A/N: ENJOY!

The Return Of The Prince

"The most fearless thing it's not the absence of fears, but instead being brave enough to move forward with them."

"Elyan, take a big breath and start again."

"I can't!"

"Elyan, please—"

"Gaius, no, you don't understand, I just—I just can't!"

Gaius stared sadly at the young man sitting at his table, looking as the knight struggled with his words, hands clasped tightly in front of him and his otherwise kind face contorted in agony. The old man took pity on him, patting his hand softly before pushing a cup of tea towards him.

"It's alright, Sir Elyan, these things take time," Gaius offered calmly as he sipped his own lukewarm tea.

Elyan and Gaius were alone in his chambers, which sadly was not unusual anymore. Every day, without fault, since Elyan has been rescued, Elyan had gone to seek Gaius. Gaius had attended Elyan at the best of his abilities, he cured his injuries and took care of his illnesses, and with each passing day Elyan was looking better and better, he had regained a bit of color and he didn't look as malnourished as before. He was still weak but at least he didn't look as if he would die the next second, the lad had looked like he was about to die on his feet! Which he nearly had been.

So everything the physician could do for him, to ease his pain, to help his body recover, Gaius had already done it.

However, that was not the reason Elyan kept coming.

"We have been doing these for days, and yet—" Elyan took a heavy breath before shaking his head, eyes looking intently at his hands, "I hate it, I feel as I should know. The king asked me and I… I feel so useless."

"No one is blaming you, Sir Elyan,"

"Please, I don't even deserve the title anymore; I'm not even on duty. Uther wanted one thing from me; to tell him Morgana's plans… and I just don't remember. I feel as if someone had just erased something from my mind, something important and I can't recall what."

Gaius sighed. Yes, indeed, he had healed Elyan's body, but what about his soul? Who could fix that?

"It's alright, Elyan, it truly is—"

"No it's not!" Elyan slapped his hand on the table angrily, almost hissing, meeting Gaius startled stare, "We are at war against Morgana, and I'm the only survivor of the—of the…." Not being able to continue that line of thought he looked to the side, "It's my duty, as a knight and citizen of this kingdom. I can't even sleep anymore, all I can think about is that something in my mind, memories, were erased, memories that could potentially destroy her." He looked back at Gaius, more relaxed this time but equally as fierce, "How comes I don't remember where she kept us all those days? What spells did she use? Her plans?"

Gaius took a deliberated sip of his tea before replying, "The mind is a powerful weapon, Elyan. You were… what you experienced was traumatizing, your brain pushed the worse parts of that time with Morgana to the back of your mind, so you could forget and move forward. Is a mechanism of defense, nothing more."

Elyan scoffed angrily, "Well, I'm not entirely sure it's helping me right now. "

Gaius assessed the knight for a moment before replacing the cup on the table, "Neither Uther nor Arthur is asking more from you. You are not to blame here."

Elyan was quiet for a long time, rubbing his neck anxiously before looking at Gaius, "So… you don't think I was enchanted by her or anything?"

Gaius hummed without saying anything. He had been thinking about that possibility for a while now, Elyan had spent a lot of time meditating and trying different medicines and other ways to trigger his memory, but yet nothing came to his mind. Becoming even more and more irritated every time he failed.

"I just know that I'm missing something, Gaius! Some important key to a final problem!" He would yell as he lost his concentration again.

"I'm so close!"

Gaius wasn't sure if Morgana had placed a spell on all of the knights in the eventuality that they escaped, making them unable to remember her whereabouts, her plans, or even her face. It could be. However, it could also be Elyan's brain trying to protect him from the worse part of his torment. Because he could remember somethings very clearly, when asked Elyan could still describe the inside of the hut, or what he ate, or long periods of time, he could remember the first day of his captivity for example, and remember the deaths of his friends.

