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CHAPTER 43

Hidden In Plain Sight

"Is in silence, in quiet laughs, not in loudness, where we understand each other."

Owen was trying, he really was, but he was failing miserably at concealing a smile behind his cup of hot tea.

The sun was not even up yet, the quiet and chilly night still covering the little town of Ealdor, however, Hunith's hut was anything but silent with its five inhabitants already awake to start the day. In that uncomfortable time of the night in which you do not know if it was too late or too early, Owen grew from being low-key amused to highly concerned by the sight of his friends and prince.

For starters, there was Merlin, who was staring down at his barely touched plate of food as If it contained the answers to all his life problems, an elbow propped on the table and his head resting on his hand to avoid falling face-first into it. Owen had seen Merlin tired before but this was a whole other level, Merlin looked dead on his seat, huge bags under his eyes and paler skin than usual. Every few seconds he would start to doze off before blinking and sitting straight again, coming alert for a few moments just to repeat the process.

Arthur was on his other side, eating everything on his plate as it was proper but his eyes seemed elsewhere entirely, barely noticing when Merlin almost fell from his chair when his elbow skidded from the table. Arthur didn't yell at him or scoff, not even a roll of eyes. He just kept eating. Every few minutes he would sigh though. Owen raised a calculated eyebrow. Since when does the Prince of Camelot sigh?

The most shocking sight, though, was without a doubt by his side; Gwaine, who for starters was silent… and that was it: he was silent as he ate. A brand new clean bandage covering his chest as he wildly ate his soup and tore apart the bread, which was normal, expected even, however, nowhere in sight was the usual talk or banter that came with, well, being Gwaine.

Between Gwaine's silence, Arthur's quiet demeanor, and Merlin's unusual stillness, Owen really was really growing concerned.

He took a calculated sip of tea.

"Oi, are you gonna eat that or not?" Gwaine grumbled for the first time, indicating with his chin the barely touched plate of Owen, instinctively Owen pushed his plate closer to his chest, "Better eat something before we leave… or before I eat it, either one of those,"

"I was just…. did I miss something?" Owen finally adventured to ask. The three men looked at him questioningly—more like Arthur snapped out of his thoughts enough to wonder what Owen was babbling about, and Merlin making an effort to connect time and place as he blinked groggily.

"What?" Merlin asked as he passed a hand across his face and hair, eyes zeroing on his bandaged arm, "Is it your arm? Does it hurt? Do you want me to give you some medicine?"

"No, no, I'm fine, that's not it," Owen smiled, because for all of Merlin's questions and worry the manservant didn't seem to have the willingness—or the energy— to move away from his seat. Owen looked at the three again before shrugging his good shoulder, "Did something happen yesterday?"

"Maybe we should have Merlin check your head, mate, we were attacked yesterday," Gwaine scoffed as he stole a few strawberries from Owen's plate and quickly evading a half-heartedly punch from said knight, "In case you didn't remember."

"Ha ha, so funny, I mean after that," Owen glared in the direction of Gwaine as he noticed that Arthur was silently staring at his now empty plate, "I uh… did all of you sleep well?"

Or at all?

The three men made vague movements of agreement.

"You are thinking too much, Owen," Arthur finally answered as he finished his tea in a go, "We are all fine, but I appreciate your concern."

"Don't know about ya'," Gwaine offered, stealing a piece of bread from Merlin's plate this time and talking with his mouth full, "But I slept like a rock,"

"With your snores, it's a miracle we caught any sleep at all," Merlin mumbled.

"Ow, you hurt me, Merlin," Gwaine said taking a hand to his chest with a grin as Merlin rolled his eyes.

"Are you three all done? We need to move, it's almost dawn," Arthur said as he rose from his seat, Gwaine pushed his empty plate away from him as an answer while Merlin complained that it was just too early to eat anything. Arthur just nodded, taking his plate along with Merlin's and Gwaine's away, offering Hunith to clean them himself.

Hunith, who had been running around the hut making sure everything they would need was in order, allowed it.

Owen raised a brow and exchanged a look with Gwaine who was rather impressed too with this brand new behavior of the prince.

"Did… did Arthur just…" Gwaine was unable to finish the sentence. But was he seeing right? Arthur has just volunteered to pick and wash dishes? One thing was certain, no one was going to believe him back in Camelot.

"The prat has manners from time to time," Merlin whispered, having noticed the knights' dumbfounded glances. Gwaine snickered while Owen pressed his lips into a tight line trying but failing not to laugh.

"If you three are done being ridiculously uncooperative maybe one of you could check on the horses? That would be you, Gwaine, since Owen has a broken arm," Arthur spat over his shoulder with a deadly glare, "Owen for gods sake eat something, and Merlin finish packing our bags, will you?"

