I was looking through this chapter a few days ago to get a better idea for a timeline and saw all the notes and mistakes I left and nearly croaked. So I have seen edited and apologize for any confusion or annoyance in the lack of editing. Sorry!

Merlin woke, squinting into the cheerful light of the afternoon sun. His head pounded dully as he became aware of the rest of his body. He ached all over. Not in the same way he had with the aging spell, this time it was very different, and very much worse. A chilling breeze trickled along his bare arms, expanding to his torso and cooling the heat around his left eye. He began to feel a soreness at the skin of his throat and reached reflexively to ease it, finding even more of an ache in his right arm. Abandoning the action he groaned, wondering what that reckless, overbearing, royal had gotten himself into that the warlock had undoubtedly had to save him from.

Then it came rushing back to him in a flurry of memories faster than he could blink. Opening his eyes once more as his breathing became more uneven, he was pleasantly surprised to note he was not on the sick bed in the main room of Gaius's chambers this time, but his own, where he felt far more at ease.

The old physician glanced over at him from a table nearby while making more fresh salve to apply around a blood dried bruise that had split the skin on his shoulder. His ward had been in a severe state the other night, he had small bruised cuts everywhere, much of them having split and bled on and off before he was able to treat the boy. His bleeding head had been an immediate concern along with his labored breathing. To the aged man's horror he found part of the servant's lower rib protruding from his side, making his lungs protest as well as badly bruising the flesh that kept it in place. The physician had been able to reset the bone, allowing his patient to settle and rest as he worked on the rest of his injuries. Before he had found the aberration, he had inspected the throat, which was an alarming deep purple. As he had begun to dismiss this as the cause of his labored breathing he had unthinkingly glanced to the side of his ward's neck, where he thought he saw unmarred skin. Curious, he examined it more closely to find that his eyes had not deceived him previously, only that they had not informed him of the end of the bruise having a pattern, in the shape of thick rounded lines.

Hands. The physician had had to shake himself in order to continue treating the injured man. His healing shoulder had been partly ripped open again, encircled in yet another bruise. His right leg had become swollen again under the stress he had endured, but had come back to a normal size by the next afternoon. In the last day the boy had been in and out of consciousness, his slightly bruised lung and healing rib making it difficult to breathe, but he had not been entirely lucid. Sighing softly at his ward becoming aware, he picked up the salve and walked the few steps to the boy's side. The salve he was using on the bruises were doing wonders for his black eye, taking away the swelling entirely. Again the physician reminded himself of the warlock's magic assisting his recovery and he had to wonder how much apart it played.

"How you always manage to get into such trouble all the time I will never know."

The sleep clouded eyes of the warlock drifted to land on his mentor's face as the older man came to stand beside the bed. He smirked.

"Always have to pick the rough path don't I?" he replied jokingly, closing his eyes.

Without giving Gaius a chance to lecture him, or tell him exactly how stupid wandering around at night as a known sorcerer in Camelot was, he lifted his hand palm up towards the cabinet with his eyes still kept shut. A small shuffle and creek sounded in the main chambers before an old, simple, floor length mirror floated into the room propping itself up lightly in front of the open door against the wall.

Gaius looked to the warlock questioningly, while the servant opened his eyes and glanced at his mentor before carefully, swinging his legs over the bed and slowly sitting up.

"You shouldn't-"

"There's no point in avoiding it. I may as well, face it now." he explained solemnly, pausing as his side, shoulder, and various bruises began sending sharp aches and pains to protest this change of plan.

The physician helped him take the few steps over to the other side of the room, stopping in front of the long, previously useless mirror.

Gradually he matched each heated pain with it's appearance, disbelief temporarily driving the sensations from his thoughts. He didn't want to see the horror bestowed upon his flesh, but if he was going to allow the pain to pass with time and be seen by others, he would need to know how to handle it. The only way to do that was to assess the damage himself. He scoffed, thinking it funny how easily visible wounds could heal, his friends may even regard him as 'fragile'. He frowned giving the mirror a scathing, skeptic look. How stupid.

