A/N: At the end of the chapter! Happy Reading guys! (A few parts of the chapter are not in order, hope you don't get confused)

The Sound of Silence

"Understanding someone's silence is a greater achievement than understanding meaningless words."

"So, they are dead?"

"All of them, Sire."

There are different kinds of silences in the world.

First, we have the good and empathic kind of silence. It's a silence born when words can and should be spared. It's the comprehension of a whole idea without the need of uttering a single word. It was complex but not uncommon. It was rather an ability to share something with somebody else knowing perfectly well the sentiment went both ways. Just a glance and 'You just know'. Lovers, best friends, family, partners, can share this silence.

There is also the empty kind of silence. One that you can find even in a room filled with people. It's a silence that comes from inside you. No matter how many friends, how many people, how loud you sing or how hard you cry, that kind of silence will be always louder. It's melancholy, it's a soundless echo in your soul.

There's also the quiet, calm silence. It's the silence that you can almost taste when you are staring at the sea or watching a beautiful sunset. It comes from nature itself; so grand, so marvelous that it carries you with it.

However, in all the variations and types of silence that exist, probably the heaviest, loudest, scariest one is the Doomed Silence. Funny. That's the kind of silence humans know most about. It's the quiet emptiness that you can see behind other's people faces. It's the silence that arrives when you are expecting good news but they never come. One look at the other one's face and you know bad things tend to follow. It's as fascinating as it is scary, and even though you know… it's the kind of silence that is more questioned.

In this case, this was the kind of silence that reigned in the throne room after Elyan's story was told. It was a bright day in the kingdom; one of the last warm days in Camelot before winter arrived, and yet it was like all the rays of the sun couldn't shake the shadows from the corners, or stop the faint shudders on Elyan's back.

Owen and Gwaine were firmly standing at either side of Elyan, (im)patiently waiting for the interrogation to be over. Hearing first-hand about his friend's personal nightmares wasn't easy, but it was more difficult to have him standing there when it was obvious Elyan didn't even want to be there to start with. Elyan for his part had his shaky hands clasped behind his back and was bravely looking to the front towards his king. Uther himself was the personification of calmness as he processed the information he had just heard.

Lancelot and Leon were on the left side of the room and unlike Uther they were having trouble hiding their horrified faces. Hearing how your friends were tortured and murdered had left them speechless. The last man in the room was Gaius, who—standing at the directly on the right side of the King—was assessing everyone in the room with sad, quiet eyes.

Finally, Uther royally raised from his throne, and the once dooming, heavy, dark silence lifted along with him.

"I have listened to your story, Sir Elyan, and I won't torment you anymore with the details." Uther nodded solemnly before he looked to the three knights in front of him. "You have done a great service to your kingdom. I'll see that this vital information is used wisely. Rest assured that justice will be done concerning this matters. You all may retire now."

Owen and Gwaine exchanged a troubled look but did as they were told, they had questions, lots of questions actually, however, it had been entirely pure luck—or rather loyalty— that Leon and Lancelot had enough sense to cover for them while they were gone. Yes, they were in big trouble with the Leon, the knights chief, and probably Arthur when he came back. But If Uther, the King, was ever to find out that they had left Camelot without his permission… well, to put it simply the number of death knights would be higher. So they wisely shut their mouths and left the room along with Elyan.

Once the door closed Uther let his calm façade sway a little, troubled he sat on his throne again, his hands closed into tight fists as he looked to the two remaining knights and his trusty physician.

"Sir Leon, Sir Lancelot," Uther ordered and the knights came forward and kneeled. "Inform the families of the… deceased knights. A funeral should be held today at sunset to honor them; however, the real reasons for their deaths should remain a secret. Camelot has still not recovered from Morgana's last attack, the last thing we need is panic arising once again. Am I being understood?"

Leon and Lancelot nodded before they got up.

"What about your son, My King?" Leon asked worriedly. Surely with this news Uther's first demand will be sending a patrol to bring Arthur back from Annora. This silent attack on Morgana's part was a clear indication that something worse than this was coming and they needed to be prepared. Important meetings or not the prince of Camelot was needed.

