Merlin walked back to the camp a pile of sticks in his arms watching Arthur around the campfire with Sirs Kay, Leon, Eylan, Mordred, Percival and Gwaine. Arthur was telling another one of his stories of when he stormed into some village dispatching a beast and killing the sorcerer who created it.

After setting the lumber to the side Merlin made his way to the horses hearing how Arthur and the others started to tease young Mordred. With him being the youngest and most improved of the rest of the young trainee's Arthur had allowed him to come along on the hunting trip to bond with the other knights. Merlin could tell that the King's bond with the druid was growing stronger. Arthur had even boasted to him and Gwen of how proud he was of him and how he would be giving him more responsibilities. Merlin couldn't understand how despite the knowledge of Mordred's role in his death he could be so kind so indifferent.

"Merlin, enough. I have already told you I will not judge Mordred for stuff that has yet to happen. Mordred is a good knight. He saved my life, sided with me when he didn't have to against Morgana. If his destiny is to side with her tell me Merlin, why would he do that. Why would he betray her and come and gain my trust?"

"Arthur, you don't understand!"

"I understand just fine. I trust Mordred and I think it's about time we let him in on what's going on here. He already knows you're Emrys. It's time for him to know that I know he was the druid boy that I saved so many years ago and that I don't care that he has magic. Merlin you have shown that not all magic is bad and so far, Mordred-"

"Have you forgotten that Mordred was the one that broke into Camelot with Alvar to steal the crystal of Neahtid. That he got Morgana to steal the crystal from right under your nose! That he played a role in Alvar's scheme to kill Uther."

"Don't! Don't you dare talk about my father when it was you who killed him, Merlin."

"It was Morgana!"

"Get out. And whatever hostility you have towards Mordred I suggest you get rid of it."

"Arthur."

"I will call for the guards."

Merlin glared before storming out of the King's chambers.

Merlin sighed getting a brush out of the saddle bag on his horse and starting to care for it.

"Sire, thank you for inviting me to join you and your men."

Arthur smiled at Mordred and nodded. He still hadn't found the right moment to tell Mordred that he knew his secret. "There will be more hunting trips then just this one."

Arthur turned to the horses while he was telling his story he had felt when Merlin entered the camp and made sure to watch his movements. His anger has long been gone, but he still was not sure how to approach his servant. He spoke to Gwen and agreed to give him time, but that was a bit difficult to do when it was Merlin's job to prepare his meals, clean his chambers, wash his clothes. Not to mention Merlin's unofficial duties of watching his back so magical enemies don't try and kill him.

Every time they were in a room together the atmosphere grew tense and Merlin started spewing out more 'milord's' and 'sire' making him flinch at the disdain and coldness from Merlin trying to distance himself without the actual physical space between them changing.

"What do you think of Merlin?" Arthur asked the druid his gaze still on the manservant in question.

Mordred turned to the man brushing the horses than back to the King. "How do you mean?"

Arthur shook his head then turned to look at Mordred. "Do you… never mind."

Arthur trailed off as he saw Gwaine make his way towards Merlin with a bowl of stew and a spoon in his hand.

"What's on your mind, Sire?"

Arthur flinched, "You can call me Arthur."

Mordred nodded and looked back to the servant who was joking around with the long-haired knight grabbing the bowl from his hands. "Did something happen with Merlin?"

"Truth. Yes, Merlin and I disagreed on an issue involving one of my knights."

Mordred's brows furrowed, but then he nodded in realization, "He doesn't trust me."

Arthur sighed he didn't want to cause more problems between the two men, "Yes, but I do. Merlin believes my trust in you may be misguided due to your past transgressions."

"My transgressions?"

"You being the druid who helped the sorcerer Alvar and Morgana steal from Camelot's vaults."

Mordred flinched and unconsciously moved away from the king. "Arthur I was young. I-"

"I don't blame you. When I found out you were the boy, we saved all those years ago I never felt I should distrust you for it. I don't care about your past. Or your former allegiances. If Merlin was being honest with himself or stopped being an idiot, he would know that the only reason he doesn't trust you is because he is afraid of you. He doesn't understand you and instead of getting to know you he wants to condemn you instead. I hope you can forgive him."