The physician watched him sadly. "Merlin, you can't keep putting yourself through this, your magic is part of you. You have had trouble containing it, and your ability is no longer secret, so why did you not use it to defend you?"

That had been a difficult struggle. His magic had rushed forward to save him, searing like fire in his veins, giving him strength, screaming to be set free. He had trouble restraining it, and began to retreat within himself, allowing despair to drown him to try and calm it, trying to escape the pain.

"Because I would have confirmed everything they knew about sorcerers and magic." He explained patiently shutting his eyes against the memory. "That it's evil and twists even the most noble of souls, that it is only capable of destruction and causing harm. I couldn't take that risk."

"Yes, but at what point?-"

"I'm going to seek out the druids." He said suddenly. "I can't help but feel torn, I know I may not have failed yet, but perhaps they can help, or Kilgharrah."

"What do you mean?"

"There's so much I have to do. I don't want to face Arthur after he has heard what I've done. It's too much. I killed his Uncle, tried to kill Morgana, released Kilgharrah, I awakened Aithusa, and-"

"Merlin!" Gaius called, trying to stop the boy's rising misery of his past from overwhelming him, along with his pending, frayed destiny from crushing him. "All anyone expects from you right now is to heal."

"And how do they expect me to do that?!" he shouted turning a bit too quickly to face the physician. "I have been hunted, shot, and beaten, and that's only in the past few weeks!" he was forced to stop, from a coughing fit that made his side tug sickeningly, making him take a few deep breaths before he continued. "I just can't be forgiven for all I've done for this place or forget how I was cast out and threatened for all my trouble!" he said taking in the air he had found to be scarce in his rant, trying to prevent more coughing and irritation to his battered body. "It's too much." he stated quietly.

"I don't want to hear Arthur's judgement, it's taken too long and I can feel the weight of his indecision as though it's slowly ripping me apart." He closed his eyes, forcing his inner turmoil down. "I just want peace. I want this tension gone. I've anticipated this moment so many times, and the likelihood of it not going well is too high."

Gaius smiled reassuringly. "Merlin, it will all come in time. Arthur will come to see all you have done, everything to protect him and this kingdom. It hasn't been all for not."

Merlin smirked jokingly. "But receiving something once in a while would be nice. Even if it's just a day off.. Never mind, that usually ends up being a disaster in someway." He amended sardonically.

"Which is why you are desperately needed here." the physician said insistently, gently guiding the servant back to his bed. We both knew your secret being unveiled wouldn't be easy for everyone to deal with." Gaius pointed out.

Merlin snorted looking down blankly at the floor.

"Think you can stomach something?"

The remainder of the day he spent eating little and sleeping, void of nightmares and cheerful thoughts, rapped securely in a warm, comforting blanket of blackness.

The next day the warlock woke in the late morning, having no trouble remembering recent events courtesy of the nagging pain his wounds provided. Carefully, he stood and recovered a clean shirt. Looking through the cupboard, he found a pair of socks, and an old neckerchief. Smiling at the blue material fondly, as he had worn it so many times, through so many quests that it had frayed at the ends. He tied it loosely around his neck being careful of the most angry looking bruise on him. Feeling more like himself, he stepped slowly, and clumsily out into the main chambers. The physician seemed to be out making his rounds so he helped himself to a piece of bread and some left over stew. He took the book he had been reading a few days before and settled down by the window, but as hours passed Merlin found his way over to the patient's bed, now looking very inviting, slowly edged the blanket over him, and realized that concentrating on his reading was becoming impossible.

The door rattled quietly on it's hinges. They were coming. He heard it open and shut again. The guards and his tormentors must have been of the same mind. The thud of their boots was made clear in the large, now enclosed room. They hated him, they had come to hurt him again, and they would never stop. What was that clicking sound?

"Merlin?"

Coming into consciousness once again, the servant jerked his head towards the voice. Opening his eyes he saw the face of one of the guards posted outside the chambers grinning at him. He jerked, gasping when his vision cleared and the face of one of his oldest friends came into focus.

"Gwen!"

She smiled with slight concern. "I came by yesterday, but you were resting. How are you feeling?" the queen pulled up a near by chair by the bed and perched herself there, while Merlin readjusted himself to a comfortable leaning position against the pillows.