Yet it could be entirely possible that he was marked with dark magic, no spell is flawless, but Elyan looked so incredibly alarmed at it being the case that Gaius didn't have the heart to even hint at it. It was true that knowing more about Morgana could be incredibly useful for Arthur and Merlin in the future, but he was certain that neither of them would hold this over Elyan's head.

It would be wiser to wait for Merlin to approach this better. If Elyan was indeed under a spell he would be able to feel it.

Gaius sighed again.

It was incredibly sad and heartbreaking to see Elyan, such a composed, strong and joyful man, be turned into this… empty case of man. He looked tired and small all the time, still too injured to return to his knight duties and not strong and healthy enough to do something to help Gwen or around the city.

So he spent his time with Gaius, reading and trying to remember, torturing himself so in his own way he could try to help.

"No, I don't think you are placed under a spell," Gaius said sincerely after several minutes, "And, as I have told you before, memories will come flowing slowly at their own accord. Give it time, Elyan."

As unpleasant as that may be…. but Elyan was nothing but stubborn.

"I owe this to them," Elyan mumbled under his breath as he looked to the side, "I owe this to them."

And Gaius had just let him be, he would always say that every time he thought no one was listening. I owe them this.

Elyan looked down at the table again and sighed, finally taking the offered tea. Gaius smiled softly, that was a silent statement that Elyan had given up for today. Gaius rose from his seat, tired but ready to finish the day by making some important medicines for his rounds tomorrow morning.

He looked around his chambers, it was disorganized beyond belief since Merlin and Arthur's departure, he had never taken into account how rapidly organized a place can be with just a flicker of magic.

Elyan stood up and sat on the windowsill sipping his tea as he looked down at the courtyard.

"You can stay, Sir Elyan, I can make us some dinner for us, if you would like. Without Merlin here it's been a bit lonely," Gaius confessed as he started to work, Elyan had been so quiet Gaius doubted he had even heard him.

"I just wish Arthur would come back,"

Gaius smile faltered. He didn't reply.

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

When Elyan exited Gaius's room several hours later it was dark, probably a few hours after sunset, he began walking down the almost deserted hallways, he crossed his fellow peers and nodded to them who just allowed him to pass with pity in their eyes.

Pity.

They should not feel pity, not towards him anyway. Feeling pity for him was like feeling pity for Morgana and that was just unacceptable. However, he had to take the sad looks and pitiful faces if he wanted her to succeed in her plan.

So far, everything has been going smoothly, however, the last piece of the puzzle was still missing, and he had to be ready for whenever the last piece showed up.

The knight made his way to the courtyard and walked down the stairs in silence, the place was empty besides some guards who just nodded in his direction, recognizing who he was. As he crossed the final metal door to town he was for the first time called out loud.

"Elyan!"

Elyan faked a smile as he turned.

"Percival?! Wow, mate, didn't know you were back on duty," Elyan said as he walked back a few steps. Percival was sitting on a stool, spear at hand as he watched over the last gate that communicated the castle with the lower town. "How is your leg doing?"

"It's almost healed, Gaius did a great job. You know you can't keep me doing nothing for long," Percival said with a bright smile despite the late hours of the night, "Hey, you alright? It's a tad late to be walking around, you know the King's rules."

Elyan sighed sheepishly and shrugged, "I know, I know. Sorry. I just… I was with Gaius and well—it got late."

Percival nodded understandably, supporting his weight in his spear. "I know. Has uh… have you been feeling better? Your injuries, I mean."

Elyan shrugged as he massaged his neck, "Yes, can't complain,"

A heavy and awkward silence befell them and soon Percival was coughing on his fist.

"Well, anyway, it's late, don't wanna keep Gwen waiting, right? Say hi to her from me, haven't seen her in a while,"

"Will do, take care Percival," Elyan waved before crossing the gate to the lower town.

Percival stared at his back until he disappeared into the darkness and hummed in contemplation. He could have sworn that Elyan's house was on the east side of the town, not west, but oh well, what does he know.