Lancelot was not a man who panicked, but dear God above he held his breath as he waited for Uther's answer. Too late to do anything about it. He exchanged a glance with Gaius before the king narrowed his eyes at Leon, then he nodded so solemnly that for a second Lancelot thought Uther had actually remembered he had a son.

"That's another issue we need to address. With Morgana killing, murdering and torturing knights, close enough to steal the throne from me I can't stall it anymore." Uther said cryptically before he dismissed them. Leon furrowed his eyebrows and opened his mouth to speak, however Lancelot was prepared this time and he quickly walked to the exit bringing Leon along with him.

Lancelot felt his heart beat fast against his ribcage. It had been the closest Leon has ever been to find out that Uther had forgotten about Arthur, and yet something told Lancelot that it wouldn't be long for the entire Camelot to realize this. He didn't want to know what could happen if Merlin couldn't actually break the spell on the vase… but that was impossible, right? Merlin has never failed before, he couldn't fail now.

Leon closed the door firmly behind them, leaving Gaius alone with Uther. Lancelot sighed in relief and very uncharacteristically of him he pressed his forehead against the wooden door, it had been a long few days and still they to survive for a few more.

Leon smiled sadly, misinterpreting Lancelot's silence.

"I'll tell the families, it's my duty after all. You get Sir Percy and arrange the funerals, he'll guide you in what you'll need." Leon gave a long sigh as he threw his head back. "We have no bodies to burn, so the funeral it's symbolic but… it's better than nothing I guess."

There was silence again. This time, it was an imperative silence, a dismissing silence. They had things to do, work to do, and still neither of them wanted to move.

"I can't believe the three of them are dead." Lancelot finally said and Leon nodded tiredly. "And by Morgana's own hands… it's hard to believe it sometimes, I mean, Merlin used to adore her, didn't he? They used to be friends— she was family. She had everything and still… she threw it all away."

Lancelot turned his stare to the floor. What would he give to have his own family back, and this… this woman, who had a brother and a father, a family, was doing everything in her power to kill them. It was something someone as good hearted as Lancelot could never come to fully understand.

"I guess it's a reminder of how evil magic can be, Lancelot." Leon finally answered before he took one step towards the main hall. "Magic corrupts people."

With that being said Leon left, leaving his friend standing on the same spot for several minutes in complete silence after he was gone.

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

When Arthur had woken up that day he had not expected to be woken up so rudely, to put it simply; he had been slapped. Arthur stood up in a hassle, looking around as he fumbled for his sword in an attempt to defend himself from the sudden attack, however, he had to use all his power will to not yell when he found his attacker. It had been Merlin, who in his sleep had slapped his face. For the life of him, Arthur couldn't remember when Merlin managed to get close enough to kick him, the prince just glared down at Merlin and against his will, he scoffed.

Merlin was on his stomach, limbs sprawled in every direction, he smelled strongly of alcohol and a little trail of spit was making his way from his mouth to the ground. Arthur rolled his eyes as he composed himself—instinctively he had positioned himself into a fighting stance—, Merlin was a problem even when he was asleep.

He really shouldn't be surprised.

Arthur sighed and looked around, the hut was empty, however, the two plates neatly placed on the table with bread and fresh fruit let him known Hunith had been gone for a while now. Arthur felt a strange tug in his heart, she had left but thought of them before leaving and Arthur smiled against his will, she was really a good, caring mother and woman. Then he grimaced, remembering the conditions Arthur and Merlin had returned last night. He closed his eyes in shame and sighed. Nothing he could do about that now. Shaking his head he turned towards Merlin and kicked him on the side.

"Merlin, wake up." Arthur commanded. Merlin just sniffled and turned on his sleep, mumbling something about five more minutes. Arthur looked to the door and once he was sure Hunith was not near the house he shouted, "Merlin!"

