A Trip Back Home

"Bless those who are curious, for they shall have great adventures." Lovelle Drachman

"I really hope you know what you are doing, Merlin." Arthur said quietly as he readied his horse. It was early morning, the sun had just started to appear beyond the horizon, and Merlin and Arthur were preparing to leave to Ealdor.

"We'll be fine." Merlin reassured Arthur as he finally finished saddling his horse and looked around the forest. They were not in the courtyard, where everybody could see them depart, no, just like thieves in their own town, they used the old passageway out the castle, avoiding all guards, knights, and citizens. Avoiding questions.

In all honestly, Merlin thought his idea was genius, even though it took a whole hour of convincing from Merlin's part for the rest of them to relent. Well, more like Gaius and Arthur to relent, Lancelot supported the idea the moment Merlin proposed it. The knight agreed that the trip to Ealdor was the best movement they could do at the moment. Magically speaking, Merlin could kill two birds with one stone, work on the vase and dedicate a part of his day for training, perfecting his skills, something he was unable to do around the castle. Strategically speaking, he would be safe in Ealdor, away from prying eyes and ears, they didn't know who Morgana's spy was, and they couldn't risk talk with anyone about this, they had trusted Agravaine once, they couldn't afford to make the same mistake.

Gaius and Arthur, on the other hand, vehemently fought the idea. They couldn't part to Ealdor for a whole week and leave Uther unprotected, let alone take Arthur to another kingdom for so long, Cenred's kingdom. He had been an ally of Morgausse and Morgana in the past, who was to say he didn't have spies on Ealdor? If Morgana knew that Merlin was Emrys—everyone on the table agreed to some extent that she most probably already knew, and that was why she was taking her time on attacking the kingdom— she probably set a spy on his home. Besides, the spy issue attacked them both ways: they couldn't risk the spy to know they were going to Ealdor, leaving Uther unprotected, and they couldn't stay in Camelot, if this spy was free to wander around who was to say he would not find about their advanced and plans?

"If there is a killer or a spy around us, Merlin, who knows what he or she would do once words get out we are leaving," Arthur argued. "I can't leave my Father alone, what if Morgana strikes and we are on the other side of the kingdom?"

"Arthur, you have not seen your father in a week." Merlin pressed softly. "He's the king, he is well protected."

Another discussion unfolded, and it looked like neither of the four men were about to step down from their position.

"Merlin needs to practice, Arthur, he can't do it here."

"He can train in his room."

"I will end up without a room! This is not just lighting fires, Arthur, I need to practice spells to attack and protect your sorry ass—Oi! Stop hitting me every time I talk, you prat."

"Stop talking nonsense, then, and why don't you leave to Ealdor? I'll wait here, take care of Camelot and my father— you take care of the vase. No one loses."

"If Morgana attacks, Sire, there is little we can do against her, the two times Morgausse and Morgana's plans failed it was because Merlin intervened."

"Oh, don't long so smug, Merlin."

The discussion prolonged long into the night, long enough until Gaius called for their attention, all of the young men looked at him and, as an answer; the physician raised the quite ignored white stone on the table. In the physician's hand the stone shined almost dull, Arthur thought, in comparison on what he had seen before.

"I'mm afraid you are forgetting the urgent tasks at hand: return this stone to Uther before he finds out that the one he has is fake. I don't think any more remarkable statements are left to be said, Sire, Merlin, all that is left to do, though, is make a decision." Gaius raised a hand when he saw that Arthur and Merlin were ready to launch for another debate. "and we will talk about this tomorrow. Now, off you go." Gaius said sternly.

And like two brothers who were ordered to go and pick something from the lower town by their mother, Arthur and Merlin just raised from their seats—Arthur snatching the stone from Gaius' hand, still glaring at Merlin—and left, in quiet but angry glances at each other.

Lancelot turned to look at Gaius and raised his brows amused. Gaius sighed and relaxed on his stool, staring at the door for a moment.

"I never had kids, Sir Lancelot, but I assure you I desire none, I have enough on my hands with these two," Gaius said softly before he rose from his seat and turned to the fire where he was brewing some tea. "Tea before you leave? It will shootee your muscles, calm your nerves before you go to sleep."

Lancelot nodded gratefully, God knew he would need lots of tea if he was meant to survive the following weeks.