"Well, I guess I know now what our elders feel like." he said noncommittally.

"Can I get you anything? Blankets? Food? Are you thirsty at all-?"

Despite the situation, the warlock couldn't help but smile, seeing the young rambling maidservant he had met so long ago flicker through into the regal queen she had become. He gently laid his hand on her arm cutting her off.

"I'm glad you're alright again."

She paused, her eyes going wide in recognition of what he meant. He had never accepted credit for saving her from Morgana's spell, and he didn't mean to now.

"Merlin, I'm sorry. There is no way I know of to thank you properly for what you did. And no apology great enough for all you have done to protect us."

The servant shook his head. "You don't need to thank me. There was no other option, I had to save you, you were my friend."

Merlin had always poured his absolute trust into his friends, helped them when they needed it without asking, and went to staggering levels to keep them safe, and that had been before they knew of his magic. Still, had he just shrugged off everything he had been through after his secret was unveiled for her sake?

In truth, there was no way to make it up to him for all he had done, all the ridicule he had endured, all the times he must have saved them and had to hide it. After what had happened, it was understandable that he was a bit uneasy in Camelot again. But had they lost his trust? Had she?

"Can we not be friends anymore?" she asked in a low tone, failing to keep the deep sorrow out of her voice as tears welled in her eyes.

He looked down at the blanket covering him, seeing all to clearly the severely marred flesh beneath.

"I'm sorry, Gwen, but I really am not sure who I can trust now."

Even with the knowledge of his secret and all the shock and betrayal they must be going through, he had been betrayed as well. They hadn't thought twice about attacking him, hunting him, aware of his past actions to prove the extent of his loyalty. Not even his best friend, who in contrast had been at the head of the onslaughts.

When he sought her eyes again, she was staring, gaping at something just below his chin….

Oh. She wasn't suppose to see that.

He lifted his hand to pull his neckerchief back up over his abused throat, shifting his attention to his right feeling uncomfortable under her shocked gaze. He really hadn't meant for her to see that.

"What?-" she jerked back, moving her chair just enough to make a small table beside them tip dangerously enough to make the bucket full of water that had sat atop it to fall over the side. She stood up quickly in a vain attempt to catch it.

The reaction was instantaneous. He focused on the bucket without thinking it through, his eyes glowing gold. The bucket had immediately stopped it's course in mid air, the water already spilling from it, now captured and dancing in the bright rays of the sun, as though they were crystals rather then simple water.

The queen stepped to the side out of the way of the water to see the incredible display better, unconsciously trying to understand it, and completely mesmerized with it.

A second after she had stepped aside of the water's path, the warlock seemed to have realized what he'd done. The bucket and it's contents continued their course, crashing to the floor, but Merlin barely registered it. Panic quickly engulfed him, making his throat tight and breath quicken. He had just preformed magic in front of the queen of a kingdom whose laws would have him burned.

"I-"

Gwen snapped out of her intrigued state realizing the servant across from her about to have another fit at what she had just witnessed.

"Merlin," she started in a calm voice sitting on the edge of the bed to see his face and judge his current state more effectively. "It's alright, it was my fault."

The warlock caught his breath and looked at her questioningly. How was that her fault? She didn't just act against the law.

"What are you talking about?"

The queen seemed confused. "I reacted too quickly and made the bucket fall." she frowned, then spoke with a determined air. "You are not to blame." she stated, smirking at her next comment. "You have saved me from a rather difficult explanation to Arthur and our servants as to how I came upon such a stain." she stifled a giggle, imagining the conversation with the overly dramatic servants.

The servant before her visibly relaxed, and snorted, trying to hide a slight smirk.

"Why don't you get some rest?" she said, getting to her feet.

Merlin just looked at her with a confused but slightly softened expression. She smiled and walked towards the door, pausing before making her exit.

"And Merlin?" he looked back up at her after realizing he might benefit from a nap. "Thank you."

She left without a response, as the servant went back into the welcoming pull of sleep, a small smile on his lips.