"Yes, sire," They chorused as they all stood from the table and scattered around but even then Arthur heard the tinge of amusement in his knights and magician's voices. If anything the prince just washed the dishes more determinedly in the bucket of water, muttering under his breath the entire time that, despite common belief,— or how Merlin pictured him to everybody who wanted to listen—he knew how to do things, thank you.

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

"The horses are ready," Gwaine announced from the entrance of the hut.

"We will be outside in a moment," Arthur called, Gwaine raised his brows but said nothing, choosing to give a tight nod and joined Owen by the horses on the side of the hut.

Arthur and Merlin were standing in the middle of the hut with Hunith, who had finally gone quiet after many reassurances from both of them that no, they didn't need food, money, or clothes and that they would be safe and sound in Camelot by tomorrow.

"A mother can't help but worry, I suppose," She sighed as she clasped her hands in front of her apron, "After the scare you two gave me yesterday, you can't blame me, attacked by thugs. Am I going to ever have a day when you don't come with trouble running after you, Merlin?"

Merlin massaged his neck as he smiled impishly, "Sorry about that, it didn't go exactly as planned".

Hunith smiled as if she knew better but she just shook her head lightly. Feeling the quiet atmosphere that suddenly surrounded them, Arthur felt really out of place just standing there when it was obvious that Hunith wanted to say a proper goodbye to her son so Arthur took his cue to leave.

"I'm going to check on the horses and provisions one last time, I'll wait for you outside," Arthur said, clasping Merlin's shoulder in reassurance before looking back at Hunith. He didn't know exactly what to say or do, he had already expressed his gratitude and yet he felt as if he had a lot of things to confess to this amazing woman and yet he couldn't find the right words to do so.

How to tell her how grateful he was for her presence these past few days? How grateful he was that the universe, Magic, God, or whatever, had chosen her as Merlin's mother? How to tell her he desperately didn't want to leave this little town, to leave her.

Thank the heavens Hunith was a perceptive and kind woman who knew better about feelings than he did.

"I'm deeply sad to see you both go," Hunith said and just with that one sentence she was silently asking Arthur to stay, so Arthur turned his body to face her as he stood beside Merlin. "I wish you could've stayed longer, though, there are many things I wish I had the time to ask and do, Merlin's birthday was just a few days ago! But I understand that you need to leave."

"You always do," Merlin answered and his voice was soft as it always was when his mother was around.

Hunith smiled to the both of them, "Promise me you will come and visit me soon, don't wait for another birthday to come along."

"I'm sad to leave you too, Mom," Merlin said fondly as he took her hands in his, "But I'm glad I saw you again. Once everything is settled down in Camelot I'll come back."

"He will, I'll force him," Arthur tried to reassure her as he passed an arm over Merlin's shoulders, and shook him slightly, "And we will not cause so much trouble next time, I promise."

"I highly doubt that Arthur, but if the Prince of Camelot is saying this then I'll believe it," Hunith smiled before her eyes grew watery and finally moved to hug Merlin. Arthur coughed and placed his hands on his hips as he looked to the side, the feeling of not quite belonging returning. He was thinking about making a quiet but quick escape when Hunith let go of Merlin and smiled to him again, as if in a silent cue Merlin squeezed her hands again and after a glance towards Arthur he left the hut.

Arthur looked startled for a moment and blinked confused, suddenly very aware he had been left alone with Hunith. Uh…were they supposed to leave? Was he supposed to say something? He was about to move and ask Hunith if she wanted to accompany them to the entrance when he was enveloped in a tight and warm hug.

He squeaked in surprise.

If asked later he would deny it though.

For a second Arthur was perplexed, not knowing exactly what to do with his limbs and his good five inches taller than Hunith, however, Hunith persevered and after a moment he took the hug for what it was and hugged Hunith back. Gingerly at first, as if trying to see if it was alright, in the end, if he hugged her longer than necessary of if his eyes were watery when they departed Hunith didn't comment on it.

Gently, as if almost afraid Arthur would bolt from the spot and hide, she separated herself from him and placed her open hand on his cheek, smiling up at him the entire time.

"I know I have said it a lot these past few days, Arthur, but I'll say it again; thank you, no—no, don't interrupt me, I'll get mad," Hunith said as she patted his cheek twice, dropping her hand, eyes searching and shining with whatever she was seeing, "Thank you for keeping Merlin safe. I know it's a cruel world out there but knowing that you accept him as he is has made my life easier, my dreams lighter and my heart filled with joy. I can never thank you enough for not only letting him live in a country where magic his banned but for taking care of him when I'm not there, even if it goes against your Father's will."

"It's the right thing to do."

"That doesn't make it any less easy, the right decisions aren't always quite the most easier ones."

Arthur sighed and passed a hand through his hair, didn't he know that. He thought again about the dragon he had forced Merlin to magically hatch in exchange of a legendary truce with the druids. He looked at his ring on his hand before he looked back at Hunith.