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

After Arthur and Merlin returned the stone—It was even easier than the time before, something that made Arthur cringe internally at how reckless his guards were at times, or maybe just naïve, Merlin called them stupid. Arthur couldn't decide on an adjective just yet—they made their way to Arthur's chambers were they kept bickering without the physician, or the knight, trying to shut them or get them to behave.

"Merlin, I just don't understand the difference." Arthur angrily whispered from his seat on one side of this wooden desk. They had been arguing for half an hour now and it looked that for the first time ever, the friends wouldn't come to an agreement. In the middle of the night the room looked quite solemn with just once candle light merrily shining on the desk, the enchanted one Merlin had made weeks ago. "Why can't you train here? I will not bother you anymore, we could find a place for you to practice and you will be released from your duties, the closer we are to Camelot the best chances we've got to defend it."

"There is no place like that, Arthur, not here." Merlin shook his head sadly. "Once I played with smoke, Arthur, smoke and Uther brought Aredian, the witch-finder to Camelot. Gaius almost died then. I can't risk a mistake like that to happen again. I have lost way too many people doing magic here, not only do I loss them, I endanger everybody around me without even meaning to! That never happened in Ealdor— well…" Merlin sighed and looked down at his hands. "Just once."

Arthur was silent after that, pressing his lips together with a pang of guilt.

Will, Will had died protecting Merlin in Ealdor. He died saving Arthur's life. Arthur had not understood back then the big sacrifice Will had done for Merlin. And he didn't understand, as much as he had wanted to be empathic, to Merlin's pain. Arthur had never lost a friend that close before, to be honest, Merlin was the closest thing he had ever had to a best friend, at the vacant look of Merlin's face he wondered how he would feel if Merlin died and how close that had been to happen when Agravaine was alive. He swallowed and shook his head, no point of thinking about that now.

Merlin had told him that magic usually backfires at you in a place like Camelot, where everybody is looking out for the most minimal unordinary thing to cry sorcery, even more so when Uther tends to reward the people who come forwards with information. Arthur looked to the side, he felt sick, how many people have died in the mental and wicked hunt of his Father? How many good people? He gulped, not for the first time wondering how many 'evil sorcerers' his father had actually killed in the great purge, and how many innocents? Arthur was sure that the numbers would scare him.

"You told me we are at war, Arthur." Merlin finally found his voice, looking up from his hands and Arthur turned his stare to look at him. Arthur could pinpoint all the emotions swirling in his eyes, just like in the day Merlin had told him his secret. Once again Arthur was speechless with what he saw. He had never seen as much guilt and sadness in Merlin as in that moment. It took Arthur almost two months to understand that Merlin was a man that had endured too much, had seen too much, and had shoulder too much at such a young age.

"And you are right, we are, we have been at war for years." Merlin continued with a paced voice. "Since the moment I was born and before that. So many friends have almost died because they witnessed something they should have not. Lancelot was almost killed once for my own stupidity, Gaius almost hanged, tortured by Aredian, but sometimes, Arthur, I'm not—I'm not so lucky, Gwen? Jesus, Arthur, her father died because I was trying to save his life, Gwen almost died too, your Father was arranging a pyre because he labeled her as a witch, and all of that—all of those events happened because I was trying to help!" Merlin took a big breath, shaking his head. "It just—it seems like every time I help someone another one has to suffer from it."

In anger Merlin clapped his hands together, starting to ramble all the sins he thought were his fault. "Will, my best friend, died saving your life, protecting my secret, all because I didn't want to tell you, because I didn't trust you back then. He died thinking that I would never be free, that I would never share this with you…My mother, gods, she could barely sleep at night afraid that guards would barge on our door, that word would get out…Agravaine, he found out I had magic because he saw me, I don't know how, but that's the only explanation—here, in Camelot, I had always been in danger, but then again I have been in danger since the moment I was born, however, that also means that I endanger others, that I'm a risk for everyone who knows me. Do you have any idea who I feel knowing Gaius will be killed if your father finds out? My only presence here, right now, endangers you. Do you know what Uther would do to you, in the state he is? If one day he walks into your room and watched me practice? Or that a knight stumbles upon me in the forest while I'm magically lighting fires? People have died because of who I am, Arthur. Just because—just because I'm alive."