"Wha—hmm?" Merlin blinked owlishly, he seemed out of sorts for a moment and once he realized it was only Arthur he slumped further into the ground. Arthur sighed, there used to be a time where Merlin would come running into in chambers half scared out of his skin when he yelled. Those were simpler times, indeed. Annoyed beyond belief Arthur pulled the covers away from Merlin and tossed them behind him with a smirk. If there was one thing Merlin hated was cold, however, Merlin unconsciously used his magic and the sheets flew to cover him again.

"Merlin!" Arthur snapped, seeing that his efforts were in vain. "Wake up, it's already midday, you idiot, we overslept!"

Merlin felt like throwing a tantrum, he was too tired to wake up! Couldn't Arthur see that? No, of course not, because Arthur was a prat and a 'morning person', a part of Merlin's brain supplied that he wasn't here on vacation, they had actual work to do… and still, he felt like he could sleep for the rest of the day…

"You have three seconds to get on your feet, Merlin." He heard Arthur's voice call to him past his stupor. He just grunted and rolled to the side. "One…"

Merlin sighed as he pushed his sheet over his head.

"Two…"

Even with his eyes closed Merlin could picture Arthur looking around for something to kick him with, and mentally and physically he prepared for it, miraculously the three never came as in that moment Hunith walked inside the house. Merlin half-heartedly heard her calling for Arthur. He didn't need to open his eyes to know Arthur was torn between obeying or just pulling Merlin to his feet. In the end, as Merlin knew it would happen, Arthur relented and followed Hunith's voice. He internally snickered; Arthur was such a softy around Mothers. A few moments later Merlin sensed them leave the house. The sorcerer sighed and in the blessed, calm silence that followed he went back to sleep.

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

Gwen didn't sleep that night. Even when Gaius told her Elyan was alright and she could see that with her own eyes she just couldn't believe it. Elyan, her brother, who she had thought was on duty all these days… had been kidnapped by Morgana. Imprisoned, tortured.

Nobody dared to say it out loud.

Not Elyan, or Leon, or Owen, not even Lancelot.

But she knew he had been tortured. It was written all over their faces and in her brother's body. She had stayed up all night watching over him, even when he said he didn't need it. He woke up several times during the night just to find her there, sitting on a stool next to his bed, her troubled soul trying to recover by caressing his hands. In the end, he had given up and had let his sister stay the night. They spent the night in silence, even when he woke up several times after that.

The next day Sir Percy had come early in the morning to retrieve Elyan.

"The king has been informed of the situation; he requests to see you immediately." He had informed and then excusing himself he had left the room. After Elyan had a quick breakfast both Gaius and Gwen accompanied him to the entrance on the throne room, waiting there for them was Gwaine and Owen, who apparently had been called too. At the sight of Gwen both knights shared a glance, however, the angry woman who had yelled at them yesterday had died with the night, and right now all they could see was a tired, sad Gwen, still strong, but somewhat broken.

"Ey, mate, feeling better?" Gwaine patted Elyan's shoulder. "Had enough sleep?"

"Yes, nice bed, comfy room," Elyan said vaguely with his eyes focused on the door and after that no one talked, a heavy, suffocating silence settled over them until Leon opened the door for them from the other side.

They all shared a glance.

"You ready?" Leon asked concerned in a low voice and then Elyan looked over his shoulder to the waiting king on this throne and gulped.

"Ready as I'll ever be." Elyan said with the most confidence he could find in himself and gave Gwaine half a smile before he entered the room, followed by the knights and the physician, leaving Gwen to wait outside. She knew Uther was not going to allow her inside but she needed to know. Annoyed that she could do nothing but wait she turned towards Sir Percy, the knight in charge to guard the door.

If she wasn't allowed to know from the king, she could always go to the prince.

"Sir Percy, may I ask where Arthur—Prince Arthur may be this morning?" She said with a faint voice, her own exhaustion getting the best of her.

"The Prince? You might be able to talk to him later in the week, Lady Guinevere."

Gwen blinked several times confused. "Later in the week?"

Sir Percy nodded, smiling softly at the young girl. After everything that happened to her brother she must have forgotten. "Of course, Prince Arthur is in Annora, due to come back later in the week."