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

Eyes the colors of an angry cloudy day were looking at him. Voices echoed in his head while unrecognizable faces looked down at him. Every time he turned he was somewhere new. His castle. Ealdor. The lower town. Gwen's home. Gaius's chambers. His study. Hunith's hut.

And with every location a new voice, angrier than the last.

You stole from us. That was Arya, who was looking at him with so much disdain he could feel it in his bones. We trusted you and now the alliance is broken. Albion… gone. For who… your Father? Pathetic!

He was in the lower town, Gwen and Elyan were there along with all the people he loved and cared for from the lower town. All of them judging him.

You sold our country to the magic people?! Traitor!

You left me there to die!

No. No. They don't understand. He tried to tell them that but he couldn't talk. He felt as if he was suffocating.

He turned, trying to look for help and he found himself in a meadow, green and infinite as far as it could go, the only thing interrupting the vast green expanse was the body of Merlin lying with his face up to the sky. Lifeless.

No.

He ran to him as fast as his legs could take him, however, he didn't seem to get closer, no matter how hard he tried. He saw as a shadow appeared near his body. He ran faster until his legs cried in agony and yet Merlin always seemed to be just a few steps away but never able to close the distance.

The shadow began gaining shape and fear drowned him, for a moment stopping him from moving against the invisible cords that didn't allow him to go further.

Stay away from him. He wanted to say. Do not touch him!

Was it Morgana? Was it Arya? For a moment the shadow flickered until finally, it gained a solid form.

He gasped.

It was his father who blinked at Arthur impassibly, not at least surprised to see his son there in the slightest, before looking down at Merlin with such a vacant stare and yet so full of repulsion Arthur felt as if he was choking.

Do not even look at him! Arthur yelled but no sound came out. He is my friend. He wanted to say.

His Father pushed Merlin's body to his side with his foot as he finally stared away, as if just looking at him would result in his death, as if just the body of Merlin was not worthy of his sight, "Good job, Arthur. Merlin is dead, rightfully so, Son. As it is your duty."

"I didn't kill him," Arthur said desperately, "I didn't kill him!"

Uther laughed as if Arthur had just made a joke, "Then what is that on your hands, Son?"

Arthur looked down and saw red, his shirt and his hands were soaked in red. Blood. He yelled.

"I didn't. I would never," He shouted enraged and when he blinked again he was alone, somehow he had managed to move to stand with Merlin, who was still lying on the grass, eyes staring up at him. Vacant, so dull… so… dead.

"You promised," He looked to his side and saw Hunith, who was hissing in his direction, " You promised to keep him safe."

"I'm sorry," He said, although he didn't know what he was apologizing for.

Arthur looked from her angry face down to Merlin, however, Merlin wasn't there anymore, but the sight was equally disturbing, now, staring back with dull green eyes was Edmund, his longtime friend, still looking as young as the last time Arthur had seen him. The green eyes that he remembered now looked dead, his dark curly hair stuck to his forehead in blood, and his lanky body looked an ill color of gray.

Dead.

And yet he moved.

"You can never keep your promises, do you?" Edmund said.

And Arthur screamed.

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

Arthur jolted awake, a soundless yell barely escaping his lips as he sat up. Breathing hard he looked around the camp as he scrubbed his face, trying to differentiate dreams from reality. The sky was still dark, but it was a dark shade of blue now, indicating that dawn was soon to break, the fire was dead, and the burned logs were barely warm anymore, the forest was eerily quiet.

Arthur, however, barely registered anything at all as he took a few seconds to compose himself; he pushed his knees closer to his chest and rested his head in his hands, closing his eyes. He could feel his heart racing in his chest and feel his skin covered with a thin layer of sweat. He took a few breaths as he forced himself to calm down.