Merlin said as calmly as he could but terribly failing, blinking the pain, guilt, and sadness away. Arthur might not comprehend all this since he had just been brought into the picture two months ago, but for Merlin, this was a four-year confession.

"Arthur, you told me a war was looming above us; the truth is I have been fighting my own war—my own fights— for years." Merlin almost whispered. "I don't think I can do that anymore. Not now that you know."

After that the room was silent as Merlin stubbornly looked to the side, hands clasped, trying to regain his breath and emotions back. He could understand why Arthur wanted to stay, and in the long silence that followed, Merlin began thinking that maybe that was the best course of action. Maybe they would be lucky—something they were definitely lacking on—and Arthur would be safe while Merlin went to Ealdor. He had a plan for Arthur but Arthur decided to stay maybe he could put some spells on his sword and shield. Protect the city before he left, at least spells on the entrances. It would take him a few days but it would work. All of his passed his mind in a moment, already thinking of how Arthur and he would work apart.

He should not have bothered, though.

It took Arthur minutes to reply only because he didn't think he would be able to talk and trust his voice not to crack, of course, after hearing such words Arthur realized there was little else to be said.

"Alright, then." Arthur easily once he was sure his voice as not about to fail him, nodding and clasping his hands firmly over the table. "We leave tomorrow at first light."

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

After a shocked silence where Merlin didn't know what to say, Arthur just raised from his seat and ordered Merlin to leave him alone, they both needed to get some sleep if they wanted to leave in a few hours. Merlin obeyed and practically collapsed on his bed the second his head touched the pillow, he was surprised, though, that it was not Gaius who woke him up, but Arthur shaking him awake, Merlin blinked around in the darkness. He felt like he had just blinked.

"Wake up, Merlin," Arthur whispered annoyed. "We need to leave now before the castle wakes up. Pick your things and say goodbye to Gaius, I'll wait outside."

Merlin sat groggily but nodded, Arthur left the room after making sure Merlin was not going to go back to sleep—how he managed to not trip on anything was beyond Merlin, he could barely see around—and Merlin took five full seconds to get his bearings and then nodded purposely, he raised from the bed as his eyes shined gold, he changed himself into fresh clothes as a little bag by the corner began to assemble itself with the things he would need.

He stepped out to see that Gaius had lighted a few candles and was speaking to Arthur by the table. The vase, a dozen of books, and Gaius's medical satchel were on top of it.

"Mornin'." He said groggily as he stared out the window, bag dragging behind him. "Well… early mornin' I guess?"

Arthur scoffed and shook his head. He was right, though, the sun was still hidden in the mountains, not a flicker of light could be seen, however, the dark sky was already turning a dark royal blue, indicating that the night was ending.

In silence, Arthur and Merlin packed the books in other bags to distribute the weight on their horses. Gaius placed the vase inside Merlin's personal bag and as a way to say goodbye the old physician gave Merlin his own medicine pouch.

"Thank you, Gaius." Merlin smiled softly before he nodded, knowing better than to refuse at this point. Arthur took the readied bags and tossed them over his shoulder, walking to the door faking deafness to let the two men say their goodbyes.

"I took the liberty to place everything I thought you will need inside, along a few special herbs and potions for your mother, and a few standard remedies for the people in Ealdor, in case they need them," Gaius said softly before he patted Merlin's left arm. "Be careful, my boy, and say hello to Hunith from me."

"I will." Merlin nodded with a smile before he hugged the physician

"I expect both of you back with good news, now, off you go." The old man patted his ward's back twice before he let go. The sorcerer waited for something else, however, the remark didn't come. Gaius just raised his brows. "Well? What are you waiting for? It's not like you are departing forever, Merlin."

"No remark of staying out of trouble? Or be a nice a man and behave?" Merlin blurted amused.

"I have learned, Merlin, that no matter what I advise, you get in trouble anyway." Gaius shook his head and raised his brow annoyed, and Arthur, from across the room, couldn't help but nod silently in agreement. If someone had a pact with the God of trouble and mischief it was Merlin.

"Ready Merlin?" Arthur said opening the door and popping his head out to see down the hall. "Time is up."

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.

