several times. He has never been anything but reasonable, including in his conflicts with Uther." Arthur curled his fingers in to his palm. Gwen's gaze remained steady. "For all of our sakes," she said, "I think that you should speak with her."

"I doubt she'll give you a choice," Elyan put in. Arthur shifted his attention to Gwen's brother.

"How did she get in?" he demanded for the second time, not keen on responding to Gwen's enjoinder. Elyan shifted.

"She's the General's daughter."

"Oh. So it's a problem of nepotism, not leniency," Arthur sniped, scowling again.

"Arthur," Gwen cut in. She gripped Arthur's arm, and he twisted about to see the object of her attention. He groaned. You've got to be bloody joking… Leon stopped in mid-conversation with someone by the doors to the mess.

"Arthur!" He stopped and turned, beckoning to his companion.

"Leon." He said through his teeth. He had no need to ask the identity of the young woman at Leon's side. Her dark blazer and neatly turned down white collar, her step and bearing, and her hair only half-pulled back, and her acute, inquisitive gaze bespoke a young professional, but not a soldier. "You're my bodyguard, not my media advisor," Arthur said curtly. He fixed his gaze briefly on the young woman. "Don't waste your breath. I won't give any further statements."

"Hang on, Arthur…" Gwaine's hand lit on his shoulder, and the American brushed past him. "Mith?" The dark haired young woman's lips curved in an amused smile. "Well I'll be damned," Gwaine declared.

"Hello to you too, Gwaine," she replied, eyes dancing. Gwaine beamed and stepped forward to wrap her in an enthusiastic embrace. She tilted her head back to scan his face with lively interest as he drew back at arm's length.

"Why is it that you've gotten yourself into some new trouble every time I see you?" she asked in a laughing tone. Gwaine held up his hands in surrender.

"Not of my making this time," he said, grinning broadly.

"Gwaine, what—" Arthur stepped forward with barely sustained impatience.

"Don't get your knickers in a twist, princess." Gwaine clapped a hand firmly on his shoulder.

"You know her?" Gwen inquired, moving to stand at Arthur's side again. The American's grin widened.

"Nah. I'm in the habit of hugging random strangers," he quipped. "She took it well." Opposite him, the woman rolled her eyes.

"The story changes every time he tells it. My mother worked at the British embassy in Washington for some years. Gwaine and I attended the same school." She extended a hand to Arthur. "It's a pleasure to meet you." Arthur didn't move, and her smile faded a little. Gwaine stepped forward before the tension could escalate.

"Mith, this is Gwen Smith and…" he inclined his head towards the stiff-backed blond. "The infamous Arthur Pendragon. Arthur, Gwen, this is Mithian."

"It's a pleasure to meet you both." Mithan smiled. Her gaze shifted to Arthur. "I'm sorry we had to meet under these circumstances. I'm not here to pressure any of you into anything. I've seen the lengths some of us go to in order to avoid the public eye." Her gaze flitted to Gwaine and the American smiled fleetingly back at her and lifted his shoulders. Arthur took a breath.

"Thank you, but my concern is not staying out of the media. This hardly seems like the time to be seeking support for an election." Mithian tilted her head, a flicker of surprise showing in her eyes.

"It certainly is not. That was never my intent," she assured him. "Politics notwithstanding, you have been the voice of reason and unity for the country before. We stand at the brink of a war, and I believe you might have the influence to draw us back. But I do understand your reluctance." Gwen's free hand brushed against Arthur's, and her fingers laced between his. He hesitated a moment, and Mithian took a step back, as if to turn away.

"Please," Arthur turned a brief glance on Gwen, and gently disentangled his fingers from hers as Mithian returned her attention to him. "Forgive me for my initial reaction. I've had a lot on my mind lately." He extended his hand, and Mithian's smile returned. She took it in a firm grasp. "I won't promise anything, but I would like to hear your proposal."

Merlin was unreadable. Arthur was realizing that more and more in the wake of his friend's brush with death. Merlin, now awake, sat across the table from Arthur, listening with an impassive face, the meal tray in front of him all but forgotten. His hands offered the only sign of disquiet. His fingers wandered restlessly over the tabletop, fidgeting with his cup and fork until he settled both hands in his lap. It reminded Arthur of his habit of threading them through the tassels of his worn scarves.

"You really think Rodor is willing to take a chance like this? He would have to decriminalize magic."

"He has the power to do it. The remaining question is whether people will turn out in favor of it—mainly whether the Druids will be willing to consider helping us." Arthur watched Merlin's hand move up to trace the edge of his tray. "He thinks that if I reach out to them, the Druids will receive the gesture more favorably."

"He's probably right." Arthur blinked, and Merlin looked up at him. "They trust you. They wouldn't have allowed you to set foot in their homes if not."

"You think I should do it?" Merlin's eyes instantly turned down to his tray again. "If I do this everything my father worked for will be for nothing." He watched his friend's downturned face intently. "We would have to change everything about the way we live—make a place for them in our cities—our world. Do you think that's the right choice to make?"

"I don't think I'm the right person to ask," Merlin said.

"I'm asking you." Arthur leaned forward over the table. "It's not like you to be silent."

"There's a lot at stake," Merlin responded.

"And I'm asking your advice." Arthur waited in silence, watching Merlin's fingers turn his plastic cup around slowly. When he spoke again, his words were slow and quiet.

"I think you should do what you believe is best for everyone. It will be an empty victory if it costs as many lives as this country's last war." That it would… Arthur bowed his head. The Purge had continued for years after the first civil war ended.

Merlin still made no eye contact, his attention self-consciously fixed on the half-eaten food before him. Arthur looked at his companion, silently turning over all the questions and doubts he had discussed with Gwen in the early hours of the morning. The son of a dragon lord; friend to a sorcerer, or perhaps to several; familiar with the Druids… There was a lot he didn't know about Merlin. So why was it that he still trusted him?

"If I do this," he said. "Will you still stand by me in the decision?" Merlin lifted his head, and in a moment the hesitation and doubt had cleared from his face.

"You know I will, Arthur." He did. And he needed no more confirmation to clear the lingering doubts from his own mind for now. There would be time enough to discuss Balinor later.

"Good." Arthur stood. "Because you're going to help me write the statement."

AN2: Alright... I'm a bit of a tease. But Arthur's asking questions now. So be patient. It's coming...
Arthur aside, I'd be willing to bet you didn't expect to see Mithian. And certainly not her backstory tying in with Gwaine's!

I'll aim for two Sundays from now, since I was late on this one. We'll see how it goes!

Thanks for reading, and I'd love to hear from you all! So if you have time, make my day and drop me a line in the reviews! :)

Cheers!
Sandyy