"It's alright, if anything I should be the one grateful for his friendship, I suppose, everybody wants to be friends with Prince Arthur but not many wants to be friends… well, with just Arthur, who would right?" Arthur tried for a joke.

"Merlin does, I think he has always seen you… how did he call you in his last letter? Ah, yes, 'A Prat Prince in need of a guiding hand'" Hunith grinned and Arthur rolled his eyes.

"He's been a good guiding hand, fine," Arthur relented before he grew serious, "Merlin is an honorable man, Hunith. I can't let honorable men die, as long as he is in my care don't worry about his safety concerning my father," Flashbacks of Merlin's death back in the damned magical forest rushed through his head and he shook it softly, he could protect Merlin in Camelot but what about war? What about the things that were out of his hands? Well, he could try, "I wouldn't let Merlin die, no matter what," He swore softly to him and Hunith both, "I'll keep him safe, I promise."

"I know you will," Hunith agreed as she clasped her hands with his just like he had done with Merlin, "I know I have asked far too much already Arthur, but I need to ask for something from you, maybe the hardest things you will do,"

"Anything," Arthur had been ready to say yes to any request, except the one was he was given.

"Take care of yourself, Arthur," Hunith requested, "You are as important as Merlin, as your father, and certainly as your own people."

Arthur blinked, confusion shining in his blue eyes,

"I see the way you treat yourself," Hunith smiled softly, "I see the way you push yourself, punish yourself for things that are not your making. Just because you are the prince of Camelot you are not to forget that people break, Arthur. I have learned that and you should've by now." She let the silence linger for a moment, letting her words sink, "Rely on people. Rely on Merlin. You are strong on your own, but after these past few days, I hope… I wish you have come to realize that a man doesn't thrive in loneliness. There's power in accepting help, Arthur. I don't want you to forget that. I know life has been hard on you, with the loss of your mother and the current state of your father but don't forget there are people that love you and support you, even in dark times, as I do."

Arthur was just capable of nodding once, not trusting his voice not to break. No one had ever asked him to take care of himself. Whenever he left in a quest it was under different pleas from his people and commands from his Father: Keep Camelot safe. Someone's husband safe. A brother safe. To bring peace to his land. To achieve greatness. To bring honor to their heritage.

Tears began to pool in his eyes and Hunith hugged him once again. Arthur this time did not hesitate to hug her. Arthur knew then that if his mother were alive she would say those words to him, she would not care about the realm or his newest mission. Arthur wondered how he had ever lived without a mother's love until now, and now that he had it—silently and forever keeping this knowledge to himself—he didn't know if he wanted to give it up so soon. It felt so new, so different from the kinds of love he had gotten to know through his life.

Of course it had been Merlin's Mom. Arthur wondered if they were destined for things like these too or it was just coincidence.

"The problems with your father will come to pass, Arthur, I know because I know Merlin. Have faith in him, even if you lose faith in everything else," Hunith whispered softly as she stroked his back gently.

"We have so much to do," Arthur finally confessed, not wanting to give his problems to Hunith about the dangers that awaited them, but he wanted to share his burden with someone who could appease him, "So much to fix back in my city, I don't know if we will be able to do it all."

"It will be alright as long as you don't lose sight of the new Arthur you found here, of your new strengths, as long as you don't lose sight of that you will be alright, I know this."

Arthur cried a few tears silently on her shoulder before gently pushing Hunith away, he gasped for air two times before he nodded, stubbornly cleaning the tears away with the back of his hand acting as if they had never existed.

Hunith smiled again at him, pushing his hair back once, muttering how with the dark hair he did look like Merlin's sibling, she dropped her hand only after Arthur calmed himself enough to smile at her once more and gave her a tight nod.

"Let's go then, it's almost dawn."

Hunith walked with the four cloaked men to the entrance of the village, the sun was barely hinting its presence on the horizon now, it wasn't up yet but it gave them enough light to start their trip safely back to Camelot. As they walked Hunith and Merlin kept close together, talking in low voices and whispered promises between them until they reached the last house and the field opened for them.

Arthur climbed swiftly on his horse first, followed by his knights, Owen managing expertly even with a whole arm cradled. They all watched as Hunith and Merlin hugged one last time, whispered words getting lost in the morning air before they separated. As Merlin turned to hop on his horse Arthur saw as the slight tremble of her hands that she tried to hide on her skirt.

He made a silent vow to bring Merlin again to Hunith, safe and alive.

Arthur waited patiently for Merlin to get reign of his horse, once he did the Prince of Camelot turned his horse to face Hunith and bowed deeply. Arthur had never bowed to anyone who wasn't royalty before and Merlin knew this. He smiled to himself and for once kept quiet.

"Thank you, for everything," Arthur said sincerely as he straightened up, pushing his horse to turn around.