Mordred looked at Arthur trying to understand what he was being told. Arthur knew about him and still trusted him, but Emrys didn't.

"Merlin isn't afraid of me."

"Oh, but he is. He is afraid you will betray me like Morgana, like my uncle, and so many others." Arthur let out a bitter laugh, "Do you believe in destiny, Mordred?"

Mordred's head was spinning, "Destiny?"

"Do you believe our actions are foretold?"

After a moment. "I do."

"Even if that destiny is something horrible?"

"I don't understand?"

"I am the Once and Future King. According to Merlin I will be the king of kings. I will unite Albion under peace, prosperity, and magic. At least that's the gist of it."

"You know about the prophecy?" Mordred whispered loudly awe sneaking into his tone.

"Yes. I also know of Emrys. I know magic isn't evil."

Mordred swallowed, "But?"

"It's a lot to take in. I want to help my people whether they have magic or not, but I can't just do it over night. I can't change the rules. The council will not allow it. They follow my father's belief's even in death."

"You changed your beliefs with time they will as well. Those who truly believe in you and the prophecy will be patient. They want a change that will last, they will understand. Despite what Morgana thinks the last thing Camelot needs is civil war or a change in regime."

"Your face may just be longer than the horses."

Merlin turned smiling as Gwaine took the brush from Merlin and handed him a bowl of stew from earlier.

"Thanks."

"What did the prat do this time?"

"Nothing. It's as much my fault as his."

"So, he did do something." Gwaine said making sure Merlin took a bite of his stew before he set on the ground to the side. He would make sure he finished it later.

"You think you will catch any bigger game than Sir Kay?" Merlin said dodging the question, knowing Gwaine wouldn't push him.

"Considering he only managed to snare a few rabbits I'd say yes. Just wait for tomorrow."

"Have you ever been to Ealdor? I mean before we've met?"

"That's your village before Camelot. No can't say I have no taverns in Ealdor."

Merlin laugh and nodded, "It's been a while since I visited."

"You miss your mother."

"Yes, but that's not why. Gaius thinks I am a good enough physician to go for a quick visit. Take some herbs and bandages over. Mother is the closest to a physician in the village and with the cold and rain the season brings he just wants to make sure she has enough. I'm sure Arthur will let me. Now is probably a good time as any to go.

"Do you need a companion on your journey?"

"Not really a journey. More like two/three days ride from Camelot. But if you can pull yourself away from the ale you are welcome to come."

"Just tell me when to prepare my horse."

Merlin nodded and picked up his bowl taking another bite. It was cold by now, but he didn't mind.

"You should make amends with the princess first." The knight said signaling to where their king was in deep conversation with Mordred.

Merlin took a moment to collect himself before making his way towards the other men. Gwaine behind him heading to where Percival and Eylan were.

Merlin left his bowl with the other dishes and went to sit down in front of the king. Mordred had left just as he was sitting down after giving him a small smile.

"Did you like the stew?"

Arthur gawked at the servant before smirking, "Needed a bit more salt."

"There's just no pleasing you is there." Merlin said with a smile before tilting his head towards Mordred who was joining the other knights. "You told him."

"No. Yes. I told him that I knew the prophecy, about you being Emrys, him a druid. I didn't tell him he is the one who will kill me if that's what you mean."

"I will talk to him. I won't trust him, but I will tolerate him."

Arthur exhaled sharply and nodded. It was a small step.

"Good. You never know eventually you might grow to like him."

Merlin bit back a retort before reaching into his back pocket and handing him a letter.

"Who is it from?"

"The Sidhe King."

"Sidhe?"

"They're a sort of fairy or elf like creatures. They reside in the Lake of Avalon no mortal has ever been able to lay eyes on them in their real form."

"But you have?"

"I'm a freak so yeah I have. They are blue, ugly, and evil." Merlin said jokingly.