Merlin had become restless. The physician looked over from the table at his ward and frowned. In appearance he looked a great deal better. The bruises that had been visible on his face had receded to a less angry color, and his leg had almost returned to normal, though understandably sore.

But that wasn't what worried Gaius.

The warlock had spent his time resting, gaining back some of his strength, his body healing at an advanced rate. He had been able to slowly make his way, more or less unassisted around the chambers. He stared out the window, read, helped make assorted drafts, poisons, tonics, and healing pastes, some of the time becoming lost in thought while staring into the fire.

Currently, the servant was reading, History of Ancient Healing Runes, something the physician knew the boy found extremely boring in the past, sitting on the steps while leaning his good shoulder against the wall, using the window for light. Not to mention his leg had been bouncing nervously for so long it had moved without his notice and found the aged wood's weak spot that had begun to squeak quietly enough that it was becoming very irritating.

"Merlin."

No answer. What's more, the young man didn't seem entirely focused on his reading material. The physician tried again.

"Merlin." he said a bit more urgently, not intending to startle him.

The warlock blinked, twitching his head away from is wandering thoughts before straightening and turning his attention to his mentor.

He frowned. "Did you say something?" he asked uncertainly.

"I was going to ask if you would help me with these herbs."

The physician would like the help of course, but that was not his motive. The servant had not moved more then a few steps unaided since his last excursion out of the chamber, the steps leading to his room designed to be the last thing he did before retiring for the night. As the movement irritated his side and had drained him the past two days, but he already was improving. What Gaius really wanted to test was his ability to cross the room on his own, hopefully without the warlock consciously remembering to put much effort into it. In addition, he wanted to see if he had the unconscious, instinctive will to move.

As per their new routine, Merlin obliged without a word, setting his book aside. As he did this, the physician turned his gaze back to his current task as to not be conspicuous. The servant shifted, gently turned, and slid off the steps to his feet. Gaius saw him wince only once between walking to the table and taking a seat. His mentor narrowed his eyes, watching him thoughtfully.

This morning, he had rebound the boy's ribs, noticing with amazement as there was little need for the action. The warlock may still be far from healed, but there was no doubt his recovery was nothing short of remarkable. Without his conscious effort, there was no question his magic was assisting him.

The warlock had begun sorting a basket of fresh herbs when he caught the physician staring at him.

"Gaius?"

His mentor met his gaze. "We've spoken very little these past days. Is there anything you want to talk about?" he asked casually.

Merlin shifted his attention back to the herbs, but Gaius saw him hold his breath as he answered. "No."

"So you wouldn't want to go out then?"

The servant stilled his hand a moment, then hurried to continue with his task. "If I did I wouldn't be able to help you with the supplies."

"Merlin." he insisted.

"I'm under arrest remember? Besides, it's safer for everyone if I stay here."

"You're afraid to leave." the physician dead panned.

The servant hesitated, growing in irritation. "Yeah, maybe you're right. Maybe I don't want to walk around the city for everyone to stare at like I'm now sporting an extra limb! Maybe I don't want a repeat of what happened last time I left!"

He closed his eyes as his sudden temper cooled. "I'm sorry. I don't want to stay here forever, it's just, a difficult adjustment. And I have a bit of trouble moving as it is." he finished trying to dismiss the conversation.

"I may have something for that." The physician said, moving towards a corner of the room.

He pulled out two plainly carved walking sticks. Except each one was split in two at the top as if to hold something between them.

"I had requested them from an old friend working as a swordsmith in a town a few days ride out of the city. He helps the injured as well and widdles as a hobby." he explained, presenting them to his ward.

"They will help ease the pressure from your leg, and allow you to move less while walking."

Merlin took the sticks and stood while the physician showed him how to use this new manner of assistance. Positioning himself in-between them he noticed a handle jutting out where his hand could balance him.

After a few tries, he got into a steadier rhythm and was able to move with ease by himself. Though the independence cheered him up, it also made him a apprehensive as he looked over to the entrance to the physician's courters. He stared at if for a moment as if to consider his options. Finally, with a new resolve that the walking sticks seem to provide, he turned back to his mentor.

