Once again, Arthur was trying not to pace.

A messenger had arrived earlier that morning, announcing the presence of the witch, and so here Arthur was again, Guinevere at his side, his most loyal knights in the surrounding area.

A small crowd had gathered to watch in the courtyard. It wasn't everyday you saw the King of Camelot welcome a known sorceress into his courts. Even less so if that king was also a Pendragon.

Finally, she appeared, a knowing smile gracing her lips, whether it was in amusement of the growing crowd, Arthur could not tell.

In the same way she had greeted him last time they met, she inclined her head, which Arthur hoped was her way of showing respect, and not something else utterly humiliating.

Stepping forward, Arthur inclined his own head.

"It would do me a great honour in welcoming you to Camelot," Arthur had no idea how one was supposed to address a sorceress. None of his training in etiquette had ever prepared him for a moment such as this. "On behalf of Camelot, I would also like to give you our deepest gratitude, and extend the hand of friendship towards yourself, and peoples such as yourself, for your help in pushing back the enemy at the Battle of Camlann."

There was no response from the sorceress, except for a quirked eyebrow, her lips pulling up in amusement, although, if Arthur looked closely, he swore he could see something else in her eyes, something almost like… happiness, or was that pride? But just as quickly as it was there, it was gone, her face returning to an almost neutral expression.

Inclining her head once more, she responded, "I accept your gratitude and your offer of friendship, young king."

Arthur sighed. The hardest part was over, and he had to hide the happiness which otherwise would have shown on his face. Somehow he got the feeling that the Dolma could read him anyway.

He indicated to George, who was standing behind him, a picture of the perfect servant.

"George here will escort you to your rooms for the duration of your stay here in Camelot."

A slight frown crossed the witch's face, and Arthur felt his heart thump in his chest. Had he done something wrong? Said something wrong?

Perhaps she didn't want to stay in the castle itself, or maybe she thought Arthur was trying to double cross her?

Did witches even need sleep? Maybe she was affronted by Arthur not knowing a simple fact such as that, or if witches did indeed sleep, then did they not sleep on beds? Maybe she liked to sleep on the forest floor.

"Where is the boy?"

Arthur blinked, confusion evident as he tried to figure out who the witch was talking about.

Sighing, the Dolma looked up into the sky, muttering something under her breath, before focussing her attention back on him once more. Arthur suddenly felt like he was seven years old again, his father finding out that he had skipped his lessons with Geoffrey.

"The gangly one, young king. The one you call Merlin."

Oh. Oh no.

Arthur swore he heard Lancelot snigger from somewhere behind him, but panic had filled his mind.

He hadn't known that Merlin and this… witch were close, or at least close enough that she would ask after him.

Coughing slightly to cover up the awkward pause, Arthur replied. "Unfortunately, Merlin, he has come down with a terrible cold. Gaius has, ah, well, he's put Merlin on bed rest." Arthur felt as Guinevere's hand squeezed his own in support. "Of course, if you wanted to go and see him later, I'm sure Gaius would allow it."

The Dolma raised her eyebrow, before simply nodding, a glint in her eyes which almost seemed to say that she knew something that they didn't. Arthur was struck with how familiar her eyes looked. There was something about them, but he couldn't quite put his finger on it. But he didn't get long to think about it.

"Perhaps I will go and see the boy later, but for now, I would like to be taken to my chambers, King Arthur."

His palms suddenly very sweaty, Arthur nodded, and took a step back, allowing her to pass and follow George into the castle.

He turned to smile, although it felt more like a grimace, at his wife, who already had her hand over her mouth, covered in a silent laugh. Arthur huffed slightly. Something told him that Guinevere already liked the eccentric woman, and would make fast friends. He wasn't quite sure whether he should be proud, or absolutely dreading the fact. It was going to be a long couple of months.

A/N Oops, has it really been over a month since I last posted? Anyway, this is a small chapter, as you can very much see, but I hope it was worth it!

Just fyi, the title is a reference to the show, cause every time Merlin disappears, Arthur thought he was at the tavern. I also hope that the plan that Merlin came up with is satisfactory. I came up with many, but just didn't think they would work as the good ol' fashioned sick day.

I hope you all enjoyed, and have a wonderful however long until I post again.