There was an awkward silence after that before Gwen nodded.

"In Annora… of course, of course, right, thank you, Sir Percy."

With that, Gwen walked away. Arthur in Annora?! While four knights were missing?! This wasn't like Arthur… she looked over her shoulder to the guarded wooden doors and the impossible question came to her mind… Gwaine and Owen had told her that they had left Camelot by Leon's orders (A fact that she was beginning to question now) to retrieve Elyan and the rest… but if that had been the case, if they had known for a few days now that they had gone missing…. Why Arthur had not come back to see this matter himself?

And why, if everyone knew how powerful Morgana was, had they sent just two knights?

Gwen didn't know what was going on or what was being left unsaid but she was resolved on finding out.

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

Uther didn't say anything for a long while after his knights were gone. His brows were creased with worry now. Morgana was attacking his kingdom silently, declaring a silent war that was meant to get unleased any day now. Ashamed with himself he looked towards his feet. The only daughter he had and she had turned out to be an evil sorcerer.

"Gaius, arrange a meeting with the council for later this week, we'll have three days of mourning before I make the announcement," He said with finality as he raised from his chair, he turned towards the physician who looked pale at his words, and with reason enough, Uther thought, after all, it was not a simple task to admit to the whole kingdom that it was time to accept that his time as king it's ending. "I think we have delayed it enough, Gaius, it's time for the sword in the stone test to begin. It's time to find an heir."

-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-o-

Arthur followed Hunith out of the house and closed the door behind him out of habit. For a moment there was a tense silence as Arthur didn't know what to say or do, should he apologize for coming drunk last night? Say something on behalf of Merlin? Should he just ignore it all together? He was the Prince of Camelot, he could do whatever he wished, after all he didn't need to give many explanations to his people in his kingdom, why start now?

Then Hunith leveled him up with a stare and Arthur knew right then and there that he would apologize the whole day if needed be.

"Hunith, Ma'am, about last night—"

"Strawberry or chocolate?"

"I—uhm, I'm sorry what?"

"Strawberry or chocolate? I've been thinking about it the whole morning," Hunith said with a smile as she began walking down the road, Arthur followed her instinctively and then offered to carry the little empty basket Hunith had on her hands, with a soft smile Hunith left him.

"I'm afraid don't understand."

"It's just that I have been planning on baking Merlin a cake, for his birthday, you see, it's been years since we have celebrated his birthday here, and in a little town like this, Arthur, getting a cake it's almost like a miracle itself, but I'm willing to give it a try. Old Lawson, the baker, agreed to bake a little cake if I got him the ingredients." Hunith confessed as they made their way around the houses, Arthur hadn't been here long to know exactly where were they heading but he knew they were quickly reaching the center of the little town. "So, since it's been years since Merlin and I had sat together to eat cake, which flavor do you think he would like?"

Arthur blinked several times, was she seriously not going to say anything about last night? So… maybe should he? Was this a test? Then he reminded himself that Hunith was not Uther. Then he supposed that the same rules applied to parents and wars: if the issue is not brought into the discussion; forget about it. "I—uh, strawberry."

Merlin liked chocolate but he was a number one fan of fruits. Strange, Arthur thought, since when was he so aware of the things the idiot liked or not? He vaguely wondered if Merlin knew him so well too. He cringed internally, he probably did. Two coins with the same side or how does the saying go?

"Very well then, strawberry it is, you think we will find luck ion the market?"

-.-.-.-.-.-

The market was the largest market Arthur has ever seen in such a small town, and apparently everybody in Ealdor was out of their houses enjoying the place, one dubious look around and Hunith explained it for him.

Apparently every two months or so different merchants and traders from around Cenred's kingdom visited the little towns in the periphery, just like Ealdor, to provide the little villages with the basics of needs and in some cases luxuries that otherwise they wouldn't be able to find, such as exotic fruits, jewelry, and medicines, Hunith told him the traders had stopped coming once voice got out that Ealdor was under Kane's domain, however after Kane was defeated the traders slowly but surely began coming to Ealdor once again. The villagers were ecstatic and despite the elevated prices Arthur could see several inhabitants of the city buying and selling around.