"There's really no way around it is there?" he asked, knowing that if there was an alternative, no matter how much he hoped there was, the chance was nonexistent.

If the warlock was to have any kind of life in Camelot he needed to speak to it's king. Gaius knew this test was not to be taken lightly, and would be difficult to overcome, but it needed to be done. He offered a small smile, and shook his head in way of reply.

"Then I suppose I should get this over with while I still can." he said, taking a deep breath and moved towards the door.

The physician was aware that this was not the best course of action for Merlin physically, but he knew he needed to do this now while he felt he could rather then sit in bed as darkness gripped him again. Instead, ignoring his healer's instinct to drag him back to his room to recuperate, he moved ahead of him to open the door. "I suppose that's best. I will accompany you."

"Gaius, I seriously doubt anyone is going to try anything within the castle in broad daylight." He smiled sarcastically, disbelieving his own words as to save some of his pride.

"All the same, better to be safe rather then sorry."

"Gaius!" Both the men posted outside the physician's door exclaimed incredulously upon seeing his ward.

"Good afternoon gentlemen. Merlin has asked to speak with the king."

The two guards seemed uncertain exchanging a tense look. One of them leaned over bringing his hand next to his mouth to have a semi private conversation with the court physician.

"Are you certain that is wise?" he asked, inspecting the physician as though he would find him under an enchantment.

Gaius tried to wave of their concern and skepticism, acting as though they were referring to the sorcerer's health rather than a manipulating power.

"He should be able to make the journey with the tools I have provided. You may go about your regular duties for the time being."

The guards concern increased as they shifted nervously. "Our orders are to guard the sorcerer. We are only to leave our posts in shifts."

The physician sighed a bit exasperated. "I understand. I suppose you wouldn't mind being our escort then."

They left the physician's courters with the one guard leading them and one close behind as the physician and his ward made their way side by side to the king's chambers. On the way, two more guards made joined their party, as Gaius exercised his rarely used position in the court to have the men accompany them. Not only did this make it much easier to move through the castle, it also eased some of the troubled minds they passed, if only some.

As they, the now band of six people, entered the inner castle, they had drawn many an eye, gasps, and become the subject of many hushed conversations quickly turning into unjustified gossip.

Arthur had just finished training with the knights and changing out of his armor, when a light knock was heard on his door. He allowed the visitor entrance, glancing over as a young squire slipped through the door. The king turned walking to the dining table to more of his attention on the bountiful amount of food displayed there for him to choose from at his leisure.

"Yes?" he asked without facing the boy.

"S-sire. I have been told to report that the court physician is on his way here."

"Gaius? I have not requested his council until later." he stated, grabbing a few grapes and popping them in his mouth while he took note of what else George had set out for him. Ham, bread, cheese, apples, chicken…

"Yes, your majesty." All the titles the boy was using was allowing his attention to warnder, at times they just seemed like pointless anecdotes, or more bootlicking, as if George wasn't doing enough of that. "But he was being escorted by a few guards.. Forgive me my lord, but he I believe he may have also been accompanied by the prisoner."

Arthur stopped before he was able to take another grape. He quickly spun on his heel, finally facing the squire. "Are you sure?" he frowned, wondering if the boy mistook gossip as an order.

The boy seemed to wavier under the king's sharpened gaze. "Y-yes, si-"

"Very well. You may go."

Arthur dismissed, turning back to sit at the table, the food now forgotten as he stared at the wall in deep thought.

"How very arrogant of that traitor to interrupt your lordship at what ever time he pleases!" George said, as though he had offended him personally. "What impudence he displays even as a filthy, treacherous, malevolent-"

"You may go as well George."

"Sire?"

"Before you do, inform the guards by the door that they are to allow them in without any argument. And clear the table, I fear I've lost my appetite."

"Merlin! How- are you alright?" She asked worried that something had happened, then paused, uncertain. "Where are you headed?"

"I wasn't quite finished telling Arthur everything when I, uh.. left." He finished, feeling a little embarrassed.