After Arthur agreed with Merlin's plan, he looked out the window , they had just a couple of hours to spare before they had to leave, so instead of going to sleep he packed his own bag, taking enough clothes for a week, sharpened his sword, and once he was convinced he didn't need anything else from his room he went to look for Lancelot before going to fetch Merlin. Arthur still had his doubts about leaving his father but he had made a decision and as always he would see it through, all he could do now was leaving his father's life to his most trustworthy knights.

Lancelot and Leon shared a room so it was easier to wake both his friends up and explain part of the plan: He was leaving for a few days to Annora with Merlin to oversee some treaties that were long overdue, after all, since Agravaine's death, no one had gone down that path. All of which was a lie, of course, but even though Lancelot knew the truth he couldn't risk telling Leon about the vase yet. Besides, the prince was sure that the spy on Morgana's web would eventually realize that Arthur was gone, actually, he was counting on it.

Annora was a city barely one hour away, the prince could be back in a blink if problems arise, if the spy pried long enough he hoped that such information would deter him or Morgana to pull an attack. If problems did arise, though, he would be at least one day and a half away, he could only hope the spy would be fooled.

Leon insisted that Arthur needed to take a escort with him.

"I'll be alright, Leon," Arthur assured his friend. "I just came here to let you know. You are second under my command, so now that I will be gone I'm entrusting you with my castle and my knights."

Arthur purposely looked at Lancelot for a moment longer. Lancelot got the message loud and clear. Lancelot was in charge of Uther.

"Arthur, you can't just leave, I understand about not going after Morgana, not now, but you can't very well go down the path that got Agravaine killed," Leon whispered worriedly. Leon could not see how this was going to help his nerves. First Elyan, Malcolm, and Rowan disappearing. Then Morgana behind all this, and there was the ever-present fact that Uther and Arthur were in a silent fight. And now, to top things: Arthur was after his death wish, after all, Arthur was planning to take the same path that had led Agravaine to his death. Leon was aware that Morgana was hiding somewhere in the east woods, away from the path of Annora, granted, but he was also aware that the thugs that killed Agravaine (Arthur didn't want to correct Leon on this) were probably working for her and not moving south for the winter. Who knew if the path was safe anymore?

"It's been almost two weeks since then, Leon." Lancelot reasoned. "Maybe not patrols but people and traders had come and go these past days and there has been no incident. I know because I have kept an eye on it." He said hurriedly as he saw the doubt on Leon's face. "Arthur will be alright, besides Merlin would tag along, what could go wrong?"

Leon frowned at Arthur's short laugh before he shook his head. What a bold way to put it, Arthur thought, but he was right, though, which for Arthur only made it partially worse, who knew he would come to be so dependent of the bloody idiot?

Arthur said his curt goodbyes and walked out from the room, closing the door behind him before starting to walk down the hall in silence. He knew Lancelot had questions, after all, he had gone to sleep thinking Arthur wasn't going to bend to Merlin's wishes, he was just glad Lancelot was good at not asking and just going along with their plans.

The prince stopped in front of Percival's and Gwaine's room but did not enter, he stared at the wooden doors for a long time, before he shook his head and walked away. He would have to deal with Gwaine—and Gwen—later, maybe it was the coward way to go around Elyan's death, but he was not ready to face Gwen just yet. He would figure Morgana, Uther and the vase first, everything else, even his own heart, could wait.

He went to his room to retrieve his bags,made a short list of duties for Lancelot to find later, and looked out the window beforeleaving his room.

Time to wake up Merlin up.

-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-.-

Merlin and Arthur were eerily quiet during the first hours of the trip. Both of them dozing off in their horses as they went, in the end, none of them had gotten much sleep, however, once the sun was up and about, merrily shining and illuminating their way, Merlin began to get excited about the trip. He was going to see his mother about this time tomorrow! How exciting was that? It has been over half a year since he had last seen her, and he will have time to officially practice magic. If he forgets that he had to kill Morgana sometime in the next week he could almost say he was about to enjoy the best days off of his life.

"You look like if you have never been in the forest before, Merlin." He said as he extracted an apple from his bag, a scoff instead of a smile, since Merlin's happiness was contagious "Catch, bet you are hungry."

Merlin leaned dangerously on his horse to catch said fruit, he almost slipped had not been for Arthur who kept him right by the shoulder.