"What do they want?" Arthur said opening the letter and squinting at the small script.

"Before I get to that there is something you should know. Do you remember the Lady Sofia?"

At Arthur's confused look he rolled his eyes. "You wanted to marry her. Both of you ran off to elope and I had to go stop you. I knocked you out with a lump of-"

"I remember. What of it?"

"Sofia and her father were Sidhe. They were trapped in mortal bodies after her father killed another Sidhe. They wanted back into the Sidhe realm and the only way to do it was to..." Merlin trailed off waiting for Arthur to connect the dots.

"To marry me." Arthur finished before noticing Merlin's look. "They wanted to kill me, didn't they?"

"Yup. The only way to regain the immortality that they lost was to give up the soul of a mortal prince."

"How close was I to dying?"

"Close. I got there right on time. She had your body under water. I dived in to save you."

"I'm assuming they're dead," Merlin nodded "and that they used some sort of enchantment to make me fall for the Lady Sofia." Another nod. "You didn't really knock me out with a lump of wood?"

"No, but I can try."

Arthur glared and gave a sharp kick to Merlin's leg.

"Ow!"

"Serves you right. So basically, the Sidhe are not to be trusted and I should keep that in mind for what you are about to tell me about the letter."

Merlin nodded. "They apparently have been spying on me. They said it was under the guise of wanting to know the progress Emrys has made with the Once and Future King, but well I wouldn't be surprised if they had ulterior motives. They don't really like me."

"Merlin, can you hurry it up."

"For a king I am surprised at your lack of patience." Artur pressed lips together and waited for him to continue.

"The king told me that he wants magic to be embraced in the kingdom. The usual, but he said we should beware of what is to come in the upcoming days. Says that the Triple Goddess will soon pass judgement on you and that if you fail to accept magic into Camelot you will die."

Arthur swallowed the lump in his throat before crumbling the letter in his hand. "So, they are threatening me."

"Not directly. It seems like a warning. I think they just wanted me to know so that I could persuade your acceptance. Or something."

"Or something. Do you think there is anything I should worry about?"

"No more than what you usually do. Besides if anything happens, if they try anything, I'll stop them."

Arthur nodded. "Are we good?"

"Yes. There is one more thing."

"About the letter?"

"No, about my mother and uh Gwaine."

"Your mother and Gwaine?"

Merlin rolled his eyes at the echo, "Yes. I will need a couple of days to go visit my mother. Gaius wants me to deliver supplies to her and I want to take Gwaine."

"You're taking Gwaine home to meet your mother. Merlin, I didn't know it was that serious?"

Merlin guffawed and tried to kick the prat, "Oh shut it. Will you promise to stay alive for say a week without me."

"I am the King, Merlin. I can defend myself, believe it or not."

"Sure."

Arthur looked at Merlin for a second seeing the nerves in how he was playing with his hands and glancing towards the knights.

"If you are worried about Mordred, he won't hurt me."

Merlin licked lips and nodded before turning to look at Arthur. "I want to tell Gwaine the truth about me. You know like how you and Gwen said I should tell someone."

Arthur nodded eyebrows a bit raised in surprise. "You should. He's loyal. You sure he can keep a secret though?"

"Yes."

"Well then go ahead. It's your secret do with it what you will. When will you do it?"

"In a couple of day."

"In Ealdor. When you are away from Camelot."

"Yeah."

"Tell him if he tries anything, I will throw him in the dungeon and ban him from all the taverns in Camelot on pain of death."

Merlin laughed then looked at his serious expression and gave a small smile and sharp nod.

Mordred was getting up for his shift to watch the camp and was about to walk around the perimeter when he sensed someone from the forest behind him.

"It's just me."

Mordred relaxed slightly and turned.

"I had to pee." Merlin said in way of explanation leaving out the part where he also walked around the perimeter to set up wards to warn him of intruders. Mordred would be able to sense his magic soon enough.