"I'll hold on to your promises, Prince Arthur," Hunith said and Arthur nodded. Merlin narrowed his eyes between the both of them but his Mother just smiled wider, just how much he had missed in those minutes he left Arthur alone?

"Very well, time to go home," Arthur announced. He glanced at his companions who nodded in agreement before he pushed his horse forward, not once looking back again even if he saw that Merlin did several times as they went.

"Have a safe ride home, boys," Hunith nodded silently to herself, tears finally leaving her eyes watching as their figures disappeared down the hill and into the forest, "May the gods be with you"

When Arthur and Merlin embarked on this adventure, Arthur had thought that leaving Camelot and his Father had been a hard decision to take, then, he thought it had been when Merlin and him shared their stories about William and Edmund, or when he had met the Great Old Dragon. However, the whole trip, day after day, had been more changeling that the past; the fight with the thugs, the treaty, the vision of Merlin dying, the knowledge that he had now magic by his side weighted and was ever-present in the ring resting on his finger, however, he realized now, nothing had ever been more difficult than saying goodbye to Hunith.

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

"Gerard! You are going to break an arm before you can manage this! Give it a rest!"

"No! I know I can do this! Just—just one more time!"

"You are weak, Gerard! Look at yaself' boy, all scrawny and no mus'le, winter will fall sooner than ya' moving an inch of tha' sword!"

"Oh fucking hell, Gerard, move and let another have a try will ya'?"

Lancelot stood by the edge of the forest looking at the large circle of people that was gathered around the—thanks the god's— still unmoving sword in the stone that was shining merrily with the first rays of sun as if mocking its audience. A whole day had gone and pass and yet the sword had yet to move an inch after the so famous test Uther had been announced.

The first day, the little valley had been bursting with people excited to try this new sword that Uther had claimed to have found. The king himself had spent a few hours on the first day watching the ordeal. That only ignited a competitive wave in the whole of Camelot, everyone who had heard had abandoned jobs, tasks, and duties in order to come and see this sword for themselves, and if they felt confident, give it a try.

Lancelot had hoped against hope that seeing the failure after failure the people of Camelot will give it up and let it go, however, when the second day arrived the number of people gathered around had seemed to multiply. Even people from the first day were trying again, and more times than not the knights and guards had to push people aside to avoid a fight over who got to go next, eventually, a messy line was formed, it was long enough that it disappeared into the forest and out his line of sight.

The disappointed losers and curious ones were gathered in a wide circle around the sword, cheering or booing whenever they thought the next person could actually succeed. Some had even brought food to sell while others were placing bets on a side of the circle. Bets in front of knights, and therefore the crown, were frowned upon and chastised, however, none of the knights had the heart to put a stop to the people's joy so for once they let it slide and turned a blind eye.

Gerard, who was a young man who was scrawnier looking than Merlin, was having his turn with the sword and so far had failed miserably. That didn't stop Lancelot from worrying, though. Every time someone dared to come forward to reclaim whatever price Uther had promised, Lancelot held his breath. Logically, no one else besides Merlin could pull the sword out, he knew this, however, when someone twice his size and more muscular that Percival showed up Lancelot tensed. Magic was not infallible and Merlin had told him that several times.

Yet the sword was unmovable and that was enough for Lancelot. Percival, who was sitting on a wooden stool he had brought with him for the occasion, glanced from his spot highly entertained. Unlike Lancelot, the rest of his peers were enjoying the show, this was more amusing than staying in the Castle or keeping watch over a rather empty city and halls.

Uther had ordered a five knight's watch over the sword day and night, any news, difficulties, or complications had to be solved by them, also functionating as the always trustworthy eyes of the King. Percival clapped kindly when Gerard, red on the face and sweating, finally raised his hands in defeat, he walked himself to the side of the circle where he could join the defeated ones that wanted to wait for the lucky one.

People were already asking for the next man in line, who was Bernard, one of the cooks of the castle. A few men who had been enjoying the show by his side suddenly raised their voices.

"Oi, you, I have a bet!" He yelled to the man in charge of the bets, Cornelius, while Bernard tried a second time, "I bet twenty golden coins that Prince Arthur will be the one who manages to claim it!"

Cornelius shrugged and scribbled his name along with a never-ending list. The few who listened turned towards the man with narrowed eyes. It was a woman, with long dark hair picked in a bun, who answered first, "The king promised an award-worthy of royalty, Prince Arthur is already royalty, what could he possibly gain from it? Besides, do you own twenty golden coins, Richard?"

"Bites me, but I can bet that he is going to try and if someone is gonna make that bloody sword move is gonna be him, so write that down, Cornelius. Twenty golden coins for our prince. I bet on him first."