Closing his eyes, though, was a big mistake because he instantly saw Merlin's vacant stare, he could see Hunith's disappointed stare and hear Edmund's voice. He pried his eyes open, breathing labored. What was wrong with him? Damn it. He hated this. Hated that he was so weak. Hated that he had, in not even one way, control over his life at the moment.

He tried to focus on anything so his mind could just stop wandering and the first thing that caught his eye was his magical ring, the gift Arya had given him as a memento of their new alliance.

This ring was just a new addition to the list of reasons why he wouldn't be able to sleep ever again.

Arthur breathed in and out of his nose several times as he could feel his body slowly relaxing.

Ever since his father forgot who he was he had been having nightmares and everything that had followed had just added up, nightmares about losing his father, the only relative he had left, about losing his kingdom, dreams about Agravaine and those horrible words he had said to him before Arthur killed him, dreams about not being good enough. The loss of his father's endless support had taken a big toll on him. It has been weeks since the last time they were even in the same room and Arthur was just realizing just how much he had leaned on his father for support.

And now he had to add Merlin's death. The vision in the pond had shaken him more than he would ever say out loud. The pond showed not the future— he had to remind himself that at least ten times a day,— but… variables… possible futures, things that had yet to pass, events that could or could not happen and Arthur wanted to believe he had taken the course of action that would prevent Merlin from dying. He wished so desperately.

He cursed under his breath as he twirled the ring in his hand, a heavy reminder of what he had not only gained but also lost. His Father in exchange for peace? True, somehow the vase was back with them… but yet Arthur had been ready to give it away, at least momentarily. Did that make him a bad son? A bad leader?

The possibility of failing his people was heavy enough, but now failing an entire other race of people, magical people who now trusted him, was another thing entirely, this truce was fragile and new, one step wrong, and Arthur would find himself in a dark pit.

He instantly pushed one hand to his chest, as if he could force his fears out of his heart by sheer power of will. He shook his head lamely and, just as the last few nights, he could feel himself on the verge of crying.

Damn it. Damn it. Damnit.

He blinked several times forcing himself to stay calm, these panic attacks he had been having were not normal for him and so he didn't know how to deal with them, usually Arthur had everything under control, he always knew what to do, albeit sometimes he would be wrong, granted, Merlin loved to remind him of that fact, but he always had a plan, always had his Father to talk to, and now he was lost.

He stayed like that for a second more before forcing himself to unwrap his arms from his knees. He was a prince goddamnit. He was not weak. He would survive this. Just like he always had and he will, for the love of God, start acting like the prince of Camelot he was.

He heard the rustle of clothes and saw movement on the periphery of his vision and he was up on his feet, hands in fits ready to face the danger, heart still beating hard against his chest.

"It's just me, Prat," Merlin said quietly amused as he emerged from the trees, a sunny smile on his face as he carried some fruits in his arms, "Good to see you up and about so early in the morning, I was about to make some breakfast,"

The Sorcerer moved around the camp silently as Arthur just stared at Merlin for a long moment, the vision of Merlin alive contrasting vividly with the death Merlin of his nightmares. It was unsettling.

"Uh… Arthur? Are you alright?"

"I'm fine," Arthur replied instantly, realizing he was staring he forced himself to relax, looking down at the ground not exactly knowing what to do with himself, it was too early to start traveling yet but too late to go back to sleep, not that he wanted to but... "I'm fine."

Arthur looked around the camp instead, picking his sword. Owen was asleep on the floor, his bandaged arm resting against his chest while Gwaine was still snoring under a tree.

"Oi, think fast,"

Arthur had just managed to turn when an apple hit him straight in the face.

"Merlin!" Arthur whispered angrily as to not awake the knights, and Merlin, who was already eating his own apple, raised his brows, "Do you have any decency left on your bones? What the hell was that?"

"Breakfast," He grinned with a mouthful of apple and Arthur rolled his eyes but didn't reprimand him longer. He could not be angry with this idiot, he sighed in defeat. Ealdor had made him… God help him... Soft. These past few days Arthur had just come to realize there was literally nothing Merlin could potentially do that he would really get mad at him any longer.