"Jesus, Merlin. How can you be a sorcerer and be so damn clumsy? You know what? I don't know why I'm surprised." Arthur scoffed and after making sure Merlin was not going to tumble down, he kicked on his horse willing him to go faster, better start covering ground.

"Arthur, where on earth did you manage to get food?" Merlin asked after a while as he ate, Arthur concentrated on not berating him on manners.

"I took the liberty to get us some food before leaving, Merlin," Arthur said, never taking his eyes far from the road in case they were attacked, vigilant as ever. Then he told Merlin about the meeting with Lancelot and Leon, just to assure the sorcerer that at least he had overseen that matter. "I left some instructions, though, for Lancelot, I'm sure Gaius already delivered the letter."

Merlin looked at Arthur with eyes narrowed before he bites at his apple.

"Wait, are you telling me that you had enough time to not only prepare your bag but leave a note for Lancelot, met with Leon and Lancelot to talk about matters of state, and take a detour to the kitchens—that is on the other side of the castle—to steal some food, all of this before you woke me up?" Merlin said surprised.

"Took, Merlin, took, I didn't steal anything from anybody, basically the whole food on the castle belongs to me," Arthur grunted before he took a bite from his own apple. "And I readied the horses with my things before going to look for you, may I add." Arthur felt the need to point out ("Growing humble, I see?" joked Merlin) before he looked at his friend and grinned. "Some of us, Merlin are not as lazy as some people I might know, but I'm a kind and merciful prince, I won't say names"

"Oh, I know, Gwaine can be a real lazy ass when he wants to be," Merlin grinned mischievously band Arthur just rolled his eyes. Merlin could not be bothered anymore, he decided as he merrily finished his apple. It looked like every step away from Camelot was a step closer to his own little heaven, away from his problems at least for a while. Ealdor was a town he loved with all his heart, he grew up there with his Mother, and even though he had no plans on ever returning he felt homesick every once in a while.

"So, Merlin," Arthur said like if they had not stopped talking two hours ago. Arthur had visibly relaxed over the passing of time, enjoying the sounds of the woods and the silence that Merlin offered—a miracle by itself. Away from the four walls of the castle he felt freer; his preoccupations, responsibilities, and general anxiety were still there, nagging him in the back of his mind, but as Gaius had told him before he left: nothing he could do staying in Camelot. So he might as well help Merlin with whatever he had planned. "Now, far away from Camelot and the 'danger's mind sharing with me your big plan?"

When he got no reply he looked behind him, Merlin had stopped his horse and when he noticed that Arthur backtracked.

"Merlin?"

Merlin by all answer dismounted his horse and began looking inside his bags for something.

"What are you doing? What is it?" Arthur pressed before looking around, his knight shining through as he stared at the trees. "Are we being followed? Are we in— Merlin!"

Arthur whispered annoyed when Merlin just kept looking in his satchel.

"Relax, we are fine, it's just that we are near a river," Merlin said and grinned when he found what he was looking for. A pair of vials. Arthur blinked, still frowning, now that he was paying close attention he could hear the softest of sounds confirming Merlin's words and he narrowed his eyes. Did he know that because he was paying attention or because of magic? He went for the second. Merlin was as distracted as it gets.

"Fine, Merlin, don't need to act all that secretively about it then, go on, I'll wait for you here." Arthur motioned amused but Merlin looked like he was waiting for Arthur to dismount. "What?"

"I'm not—ugh, just move, we need to do something before he keep going, and the faster we do it the better," Merlin said before he took the satchel with the vase from his horse, just to be sure no one was about to steal it, shoving inside the vials. He began to make his way to the woods and just turned to look over his shoulder once he realized Arthur had yet to move. "C'mon, hurry up."

"Alright…" Arthur said to himself as he rolled his shoulders histrionically, not used to being ordered around. "We take a break, five minutes." He said for good measure before he dismounted, tying both horses to a nearby tree. After a look around—the path looked deserted and peaceful— but ever cautious, he took his sword before he followed after Merlin.

They reached a little stream a minute later, the stream was thin but it held enough water for such a feeble thing to actually make a sound. Arthur was sure that he could cross the little river in less than three strides. He looked around, almost waiting for something to happen, but he did not spot anything worth to call for his attention.

"So? What do you want? What's the problem?"