Another one hummed as he looked around, "Maybe he is right, ya' know. I heard that he and the King had been having… trouble lately. People had said he had even gone as far as to fake who Arthur is. Who knows, maybe this will be a test for him? Wouldn't be the first time that he sends Prince Arthur on an impossible quest."

"To prove what? Our Prince has already proved himself more times than one, more times than the lot of you fools together," The woman said decisively before she rolled her eyes, "I think it's impossible and this is just a waste of time if you ask me. A sword in a stone? It's dark magic, untrustworthy, dangerous!"

"And yet you are here, Minerva,"

"Silence, Cornelius,"

The three men and the woman kept bickering but Lancelot had lost interest in them. He passed a hand through his hair. He didn't have anxious habits but he was soon to develop one. He had never been so at edge in his life. What would happen if someone claims the sword before Merlin arrives? Uther would make the unbelievable announcement that he was looking for an heir and then the salvation of Uther Pendragon would be far gone. Arthur would have to, God forbid, incarcerate his Father, claim his throne before time, maybe the people would riot against him. Maybe not.

He felt as if a storm was coming and no one could predict the result.

Not for the first time, Lancelot wondered if he was too young for this.

"They have a point, you know?" Percival said startling Lancelot out of his thoughts. They saw together as the next man in line walked and clapped his hands above his head and asked for cheers as if feeling supported would make a difference in the outcome. Lancelot turned away from the show to glance at his friend, "I have been wondering all day, what do you think is the price for freeing the sword?"

Lancelot's heart went to his mouth again, "I don't know, what do you think?"

Percival turned to stare at him, blue eyes kind but perceptive, "You know? You are not good at hiding things, Lancelot. You and Gaius have been on edge for a while, Arthur and Merlin are gone. Elyan was tortured. I don't know if any of it has any relation but... I just want to know, for the sake of Camelot. Should I be worried about this test outcome? Should I be worried about Arthur?"

Lancelot couldn't answer that truthfully without lying and instead chose to stay quiet, focusing on the show again. Percival nodded after a few seconds but didn't push any further, this time when the man lost he didn't clap, instead, his eyes narrowed towards the sword as if trying to connect invisible dots he could not yet discern.

Lancelot just hoped Arthur and Merlin would come back soon. Talk and gossip had finally broken from the castle and into town. He knew from experience that once knowledge reaches the lower parts of Camelot things would get only worse with the noblemen at the castle.

The worse kind of pressure is the kind of pressure that your people place in you. Masses can kill an entire legacy in a day. The noblemen have been understanding so far but Lancelot knew the ways of the court well by now, and with every day that passed Lancelot worried more and more about a coup d état that he was certain was brewing under their noses. Uther had a lot of loyal people in his court, lots of friends and reliable advisors …but a lot of untrustworthy and venomous ones too.

If they happened to hear of Uther's predicament; his loss of memory, who knows what kind of lies will start to spread in Camelot.

Worse than having a brutal King was having a delusional one.

Other noblemen were already talking; even if Sir Peter and the rest of the ones present at the gathering two weeks ago had promised to wait for Arthur and calm the waters… they were going restless. Every time Gaius was asked when Arthur was due to come back with the medicine for his Father it was harder and harder to come up with explanations, the royals were not stupid, they knew, they knew Gaius wasn't telling them the whole truth.

Lancelot barely slept anymore, either he was standing guard with Uther on his meetings, on duty, or taking all the night shifts as a guard of Uther's bedroom, however, he was painfully afraid that he was fighting alone. Dare something to happen he and Gaius won't be enough to protect Uther.

Another man moved in front of the sword. He yanked but the sword remained motionless.

With or without cure, Lance feared, Camelot was in need of their prince.

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

"We need to camp for the night," Merlin announced as the sun began to set but Arthur seemed driven into following deep into the woods anyway, ignoring the calls of Merlin altogether. As usual, Merlin grumbled under his breath, he was tired and he was hungry and he needed to sleep, "Arthur!"

If anything, Arthur just pushed his horse harder, even when it was noticeable that this horse was not a battle or a war horse, just a town-horse, and so far it looked about to pass out anytime now. The poor creature barely managing to stand. Merlin shot a worried look towards Gwaine who shrugged with one shoulder while Owen offered to go and fetch him.

"Start making camp, I'll take care of it," Merlin sighed and pushed his horse faster to catch up, once he did he forced his magic to go and aid Arthur's horse, easing him from his sprint to a calmer pace until it finally stopped.

Arthur didn't seem happy with this as he narrowed his eyes towards Merlin, he pushed the reigns silently but when the horse didn't so much as huff he turned towards Merlin, clearly annoyed.

"Was that magic you used on my horse just now?"

"I don't know what are you talking about," Merlin impishly smiled.