"Why don't I go with you then? I owe you so much already, learning of you saving me the first time, and my father.." she trailed off, the memory of his death still vivid in her mind. Catching herself, she smiled up at him. "If you turn out to have done that again I don't know how we could even begin to repay you. Maybe a raise in your earnings?" she joked trying to lighten the mood, knowing it would never amount to enough.

"I'm not sure Arthur would agree to that." He smiled in reply.

With a quick silent exchange between warlock and physician, they left Gaius to make his rounds and headed towards the king's chambers.

Arthur was pacing the room, turning when he heard the sure sound of the door opening to reveal a guard followed by Guinevere, as well as three more guards encompassing someone in between them.

"Guinevere? Where is Gaius? Wasn't he coming as well?"

"He was, but I met them on the way here and took his place to allow him to make his rounds." Gwen explained.

Arthur stonily turned to his men. "Leave us."

"But, sire-"

"Am I to believe you do not think me capable of handling one sorcerer?"

"O-of course not, my lord!" one stammered incredulous.

The king relaxed marginally, his expression softening a fraction. They meant well, even though their trained minds to protect him irritated him a bit.

"You may stay outside the door if you wish to set your minds at ease." he offered more gently. "Two of you at either end of the hall if I should need more assistance, but I wish not to be disturbed."

Relieved, the four men filed out of the room.

As the men left, Gwen smiled softly at him before he turned his attention to the other occupant in the room.

Merlin looked awful. Exhausted, a bit pale which only accentuated his bruises and dark shadows around his eyes. The sticks seemed to be the only thing holding him up though he did not waver. He was looking at the ground, as if contemplating whether he could manage to black out before meeting the stone floor.

"Merlin? Why did you wish to see me so suddenly?"

"I hardly think this is sudden, Arthur." came a icy, biting reply. "It has been a long intermission from when we last spoke of the information you requested."

The king's cold, authoritative bravado was lost on this man. It would not make the servant stay his tongue anymore then a threat would, making the knight stiffly relax.

"He just says he wants to talk, Arthur." Gwen provided, giving Merlin a smile of encouragement. She could feel their battle of wills. Her husband with the cold exterior he had adopted because of the people's doubts in him with the current situation, and the sorcerer's stiff resolve to seen his venture through. The king was only the man she knew when they were left alone, though even then he seemed distant. She knew he missed the days when he did not know the truth and had the defying wisdom of his friend. She missed them too, but looking back she knew it was hardly fair to anyone involved. Least of all Merlin. Unfortunately they would have to deal with those that were not as accepting of a person because of prejudice.

The servant took a deep breath to quietly regaining his steady voice after conquering the many steps on their way. "I didn't get the chance to tell you everything last time." he explained.

The queen had tried to persuade him to rest another day or two after noticing his obvious strain on their way to the royal chambers. The servant had stubbornly insisted on continuing, explaining to her how important it was that he speak to the king, sooner rather then later. It almost to the point of common knowledge that he was a sorcerer and the people were gossiping about the manservant confined to his chambers in place of a cell, and therefore questioning their ruler.

Arthur nodded. "Yes, it would seem you have this ability to diminish the importance of the events that have passed. I would like to see what you have seen first hand, if that's possible."

Wait. Was Arthur asking him to use magic?

Oddly, Merlin began to feel more at ease and in control of the present situation. As the royal had not only in so many words allowed him to use magic, but requested it. Though, at the same time it felt embarrassing, and to an extent like opening an old wound, a taunting, leering, invitation to tear him down, and make everything ultimately worse. Shaking away his plaguing thoughts, he focused on the task at hand. This needed to be done, the king had been sheltered from the truth long enough, and Merlin wanted him to know.

It looked as though their regular intentions were reversed, with Merlin wanting a conversation and the king wishing for a magical display. Inwardly he smiled, deciding he was most certainly not going to make this easy for him. "What do you mean, sire?"

Arthur sighed, but didn't waver. "I think you know, Merlin."

"I'm not certain I do. You know how dimwitted I can be." he smiled a little at how easily the comment rolled off his tongue.

"I do, but I'm not convinced this is one of those times."

"I wouldn't be so sure, they do tend to sneak up on me."