"First? Those clothes." Merlin scrunched his face at Arthur's appearance.

"What? My clothes?" Arthur said aghast and looked around, like if he could spot someone there who could enlighten him. "What is wrong with them?"

"I told you we needed to go incognito, that shirt? That is as expensive as my whole room in Camelot—and Ealdor. Together!" Merlin interrupted Arthur before he had time to object. "You look… you look like a rich prat."

"These are the most normal clothes I own, Merlin, this is as modest as it gets." The prince said with patience and crossed his arms; however, he had to think fast as Merlin tossed him a bag. Arthur raised his eyebrows and opened it half-heartedly, taking out a shirt that looked as old as himself. "You are not serious."

"I am, change, at least for now, trust me on this one." Merlin said and Arthur barked a laugh, shaking the offending rag in his hands, it had holes on it!

"Oh no. I'm not changing, I'm keeping my clothes." He tossed the satchel back to Merlin. "I'm not wearing a cape or a crown! That should be enough!"

"They used to be mine and they are fine!" Arthur internally cringed; he would buy Merlin something decent to wear once they were back. Merlin fought him and returned the bag imperiously. "Just change, make this easier, what if thugs attacks us thinking you are a wealthy lord or something?"

"Look, it's alright, if we are attacked I'll fend for myself, as always, thank you very much," Arthur said curtly before he tossed the backpack again but this time with purpose. "I mean it—and if we are outnumbered, (he added once he saw Merlin was about to complain some more) I will let you use magic, there. No need for clothes. "

"Change, I know what I'm telling you." Merlin almost sang but Arthur pinned Merlin with a look. Merlin looked like he wanted to argue some more but just raised his hands in defeat, shrugging to himself. "You know what? I will just enjoy it, fine, don't change."

"Fine." Arthur said easily as he looked around the forest to look for threats once more, then he watched over Merlin's shoulder to their horses, still where he had left them: so far so good.

"Fine! Now sit." The sorcerer motioned with his head to whatever rock in the middle of the river with a vague movement as he was concentrated on getting some vials out of his satchel. He looked up to see that Arthur had yet to obey. Merlin deadpanned and threw him an accusatory glance. "Just do it, Arthur."

Arthur looked at Merlin up and down before he complied, raising his arms in defeat and doing as he was told. He found a flat and high bolded in the middle of the little stream and sat, giving up on whatever Merlin was planning—apparently there must be a reason of why Merlin was being so secretive, otherwise Merlin would be the first to tell him his plans, well, most of the times unless… Oh no.

"Merlin, what is in those vials?" Arthur, who had placed his elbows on his knees, abruptly sat up straighter as Merlin walked inside the river to stand beside the prince, the water barely above their ankles. Merlin, as an answer, just grinned as he uncorked the first vial. One was a very suspicious kind of black while the other was a combination of yellow, white and orange. Both looked disgusting. Arthur bleached. "I am supposed to drink it?"

"Nope," Merlin said merrily, and before Arthur had time to ask Merlin pushed Arthur's head lower, closer to the water. Arthur grunted from the sudden action, his muscles tensing in reflex. "Stay still, Arthur, and stop worrying so much, will you? It will just take a minute, it's uh— it's for your own good. I think."

"You think? Why do I get the feeling you are having fun with… whatever this is?" Arthur grunted and then shivered as he felt the cold liquid running down his scalp, down his neck and at the sides of his ears and head. He felt a drop slide down his cheek, he gingerly raised a hand to touch it and sniffed it, it smelled strongly of alcohol. A few seconds passed were he waited for Merlin to enlight him.

That enlightenment never came.

"Merlin, what are you doing? What's that for?" Arthur asked tired of repeating himself.

"You will see," Merlin said as an answer and Arthur straightened slightly, narrowing his eyes at Merlin who just impishly smiled. "It's kind of magical, really, nothing to worry about, Gaius was the one who gave me the idea, I'm just doing him the favor."

Arthur sighed and raised his brows, he better just go along with this then.

"Alright, I think that's enough. Now wash your hair with the water." Merlin prompted. Arthur did as he was told, trying to get rid of the thing as best as he could, his hands came back with white tinted water. He frowned. What was Merlin doing? However, before he had time to press further into the issue, he felt the same sensation of running water on his scalp, this time he was prepared, though, so he was not as startled as before, however, he noticed that the liquid did not run as fast as the first one and after a second he felt as Merlin massaged his hair. As weird as that was.