Arthur just huffed and looked ahead as he silently patted the side of his horse, he didn't say anything. He didn't need to. Merlin stopped his horse until he was by his side and waited. When Arthur had an idea or a thought stuck in his mind his eyes would get lost until he had the courage to speak, usually, it was about topics Arthur found sentimental. Merlin knew this, so he patiently waited until the prince spoke again.

"We are so close to Camelot, only a few hours away. You heard what Gwaine said. Camelot needs us." Arthur didn't turn but he gazed down to the forest in front of him, "I feel restless, just thinking about it,"

"I know. But I also know that riding in the middle of the night is more dangerous and twice as slow than waiting for tomorrow," Merlin clasped Arthur's shoulder amiably, "You thought me that."

Arthur smirked sadly as he kept looking at the front, "I did say that, didn't I?"

Merlin nodded dutifully, "'Only a fool would ride into the night, Merlin!' Those were the exact words you used, I believe,"

Arthur looked down at his hands, still closed around the reigns as his shoulders slumped for a second before he recovered, "Well, I was right, as usual"

"Well, you are wise from time to time," Merlin offered kindly, "Besides if we keep this pace either your horse will fall dead or I will. My head is throbbing and I think I'm seeing things," Merlin blinked around, not exactly exaggerating, he was tired.

Arthur didn't move for a few seconds, he raised his eyes again, looking in the direction where Camelot was waiting for them before he turned to face Merlin, decision in his eyes, he finally turned his horse around and talked louder to be heard in the direction of his knights, "We'll make camp tonight, rest, eat. I'll take the first watch. We will head into the capital tomorrow at first light."

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

Owen was shaken awake quite rudely by Gwaine, Owen scrambling for a sword and whining when he moved his arm too much, that's when the other knight offered a tired smile.

"Owen is your time to keep watch. Wake Merlin in a few hours, will ya? Great," He had not even finished speaking when Gwaine had gone back to his place against a tree and had fallen asleep in a beat.

Owen scoffed lightly as he nursed his injured arm close to his chest and looked up at the sky, if the darkness was anything to go by they still had a few more hours before dawn, he gingerly sat as he kept watch in the dark, the sound of the forest and the soft sounds of their horses his only companions.

He snorted when Gwaine gave a loud snore, head uncomfortably hanging on his shoulder and saliva trickling down his chin. Arthur was asleep by the other side of the still-burning fire, and Merlin, who had fallen asleep the moment he had eaten something, was passed out like a candle curled on his side under a blanket.

Owen moved to rise from his spot, to prevent himself from falling asleep when a sharp pain made Owen hiss and halt his movements. He looked down at his arm. It had been hurting for a while now, the ride in his horse had only made it worse, he had not complained, since it was not his place, but now he wished he had, the pain was blinding at times and even though it came and went as waves he was sure that tomorrow it will only get worse.

He sighed. He knew what he had to do, but as always when faced with this predicament, he never knew if he should.

Realizing that not treating his arm would only turn out for the worse he got up from his uncomfortable spot against a fallen log ignoring the pain that flared up his arm and looked outside the camp for any signals of enemies. He listened intently, the only sounds he could hear was the soft cripple of the burning logs in the fire, the uneven breathings of his peers and prince, and the owls on the trees.

Ten minutes. Owen decided. In ten minutes nothing could happen, right? Yes, he would be quick.

Deciding to not overthink this he turned around once more. He spotted Merlin's satchel and taking extra care to not make a sound he walked to it and kneeled to open it, he dug around the food, books and a few golden objects until he found Merlin's medical kit. He promised himself to return it to Merlin later with everything he took. He took it with his good hand and pushed himself to his feet. He surveyed his surroundings once more before his eyes settled on Arthur, an unspeakable feeling hiding behind his eyes as he sent a silent prayer so Arthur Pendragon would not wake up tonight. He walked into the forest, away from the camp, and away from his friends.

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

Merlin woke up with a start. He owlishly looked around not entirely certain why he felt so uneasy. He quickly looked around, his first reaction, as always, was making sure Arthur was unharmed, once seeing that no one was looming over him with a sword and apparently not in danger he took another minute to fully come to his senses.

He massaged his chest, still feeling the last specks of magic trailing through his veins. He had felt a tug, a magical tug, however, as he looked around he couldn't see anything amiss, he couldn't sense any magic in the air or around him. Arthur was snoring a few feet away from him, by the other side of the fire was Gwaine, making a symphony with Arthur's snores and Owen—

Merlin's heart jumped a little. Owen wasn't there.

Merlin looked around confused before he sat groggily. Maybe he had gone to take a piss? It happened, so taking advantage of it, Merlin used his magic to revival the fire since the night was getting colder. He rubbed his hands together and moved to take the last remains of tea from a cup nearby, probably Arthur's, and walked groggily to get something to eat since he had gone to sleep without even taking a bite.