So that is how we find the now brunette price of Camelot spending the first hour of his day; not only grocery shopping, but ingredient's cake shopping of all things. That could be traduced as Hunith going one stall to another as Arthur did his best trying to keep up with the energetic woman at the best of his abilities.

For a few minutes Arthur was on a defensive, he found it strange to be immersed in the market, following Hunith everywhere and yet not having anyone looking at him twice, he was still trying to get used to the fact that nobody knew him around here—no surprises there, with his tattered clothes and his dyed hair— but still, it was rather amusing how nobody offered him things for free for once in his life; something he knew was a privilege but he had never abused of—well, most of the time—in his life in Camelot if he ever wanted something he just asked for it and if he couldn't get it he would pay for it. Period.

And even though he had been on Camelot's market several times in his life he had never been able to go and pass as an another random inhabitant even when he wanted; people recognized him immediately everywhere he went, that usually ended up with them giving him things for free dare he stops and stares for too long, or begging him to buy their merchandise at exorbitant prices.

Here, however, everyone went from stall to stall comparing prices, going to one seller to the next, offering trades or money. Hunith was one of those people, she asked four different sellers before she settled to buy the flour, and then they spent a whole ten minutes discussing the price of milk with a very tenacious woman.

All of this happened as Hunith talked with him about anything and everything. Against all odds Arthur found himself having a rather good time, they talked about Ealdor and about Camelot but Hunith was wise enough to not ask about his father, then they talked about Merlin's past birthdays, it was rather small talk but he didn't need to ask or see beyond her words to know their lives here had not been the best. He was only glad things had gotten better with time.

"Well, I think we have everything we need," Hunith said as she placed the eggs and strawberries in the basket and looked around. Maybe with the last few coins she had she could manage to buy some chocolate, make Merlin a cup of chocolate instead of the hot water tinted with mint that she gave them every day. Before she could decide, however, Arthur gently pushed her out of the main road and between to stalls. "Arthur?"

Hunith looked up at the annoyed face of the prince who had his head tilted to the side and his eyes narrowed, then he sighed exasperated, looking to a point in the crowd. "He has a natural talent to ruin even the things that are good for him."

Hunith furrowed her eyebrows and followed his line of sight; she covered her mouth with one hand as a laugh escaped her. Merlin was walking around the market looking incredibly annoyed as he looked around passing a hand over his eyes every few seconds causing him to stumble a few more times than it was normal.

Arthur smirked at the sight of the sorcerer. Drunk Merlin was incredibly funny but hangover Merlin? He was going to get his revenge on all those times Arthur had been drunk and Merlin had been not.

Hunith snapped him out of his thoughts when she grabbed his arm. She was pointing to the road behind them and away from the market.

"Arthur, listen, two streets down and to your right, you will find Lawson's bakery, he promised he would cook Merlin's cake and have it ready for tonight. Take all these to him and pay him." Hunith said as she entrusted all the coins she had left into Arthur's hand—Arthur realized with a heavy heart that no more than a few coins were left—then she pushed him in the right direction.

"But, Hunith—"

"I need to talk to my son." She said with a quiet smile but firm tone. Arthur looked towards Merlin and then back at Hunith once before he nodded. That woman could be strict when she wanted. Deciding not to ruin this one thing for mother and son Arthur walked dutifully to Lawson's bakery, he found it quickly—he was begging to like small towns, everything was near!— and he frowned when he saw quite a few people already in line.

Annoyed that he had to wait Arthur gave long suffering before getting in line, finally, what felt like an eternity later—patience was not a thing that runs in the family—Arthur came face to face with the baker. He was tall and heavy, apparently being chubby came with the job, in addition to that it looked like this Lawson man woke up on the wrong side of the bed, either that or the hustle had gotten the best of him because when Arthur spoke the man seemed incredibly annoyed with him with no reason at all.