Apparently having visions of his friend dying did actually do things to his… emotional side.

He sighed again.

"I only hope this doesn't become a habit," Arthur mumbled under his breath as he complained that he was a prince and yet he had to suffer such treatments, he cleaned the dirt from the apple with his equally dirty shirt before sitting with Merlin on the floor.

They were silent for a few moments before Merlin turned towards Arthur, eyes growing a bit wide and already turning to look around the camp narrowing his eyes.

"Oh no,"

"What?"

"I totally forgot," Merlin was saying under his breath, and before Arthur could even take a bite Merlin was throwing the core of his own apple to the floor and rising to his feet.

"What? Are we under attack?" Arthur raised his brows and looking around, " Can you—"

"Are you done? Follow me," Merlin interrupted as he finally spotted his satchel, he inspected it before nodding to himself, sighing in relief.

"What?" Arthur asked dumbfounded, "Merlin is still dark, what do you want?"

"Just come, alright? Hurry," Merlin said without even bothering to look at him, instead his eyes were fixed in the sky, as if he could tell the hour by looking at the stars, before disappearing into the woods.

"Sorcerers," Arthur huffed annoyed, he had learned that Arya, Iseldir, The Great Dragon, and now apparently Merlin, loved to just order things and not give any answers whatsoever.

He wondered if it was a magical thing.

He huffed and took a bite of his apple with even more motivation. He was going to finish this damn apple in silence and peace, thank you. That was his only wish for today because he knew that the moment they made it back to Camelot he would not know rest.

Elyan was there, Gaius, Lancelot, his Father, Gwen, the noblemen, his city…

All of them would ask questions he didn't know all the solutions for.

He took a shaky breath.

He could pretend that for five minutes everything was alright. He could pretend that this was another day in the woods. That he would arrive and see his Father waiting for him in the courtyard, that his knights were training with him that afternoon, that Morgana would be in a ballroom dancing with him and stepping on his toes just to annoy him, that Merlin was still his manservant, a bit clumsy, a tad incompetent, but still his friend, no secrets, no magic.

Just… his normal life, before all this.

Because he didn't often admit it to himself… but he did miss it. So he would give Past Arthur this moment to mourn his old life, because it struck him in that moment that nothing, ever, was going to be the same, they had left Camelot to find a cure to his Father and they had returned with an alliance he didn't know he could keep.

It was different now. He was now King of Camelot and Druids alike. Merlin had not said it but Arthur was no fool. Without a cure… his Father could no longer rule. Without a cure, he would have to take the throne. There were very few ways in which he could do this and he didn't like any of them.

He had known this the moment he had given up the vase to Arya, when he gave away the vase he was not only resigning to find a cure to his father's illness but also agreeing to take the throne. Arya knew that. Merlin knows that. He stared at his apple and gave it another bite. He would finish this apple and then… then he would follow Merlin into the woods.

Because Albion, and dragons, and sorcerers, and kids with magic that hid behind the mountains, were waiting for him too now.

He finished and stared at the core; a tear finally escaped him and after a moment he scoffed.

What was he doing?

He stood up throwing the core of the apple away. His father would be disappointed in him, he was just there, sitting against a tree looking at an apple and looking as miserable as he should feel, but that was no proper of a prince. Lamenting was a weakness. He didn't have the luxury to just… feel. Ealdor had given him that. Had given him time to see other parts of him, to come to terms with them and he had loved his time there.

But this was not Ealdor anymore.

And he was not the king of Ealdor, was he?

So, in a way only Arthur Pendragon was able to do, he rose to his feet.

He shook his shoulders and took his sword.

No point in mourning something that he could no longer have.

So he scrubbed his face clean.

Squared his shoulders.

Fixed his druid ring on his hand.