Yesterday, after the long talk the three of them have had, Owen had been a bit accurate about going to sleep late. Merlin had decided to stay a bit longer working on the vase, just to give it one last try but, as always, nothing changed besides the levels of his magic, and his constant frustration with the vase.

As Merlin heated his cup with magic and moved towards his satchel to he wondered, not for the first time, who had placed the vase there. Why? He wondered if the druids knew by now that the vase was not with them any longer.

As much as he rejoiced to have the vase with them he feared the consequences.

While rummaging around his satchel he realized two things: One, the tug of magic he had felt before had come from the vase, he could make the connection now, how that happened he didn't know. And two: His medical satchel was gone.

Merlin placed his cup aside and practically threw his satchel upside down but no sight of his medical bag.

"Oh no," He muttered, maybe he forgot it in Ealdor? Gaius will kill him, to say the least, worst case scenario he will have to clean the slug's tank for two months. He sighed as he munched on an apple. He placed everything haphazardly inside it but stopped when his hands touched the cold vase.

The vase had awoken him… the yank he had felt before felt as it often did with Merlin touched it.

Merlin almost broke his neck as he looked around the camp, this time he rose to his full height in alarm, dropping the apple as he moved closer to Arthur by nature. He narrowed his eyes as he looked beyond the fire, he didn't see any signs of Owen coming back, enough time had passed now for him to have come back.

Maybe something happened to him?

Merlin didn't waste time and quickly placed his hands on the ground as his eyes shined gold. He sent a quiet wave of magic trough the earth, invisible threads that traveled fast and wide making their way around their camp and further away. Surely, a few moments later, Merlin smiled. He detected life several yards away from where he stood.

This was one of the new spells he had learned in Ealdor, Arthur and him had deemed a bit unhelpful if you were in a city or in a battle, but it was perfect to scout for enemies or missing peers while in patrol. He thought It was rather useful but he couldn't distinguish people's vital signals yet, so he didn't know if that pulse of life he felt was Owen or not, but it felt human.

Visibly relaxing Merlin decided to go and aid Owen, most probably the idiot knight was in pain, maybe he passed out due to his injuries. Surely he had taken his satchel and was trying to cure himself on his own, Merlin knew Owen was quite talented in the medical field.

Merlin glanced at his satchel, probably while taking his medical bag he had touched the vase, causing it to react to Owen's presence. Merlin sighed, what was it with knights being so stubborn to ask for help, God damn it?

"You lot are just the same," Merlin whispered to no one. As he passed by Arthur he took the prince's sword, just in case, and with the certainty that he would be back in a minute, he left his two snoring friends behind to go and look for his injured one.

Merlin moved clumsily around the forest, sword raised in case something came to attack him, however, he shouldn't have bothered, after a few minutes of searching in the direction his magic had pointed him to, he found Owen, easy to spot since Owen had taken with him a small torch, he could see his frame from where he was. He was sitting against a tree, legs stretched, his eyes focused on his arm. He seemed to be talking or humming as he worked, Merlin noticed, since he was moving his lips and his voice carried softly towards where he was.

Merlin started walking in his direction, a friendly smile already on his face as he lowered his sword. Stubborn knights were going to be de death of him. He was about to make his presence known when the ball of fire that Merlin had thought was the end of a torch, moved up in the air in an unnatural way and Merlin froze.

Merlin's magically enhanced his vision and hearing as he dashed behind a tree. Heart on his stomach. He looked around it to get a better view. And had it not been for the years he had spent eavesdropping he might have yelled.

Owen's eyes were shining gold, magical gold, not only reflecting the light from the magically suspended fire. He was reciting a string of words that Merlin knew now had to do with medical spells. Merlin's medical satchel was opened by his side, a few vials were levitating near Owen's head, and Merlin saw something he had never seen before.

As Owen chanted spells, the liquids of the open and tilted vials fell softly, their contents tangling themselves in delicate filaments of liquid medicine and Merlin watched as the medicine entered Owen's flesh as if following his instructions, working as a strange kind of malleable thread. Merlin saw as his arm, that would have needed at least three weeks to heal, began to gain color, Merlin could feel the soft magic in the air, he could sense more than see, as the muscles under the skin of Owen moved to accommodate themselves.

It was amazing. He was rendered speechless.

Merlin didn't know how to react as he felt tears come to his eyes. Owen… Owen—

Merlin jumped when he heard a metal sound. Startled he looked around, only to realize he had let go of Arthur's sword in his shock. He was suddenly very aware of the sudden silence. His head snapped back towards Owen.

Merlin had never felt time move so slow as it did back then. For the longest second in Merlin's life, they locked eyes.

They didn't move, they didn't breathe, and then everything happened. Owen's little ball of light flickered before dying entirely, the vials fell to the floor and the delicate thread of liquid medicine splashed onto Owen's chest and arm, he hissed in pain at this, while Merlin watched in terror as blood started to pour from his just healed skin. However, Owen's eyes were entirely focused on Merlin, so big and huge even in the pale light of the moon, that Merlin could see the tangible fear in them.