Inwardly Arthur wondered if that's how Merlin used to think of him.

"I bring this in the name of Hunith, she requested a strawberry cake due to be picked up today before sunset, if I'm not mistaken," Arthur commanded as he gently dropped the basket on the table. Then he eyed the last two golden coins that Hunith had lent him before placing them on the table. "This is the payment for your services, I'll pick it later in the afternoon."

The man snorted with malice when he saw the two little glinting coins. "Oi Kid, see this list?" The man pointed to a rusty paper attached to the wall where at least ten names were written. "All of thes' are clients who came before ya', sorry kiddo but if Hunith wanted this cake she should have come earlier, how about she tries tomorrow, uh?"

Arthur didn't know where to start feeling offended; for starters he had been called kid twice in less than a minute. Not once in his twenty-five years of life he had been called kiddo. And then, there was the fact that this man was actually refusing to make Merlin's cake. Arthur had to bite his tongue to keep himself from yelling 'do you know who I am?!'

Instead, Arthur crossed his arms and leveled the guy with one stare up and down.

"I'm sorry, I came here under the belief that Hunith and you had a deal," Arthur glared at the list like it was made of something that could give him the Black Death and then narrowed his eyes at the man. "So I take it you are not a man of word, but rather a man of money, seeing that you made a list of the people that paid you more." Arthur saw the little numbers attached to the names and sure enough, the ones who paid more were on top. "Such a dishonorable and rather shameful decision, may I add."

The man looked affronted as he twisted his neck, he looked ready to launch a punch. "How dare—"

Arthur slapped his hand on the table as fast as lighting, so hard the wooden table shook with the impact, both men looked at each other's eyes for a second, a silent but clear conversation passing between them. "I want this cake done by sunset. Am I making myself clear?" Arthur commanded in what was his best I-am-a-prince-do-as-I-say voice. Only then did Arthur raise his hand. The baker's frog's eyes grew incredibly huge in comparison to his face. There, shining merrily in the light of the sun, were more than a dozen golden coins. "Do we have an understanding?"

The man grunted and inhaled deeply once, he stared at the golden coins for a moment longer before assessing Arthur, then, without taking his eyes off him, he took the money, tossed it in a wooden box and silently—but quite imposingly—he turned towards the list on the wooden wall and scribbled something.

Hunith's name was on top of it.

Without another word, the man took Arthur's basket from the table and headed inside his bakery. The silence couldn't be heavier and still the prince of Camelot smirked widely at his retreating back.

"Glad we understood each other."

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

"Merlin, this is the fifth time we have stopped in less than ten minutes, we have work to do, move!"

"Are you honestly—? You were the one who took forever in the market, besides—it's your fault I'm in this state to begging with!" Merlin complained half-heartedly as prince and sorcerer made their way to the training field. Like usual, it was like seeing two sides of the same coin. While Merlin stopped every few minutes to catch his breath, narrow his eyes at the light, and grumble every few seconds about his head, Arthur just walked with determination and ease around the forest. Arthur wasn't a man who whistled on a daily basis but Merlin was sure he was about to start just to annoy him. "See?" Merlin pointed to his elbow where a maroon bruise could be seen. "This is not my definition of a gift—how did I get this anyway?—Did you kick me?"

Arthur scoffed. "Merlin, you trip over your own feet on a daily basis, it's not my fault you are even clumsier when you are drunk, is it?"

Merlin closed his eyes as a wave of nausea hit him. Alright, getting drunk on his birthday with Arthur—while the prince managed to stay sober—was definitely not the best idea Merlin has ever had. It was just not a good idea. Period.

He remembered everything that had happened, from the 'just one beer' to the 'one too many beers' to the part of singing and playing cards with the other men in the tavern. He remembered all of that but he also remembered how he had flown a vase of beer from one table to his waiting hand—Arthur was gracious enough to make a huge show to cover for it—and even though he didn't regret it (Arthur singing along with him and paying for the drinks? Once every lifetime) but he seriously questioned his decision now.