Eyes set and steely.

He walked forward.

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

"Can you tell me where are we going? And for the love of God, Merlin, light up a ball of magic fire, will you? I can barely see the ground!"

Not a second later, the warm ball of light that Arthur had begun recognizing as solely Merlin's lighted up above their heads illuminating their path. Arthur tried to hide his amusement; however, it was not entirely concealed.

"You are welcome, Prat," Merlin hummed happily, hands around his satchel as he walked with a little jump on his feet.

"You look incredibly chirpy today, Merlin," Arthur said with a hidden smile, "Did I miss something?"

"Me chirpy? I'm always chirpy, Sire. It's just a very sunny day. A perfect day to take a nice, calming stroll in the forest, appreciating—"

"The sun it's not even up, Merlin,"

"Still. It will be a sunny day. I know things. I'm a sorcerer. Do not question me, mortal," Merlin said impishly as he raised a finger in the air and Arthur just rolled his eyes and kept walking side by side with Merlin.

"So, is this mystical way of ordering and saying mysterious things something magical beings do, or is just you being annoying," Arthur said and Merlin laughed merrily, "I see, it's just you being incredibly annoying, I knew it."

Merlin kept walking as Arthur mindlessly followed.

"I'm so glad to know that your… uh… unique way of expressing yourself has not changed even after these past few days," Merlin grinned and Arthur shoved him a little with his shoulder.

"I'll have you hang, you idiot," But there was no malice in his voice.

"No, but really, I'm really relieved, honestly I am. I'm amazed to know that the source of your pratishness never ends," Merlin looked to be in deep thinking, " Almost like magic."

"Oh, shut up, I'm trying to gain some of the lost time in Ealdor," Arthur said seriously, "Your mother was there!"

Merlin rolled his eyes but his eyes were twinkling, "Who would've thought that just being near my mom would make you so social?! So kind?! Had I known sooner!" Merlin turned towards Arthur, walking backwards, Arthur raised his brows, "Gods, maybe she should move to Camelot, for my own survival, of course."

Arthur saw a root on the floor and smiled.

"You really do like her don't—WHA!"

Arthur smirked from above as Merlin rubbed his back and narrowed his eyes accusingly at him.

"...you saw that coming right?"

"I did," Arthur smirked.

Merlin's eyes flashed gold and the twig that was near Arthur's head bent, hitting Arthur on the back of his neck.

"Oi! Did you just—" Arthur said more offended than actually hurt as he massaged his head, he turned to glare at the branch, but instead it hit him straight in the face this time making him splutter a few leafs from his mouth, "Oh, now you are just being ridiculous!"

He glared at Merlin but a smile escaped him when he saw Merlin laughing on the floor, tears in his eyes. Arthur grunted annoyed, shoving Merlin's back with his foot, "You are so ridiculous. Lying there on the floor like a child. Are you really supposed to be the best sorcerer on earth? If you fall due to a root we are all doomed, Merlin! Could it be that the prophecy is wrong? Can I sign a petition to the great dragon to change who I'm bonded with fate with?" Arthur laughed then and Merlin snorted, tears of mirth rolling down his cheeks, "Stop laughing!"

"It's just—your face!"

Arthur shook his head and gave Merlin a few moments to recover when he finally did Arthur offered him a hand to help him stand up.

"So? You woke me up, care to even tell me why?"

Merlin cleaned his face from tears, but he was still chuckling, "I don't know about you, but I think the citizens of Camelot would appreciate a golden prince, don't you?"

Arthur didn't even reply as his eyes instantly went upwards. He had totally forgotten about it.

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

This time there was no rock to sit upon, but Merlin used his magic to raise two rocks from the side of the river into it so they could sit. Taking their shoes off and pushing the low part of his pants up to avoid getting wet, they entered the freezing water.

They both sat one in front of the other as Arthur removed his dirty shirt, after getting rid of it with an almost fond glare he turned towards Merlin and motioned with his hand demandingly.