"Merlin!"

Gwen sighed smiling softly. She had been accustomed to their bickering for years, but was relieved for some semblance of normalcy restored to their lives.

"Alright." The servant conceded with a quick jerk of his head, returning to a more serious attitude. "I suppose that would be the quickest. Just promise you will take time to pace yourself after each memory you see. I will have to give you them in parts, so you don't become too disoriented." He explained knowledgeably, mentally working out the wording of the spell.

Arthur was slightly taken aback at how well versed Merlin appeared to be on this subject, let alone any. Then again, he was a sorcerer.

"Is it strenuous to use such a tactic?" Arthur asked, skeptical as well as concerned for both of them.

"Well, I suppose," he responded noncommittally. "but that's why we'll be taking breaks. I will modify the spell a bit from one sorcerers used a time ago so it won't harm you. It was used for criminals only, but it could drive the person who saw it mad."

"That's insane!" he exclaimed, impressed with his friend as well as appalled. Maybe the knight could take the pain, but was his skinny servant implying he would take it instead? No. he thought. He wouldn't be that stupid. He was assured of this as he thought of the many times the man had made himself scarce when they were suddenly attacked. Although, it did not erase a nagging doubt in the back of his mind. "You're in bad enough shape." He added gloomily.

Merlin turned his gaze to his left and out the window, bemused, and mumbled, "The serkets poison was worse."

"What?!"

"Like you said, it's better if you see for yourself, sire."

Arthur huffed, exasperated with his friend but also intrigued as to what had actually transpired that he had been so foolishly unaware of.

"That was my original conclusion."

"I would like to see as well, if I could." Gwen piped up from in between the warlock and king.

Arthur looked over at Merlin questioningly. The warlock glanced at his king, and turned his gaze to stare back at her apologetically.

"I think it might have too much of an effect on you, Gwen. You're still recovering from Morgana's curse.

Guinevere's eyes widened in surprise. How had he known that? She hadn't spoken to anyone about how she was still grieving for her brother and would wake from nightmares, though not as bad as before, but nightmares nonetheless.

Just how powerful is he?

"All right. I suppose you have a point." she conceded, knowing he was only worried for her welfare. "I'll just have a quick look at that paperwork you asked me to look over." She stated, looking to her husband in amusement.

Arthur nodded his thanks, smiling to her as she disappeared behind the door, knowing he would tell her everything when it was the right time.

They sat across from each other at the table and made themselves comfortable.

"Right." said the warlock mentally preparing the spell in his head. "This might be a bit unusual at first, but remember these are my memories, and no one else can hear them. I'll have to focus for this to work so I'll be in control of the spell. If that's alright with you, my lord?"

The servant had expected Arthur to tell him off a bit for that one, but instead, he relented.

"Let's get on with it then."

I hope this super long chapter will make up for my unintentional hiatus! I recently lost my six year old laptop that was not backed up, and had to get a new one, though I still want to see if it is possible to savage it.

I made Merlin a bit temperamental as he struggles to recuperate, but I made him retain that bit of defiance because he is at a bit of low point but I feel he needs to retain that trait that make him stand out.

Obviously Arthur's a mess. He hasn't had Merlin with him to balance him out as he is only a half of a whole. He's slowly coming to realize that as he sees he can't simply kill him.

Anyone else happy I didn't include Gwen in their next bit of turning point confrontation? Although she needs to know as much as Arthur does, being that she is queen, I felt they needed to work it out amounts themselves.

I was really frustrated because the original scene with Gwen and Merlin was on my laptop alone, without a copy, so I had to rewrite it from memory. Not to mention I already had major writer's block with this chapter, but then I kept adding and this is what happened.

And this long analysis is not necessary to read, but let me know if this helps you understand the story any better and I will continue to do them.

Please let me know your thoughts on where you think this is going. It's interesting to have a different perspective, and I value your opinion!

If you would like, please rate the level of angst and/or hurt comfort you think this is achieving, so I can make a smoother flow. (rate 1-5, five being the highest)

Again thank you all for reading, following, favoriting, and reviewing! It makes it all the better.