The first to move was Merlin, who was still crouched beside the tree, he moved slowly as if to stand and Owen pushed his back against the tree as if he somehow could disappear into it.

"It's not, it's not what you think, please," Owen said raising his good arm in front of him, "Please, Merlin, please, let me explain,"

Merlin didn't dare to move again. Owen was trembling and he made two attempts to get up before Merlin realized he probably was so scared he didn't have the force to stand anymore.

"Merlin, please, please don't kill me. Don't tell Arthur. I'll go. I'll go now, but please," Owen rambled. Merlin noticed that Owen's voice was shaky and probably the shining strings on his face were tears, "Merlin, please don't kill me."

Merlin smiled sadly, his heart understanding faster than his mind.

Owen was a sorcerer. Owen was a sorcerer!

"Owen, Owen, it's alright, calm down." Merlin crouched on the floor with his hands in front of him, he eyed Arthur's sword and pushed it away with his feet, "Owen, breath, I'm just me, Merlin. No one else. I'm not gonna hurt you. I promise. Please, you are injuring yourself."

Owen was taking rapid breaths while his eyes seemed elsewhere, tears were already spilling from his eyes, "He's gonna kill me. He's gonna kill me and then Marissa and—and—God. I was so stupid. Reckless."

"Owen, I promise Arthur wouldn't—"

"I swear. I, I…. I would've never hurt Arthur. I'm a knight. Do you believe me? You have to believe me, Merlin!"

Merlin didn't know how to calm his friend, the more Owen moved the more his arm bleed, and the skin was turning a horrible shade of purple. Merlin knew how dangerous it was to stop a spell midway and he could see, almost feel, as the veins in Owen's arms, that he had just been healing, began rupturing again.

Merlin couldn't stand it anymore, Owen was in pain, afraid, he had probably had a heart attack when Merlin found him, sword at hand. Merlin knew the fear of being discovered better than most. To think they had been living that fear together and so alone for so many years…

Arthur had once helped him and accepted him with his magic, maybe it was time Merlin started doing the same with the people he encountered. For his own people.

Merlin stood up and walked the six steps that separated Owen and him. Owen closed his eyes when Merlin came nearer, however, the pain he had been expecting, the yells, the punches, even the sword against his heart, didn't come.

After what felt like eons, Owen opened his eyes. He was breathing hard and his body was tense, but then he saw something that almost got him tearing up again, but this time, in confused relief. Merlin was sitting by his side, smile kind, eyes shining gold, as with a kind voice and quiet words he recited the spells Owen knew by heart.

He looked down at his arm, almost afraid to breathe too hard in case he was dreaming this, that is was just a lie. He felt as his muscles moved under his skin, slower than when he did it, but accurately, the blood stopped coming shortly after that, and the skin that had been turning purple faded to a soft pink. Merlin moved his arm gently from side to side, and it was after several minutes that he finally let go of it, his eyes turned back to normal as his voice finally died on his lips.

Neither of them moved or breathed, neither of them knew what to say. Should Merlin offer guidance? Advice? Should he reassure him everything was going to be alright?

Finally, it was Owen who spoke first.

"I thought I was the only one."

Merlin cracked a small smile too, eyes watering, "I—I thought so too."

Slowly, almost hesitantly, Owen chuckled and after a moment Merlin followed trough, eyes moist, their relieved laugh ringing softly in the air as they clutched their shoulders harder as if trying to fortify the idea that they were not imagining this.

"You are a sorcerer."

A/N: Hello beautiful, amazing readers who had gotten THIS FAR! I know I have been away for ages, but inspiration evaded me for so long I started to enter a loop in which I didn't want to write afraid a lot of time had passed and so: despair. It was so hard to write this but here I am with a new chapter. I survived it. THEY ALWAYS GET LONG, DAMN IT. I can't, honest to God, cut them short. I can't so apparently I just won't.

NEXT EPISODE. THEY ARE BACK. FOR REAL. AND PROBLEMS ENSUES, MORGANA WILL MAKE AN APPEARANCE. FINALLY. And we will take care of everything left unsaid. Elyan. Morgana. The sword. And…. The plans I have for the finale! Not long now! We are just on the last third arch of the story. I will move faster, promise, but hopefully in the right direction.

Thank you for all your kind words! I haven't replied because I felt it was cheating somehow like I needed to post a chapter so I was worth of replying to your reviews! Which are the only thing that gave me the energy to keep pushing forward. I already wrote the end, I just have to make it there!

Great things coming ahead!

Thank you so much again, guys! SO, SO MUCH! Words cannot describe it. Hope you are having a wonderful day wherever you are!

-Juliet'lovestory-