"Give me the vial," He sighed as he looked down at the water surreptitiously, trying to catch the last moments that he was going to be a brunette, "I hated that there were no mirrors in Ealdor, I was curious,"

Merlin scoffed as he looked into his satchel, "You were?"

Arthur narrowed his eyes, "Can you blame me? I should dye your hair blond and see how it goes."

They both had a mental image of that and shivered.

"Maybe not," Arthur agreed quietly. Merlin laughed as he took two vials out of his bag.

"Well, all you needed to do was ask," Merlin shrugged, and before Arthur could reply, Merlin's eyes flashed gold, a portion of water raised in the air and Arthur's attention focused on the ball of water that was transforming, compressing and changing into itself until it was shaped into an oval. Arthur audibly gasped.

Merlin had made a mirror out of water. Arthur could see a blurry reflection of himself for the first time in weeks. The mirror hovered gently a foot in front of his face, he didn't even glance when Merlin sat beside him, moving his hand to make the water-mirror a bit larger while compressing the droplets together even more until the image cleared, it wasn't as clear and exact as if he were staring at a mirror but it was close enough.

There, sitting side by side and staring at it, they both looked at each other.

"Hunith was right," Arthur said after several moments, his eyes darting from his face to Merlin's several times in the makeshift mirror, "We do look like… well, like siblings. Dark hair, tall, blue eyes..."

"I'm the handsome sibling then," Merlin smirked and Arthur could see the smirk reflected, Arthur shoved him slightly on the side.

"As if," but his stare was fixed on the reflection, unable to look away. He didn't say it but he treasured the image. He never had a brother. That had been said before, but here, side by side, Arthur could almost grasp it, and he knew it would have felt like this. He shoved Merlin harder because that is how Arthur shows his love for people, "C'mon, the sun is appearing beyond the horizon, give me the vials, and let's get going."

The magically created mirror disintegrated and Arthur stared at it as it splashed back to the river. Arthur mourned the sight for a second while Merlin sat in front of him again and motioned Arthur to bend forward.

"Merlin, I can do it—"

"I want to," Merlin offered as he opened the first vial making a face, "C'mon, bend your head or your whole clothes will stink. This thing smells awful, Gaius warned me."

"Merlin," Arthur sighed a bit uncomfortable, and as if ripping a bloodied bandage he said it, "I don't—you are not my manservant. I mean you are but…you don't have to do this anymore,"

"I know," Merlin smiled softly before shrugging, "I want to."

Arthur stared at Merlin and finally he complied, Merlin would not let it die anyway. So as a response, to honor Merlin's wishes, he bent a bit over his chest so Merlin could pour the vial on his head.

He felt the warm and almost sticky liquid run down his scalp while Merlin's hands ran through his head to get rid of the dark ink. From his position facing the river, he saw a faint line of water rise by his left side, soon he felt the cold water running down his back and his face making him shiver. instantly dark droplets started to fall and disappear in the clear water under then.

As Merlin worked Arthur couldn't help but think that Merlin was getting a bit too used to his magic. He used it for everything now, even for the smallest of things. Clear examples could be found these past few days, these past few minutes even, he had made a branch twist, twice, his neck still hurt. He had created a mirror out of water, and now he was levitating water to just rinse his hair.

Arthur wondered if Merlin's instincts of survival would resurface back in Camelot. Arthur hated that he will have to take this freedom away from Merlin again but for the moment it was a matter of necessity.

"You know, I never thanked you for taking the truce with the druids," Merlin said, interrupting Arthur's thoughts, "And never apologized either."

"What for?" Arthur said as he placed his elbows on his knees and stared down at the water that every now and then was spluttered with black droplets, "You didn't do anything wrong, you spoke your mind."

Merlin's hand's stopped a bit on his hair before moving again, "Arthur..."