Merlin was reckless, fine, but never careless—unlike common belief— and now, in the middle of probably the most important week of his life he had a hangover. It wasn't terrible, at least not as terrible as the hangovers he gets when he goes out with Gwaine, but dear Lord above he didn't know what was worse, his headache—which his magic was doing everything in its power to eliminate—or the fact that Arthur was having fun with this.

Finally, after some more grumbling and the normal morning banter—which mostly consisted of a series of grunts interpreted by Arthur— the two friends arrived at the clear which was still half destroyed from the previous magic training. Arthur, like the good student he had proved to be in the past three days, turned slightly towards Merlin.

"What is it today? Magic practice? Meditating? Are we going to try to break the spell on the vase? Your birthday, your pick." He smirked and Merlin rolled his eyes. He was a prat even on his birthday. Unbelievable.

Merlin sighed and closed his eyes. His headache was receding after the breakfast they have had but he didn't know if he was strong enough yet to start practicing magic. He could feel Arthur staring smugly at him. Alright, he needed to come up with something and quick, Arthur was many things but patient was not one of them. Maybe he could place a spell on a sword, have him fight an invisible enemy. Fighting a sword attached to an invisible body could be a potential lesson. Arthur relayed in the movements of his enemy to read the attacks. Merlin smirked inwardly. Maybe the prat could get a headache out of it too, besides a bruise or two wouldn't hurt the prince.

"Or you know, if you want to spend all your time doing nothing maybe I should call Hunith, she seemed like she had a lot of things to say to you, anyway."

Merlin opened his eyes horrified and Arthur laughed whole heartedly.

Yep. Arthur was having a bit too much fun.

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

Lancelot was pacing the physician chambers when Gaius came in.

"What happened?" Lancelot finally asked as Gaius took a seat on the table. "What did Uther said?"

"The test will take place four days from now," Gaius said heavily before he sighed and raised his eyes to Lancelot. "We need to bring Arthur back."

"They were supposed to have a week more left," Lancelot said as he placed his hands on the hilt of his sword in anxiousness. "They had not broken the spell on the vase yet, Gaius, and we can't let the test take place."

Gaius shook his head. "There's nothing I can do now. Uther is resolved, more now with the news Elyan brought. We need Arthur back and have him here when the test is announced. In the end, Lancelot, the decision falls on Arthur. Wherever he chooses to keep playing by Morgana's rules or not, it's not something that we can decide."

Lancelot took a seat heavily on the other side of the physician. No one said anything for a long time until Lancelot talked. "Gaius, what happens if by the third day of the test Uther still does not regain his memory?"

Gaius didn't answer and that, surprisingly, was answer enough.

A/N: Well, GUESS WHAT! THE CHAPTER WAS DIVIDED IN TWO AGAIN! Sorry, I just don't want you reading incredibly large chapters, besides this will give you something to read while I finish the second part. I was just itchy and eager to post a new chapter. I have gotten used to upload every few days, this felt like a type of withdrawal. I swear.

To all the reviewers, THANK YOU. And the followers THANK YOU!Just last chapter was read by 243 people, HOW AWESOME IS THAT? In any case, I'm loving the response the fic has been getting lately and I hope I don't disappoint with where this his heading.

And as to why have I not updated? Life has been crazy! I officially graduated from uni and my birthday was the same day! (Awesome, I know!) aaand I'm about to start working, besides I went to the beach for a couple days with my whole family. So very, very, very little time to write but alas, here I am!

As a birthday gift you can leave a review! ! (Or not?) Anyways, I love you guys, from the bottom of my heart, thank you.

News: The second part with reveal everything guys, everything that will follow! *Hurries to finish the chapter*

A/N2: This Lawson man didn't know who he was messing with.

Suricata: Thank you! I did great in my final exams, so glad you liked the interactions between Merlin and Arthur, I bet this chapter was kind of boring, but the fun and exciting part comes next, thank you , really, really thank you for your reviews, and concerning Merlin and the vase will be answered in part 2. Time is up for them in Ealdor, time to go home.