Mordred nodded and waited for Merlin to go back to his bed roll. When he didn't, he cleared his throat shifting from one foot to the other.

"Is there something you need?"

Merlin looked away unsure how to start.

"Emrys. If there is something you want to say then say it."

Merlin flinched at the title. "I know that Arthur spoke to you."

"Was it supposed to be a secret."

Merlin frowned at the snark it was too similar to the banter between himself and Arthur.

"No. It wasn't. Arthur knows the truth about what the prophecies. He will bring magic back to the land."

"Yes, he will."

"He also knows about everything you've done, yet he still gives you his trust. I don't get it."

"I would never hurt Arthur. He saved my life."

"You betrayed Camelot before."

"I was a child. I've changed."

"I don't believe it. You may have saved his life. You may be on his side, but I still remember. Wasn't it you who said, "I shall never forgive this, Emrys, and I shall never forget"? How long before you decide to change again and go to Morgana."

"Morgana is not the same woman I admired. Her heart has turned dark. She wants magic accepted, but her methods are... intense. Do not take the words I spoke in anger as a child as motive to distrust me. Do not forget that it was because of you that I was attacked and almost killed by those knights. I was a child, I looked up to you. The great Emrys who saved my life betrayed me. Sought MY death. Did you think I would let it go in that moment?"

"Do you still feel that way?"

Mordred paused unsure how to respond. "It was a long time ago. I had a long time to think. You were just doing what you thought was right to save Camelot."

"That doesn't answer my question."

"You could have talked to me. I would have listened to you. To answer your question, I don't know how I feel. I don't care about what happened, but you still treat me with disdain."

"Arthur wants me to trust you. I don't agree with him, but I could…"

"You want a truce?"

"As much as I hate to admit we are more alike than I thought. In another life we might even be friends. Let's settle for polite acquaintances and see where it goes."

Mordred's eyes narrowed in suspicion, "What's the catch?"

"I want to be able to trust you and have you trust me in return. I don't want to worry about you betraying Arthur or the kingdom."

"So, we become… friends for Arthur?"

"For Camelot."

The next day the knights spend the day hunting while Merlin followed behind judging at the cruelty of the sport. He noticed when Sir Leon was about to throw his spear at large boar and his eyes flashed gold watching as the spear flew past the boar landing in a tree trunk.

Mordred noticing the servants smirk moved behind him.

"You did it on purpose?"

"I have no idea what you are talking about. Besides Gwaine already shot down that large elk and Arthur managed to shoot those rabbits, and Kay's snares caught a handful of quails, that should be enough to feed the entire castle at the banquet."

Mordred shook his head even though he agreed with warlock. He turned back to the knights watching as Sir Eylan and Percival were about to shoot at the same boar with their crossbows and clicked his tongue as they pulled on the trigger watching as both arrows missed.

Merlin smiled at the knight and watched as he gave a small one back. Maybe this truce wouldn't be so bad after all. As long as they stayed on the same side.

Later in the evening they had all arrived at the courtyard all complaining about the lack of luck they had with shooting down the boar. Arthur sending glares at the druid and warlock. He had figured out what they were doing fairly quickly, but once he saw that they were actually bonding he let them be. He would punish them soon enough.

A/N I was hit by inspiration when I was procrastinating on my homework ;) and this is the product. This takes place before the Disir episode which will be the main focus of the next chapter. I hope you guys liked it. I wanted to make it somewhat realistic and add some Merdred bonding.

I also want to give a shout out to all of you who reviewed favorited and followed. Thank you all so much!

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For the next chapter just assume that Merlin already told Gwaine. I was going to write the scene of him telling Gwaine but it didn't really fit. I could always write a one-shot tagged to this story about the time in Ealdor if you guys want. I probably won't post it till after I finish this story though.

Again THANK YOU! all for reading and still sticking around despite me posting quite erratically. I really hope you guys liked it and also wanted to add that I will look over the story once its complete and edited it, grammar wise, I know I made mistakes, but lacking a beta it will take a while to address the issues.

Till next time!

~Agent C.