"What… are you doing?" Arthur hissed and he almost smacked Merlin's hand away, he looked around the woods, for a reason fearing Gwen would show up. "This feels so fucking strange, you better have a good reason, Merlin."

"Oh, it is, trust me." Merlin said again. Arthur heard him chuckle once or twice but Arthur decided to keep the rest of his decency and not ask till Merlin was finished. It didn't take long.

"There, done!—I think? Wash your head again." Merlin said before he got himself out of the river. Arthur tried hard to see his reflection in the water but the flow of the stream was just a few inches deep and all he could see was his vague silhouette. This time, the water came black and it took him a long time to get it all off his hair. Once he thought he had managed he got up from the stone. Feet and shoulders soaked wet from the water.

"Alright… this has to be the most bizarre… stupid thing you have ever had me doing," Arthur said bewildered. "I still don't understand what was that for." He felt the shirt attaching to his chest and back, he looked down and grimaced in dread. The shoulders of his shirt were painted black now, and he had the feeling that the back of his shirt was ruined too. He sighed. If Merlin told him 'told you so' he was going to hit him and apologize to Hunith later.

He heard Merlin chuckle and he snapped his head in his direction. The sorcerer was washing his hands—fingers painted black—on the side of the river, Arthur noticed, with narrowed eyes, that Merlin was a safe distance from the prince in case he… oh fuck.

"Merlin," Arthur stated with a dangerous voice as he began to make his way out of the stream. "What the hell did you—" his blue eyes grew huge.

Arthur bleached, for a second unable to process what had happened, he opened and closed his mouth twice, hesitating before he found his voice. He understood late, way too late. Arthur motioned to his head with a vague movement of his hands, turning on his spot to look around, trying to process what had happened, before he narrowed his eyes at Merlin, throwing him an accusatory and disbelieving look. "Merlin… did you just… did you just—oh my god! I'm going to kill you, you... — you bloody idiot!"

"I told you to change your shirt, you didn't listen." Merlin said easily as he rose from his spot, hands in front of him, and was all he could to not start laughing at the horrified look on Arthur's face.

Arthur was waiting for the remark, his face twisted in anger and disbelief, not entirely sure that his fears were valid just yet. He was not disappointed.

"You know, Sire?" And the moment Merlin addressed him as Sire, Arthur knew that he wasn't going to like this." This definitely makes it up for being knocked out unconscious, at least I woke up a few hours later."

"Wh—what?" Arthur managed to utter, anger seeping into his voice, his mind refusing to accept what had happened.

Merlin's blue eyes flickered to the mop of black hair on Arthur's head that has once been golden. Merlin tilted his head, admiring his job and nodded.

"In my defense, Arthur, Gaius didn't tell me if the effects were permanent, we will have to find out." Merlin said impishly. "You think Gwen is into brunettes, though? I didn't ask her before leaving."

The silence that followed was as loud as the scream of the prince of Camelot.

"MER—LIN!"

A/N: YES. That's right, you read perfectly well reader of mine: for a few days we will have a brunette Arthur! If you want to picture him just google for James Bradley, in iZombie. He looks gorgeous as a blond and gorgeous as a brunette. So not fair. Damn that man.

I kept this chapter nice and short and hopefully not dull. I don't know, I was writing and I thought there was no need for more, so I followed your advices and let the story flow. Not the best chapter I have written, I know, it was more for comic relief that anything else, but the story goes back to normal after this.

So which side are you on? You think they will make things better by leaving? Or they should have tried harder on staying?

And about Merlin dying Arthur's hair (Merlin got his revenge!) It probably makes no sense to you—in my head it does make sense, a few would remember Arthur from when he went to help him, and everybody knew Merlin. Having the prince at your house? Too much attention, have a friend? Not so much—but do tell me if I went a bit overboard on that. I least I hope I caught you unprepared or made you laugh.

Next chapter the arrive to Ealdor! And the fun good parts begin, you will find out about the vase and Merlin's plan for Arthur.

Once again THANK YOU for your reviews, you never cease to amaze me.

-Juliet'lovestory-