"Just say it, Merlin,"

Merlin's hands kept moving on his hair for a minute longer before stopping, and Arthur felt as the string of cold water intensified. Merlin moved Arthur's hair messily as to get rid of the last droplets of ink, a few seconds later the string of water stopped and Merlin's removed his hand completely. Arthur waited, and after a pat on his shoulder as an indication that he could move, Arthur sat up straight, feeling the cold water run down his chest and back. He passed his hands through his hair out of habit, it felt a bit sticky but a quick glance at the water and he could see his blond reflection staring back again.

It was truly over.

"Wait here, I'll hand you something to clean yourself—"

Arthur took Merlin's shoulder and sat him up in front of him again.

"Merlin, just say it," Arthur said tiredly, placing his elbows on his knees, "We need to talk. I know that and this may be the only opportunity we have to talk in peace. And before you refuse I'm not moving until you talk. So talk."

Merlin sighed and stared back at Arthur as the prince crossed his arms, waiting patiently for Merlin to mull over his words.

"I didn't solve the vase," Merlin confessed after a moment.

Arthur sighed but nodded, looking down at the water, "I know."

"I don't know how to fix the vase," Merlin said after several seconds of Arthur's silence, and with every moment that Arthur didn't talk Merlin felt like he needed to fill the space, "And you must hate me, because we went there looking for answers, I promised you I would and instead I forced you to take a truce you didn't even want. I—it's your father, Arthur, my king and I feel as if—"

"I know," Arthur repeated and he forced himself to look at Merlin, "Merlin, I know."

Merlin shut his mouth and nodded, feeling tears in his eyes, "I just... this was never supposed to happen like this. I'm sorry, I—"

"I already told you there's nothing to feel sorry for," Arthur said, but he could see Merlin was not convinced, he gave a long deep sigh, "Is it time to have an emotional talk?"

Merlin just stared at Arthur with his hands playing absently with a few droplets that he was levitating.

"I'm not mad," Arthur finally said, voice gentle as he lowered his arms, "Not with you. You didn't plan this to happen. It was Morgana, remember that because I haven't forgotten. It was Morgana and Agravaine and their twisted souls that did this to my father. I'm not going to say I didn't want answers, I still do but I don't regret taking the alliance either. Stop blaming yourself for everything I do, Merlin. I can handle my own decisions and their repercussions. You couldn't solve the vase but it was me who willingly gave it away to Arya."

Merlin shook his head, "But we have it back again now. I will find a cure. I know it."

"I know you will, "Arthur nodded once.

They were both silent for a moment after that.

"… you know." Merlin said with a twinkle in his eyes even when Arthur could see he was still feeling down, "No one will believe me when I write our book. The one with the adventures? No one will believe you were a Prat if you keep behaving like this. So… well, princely,"

"Oh, shut up," Arthur said and nudged him hard enough that Merlin fell off the rock and into the water. He was rewarded when a second later a little wave of water splashed against his body, getting him soaked wet, "MERLIN!"

Merlin was just cackling on the river, tears of mirth rolling down his face. Arthur rolled his eyes and left him there to enjoy his humiliation, he stood up, with as much dignity as possible and walked back to the shore. A few moments later Merlin had calmed down again and was back onshore too, as Arthur shook his head to get rid of the water Merlin handed him his royal shirt, the one he had packed almost two weeks ago and was now finally given back. Merlin still had a smile on his face.

"Thanks," Arthur said out of habit as he took it from Merlin, he heard a giggle and looked up at Merlin, who still had a smile on his face.

"I just want to let you know, you idiot, that I'm letting you enjoy the moment because the second we are back to Camelot there will be no more of this nonsense, I'm your prince, for god's sake!" Arthur said jokingly, ready to banter again with his friend, or at least expecting a quick remark but he didn't get one. Once he finished pushing down his shirt he looked at Merlin, confused when he saw that Merlin was now staring to the side, arms crossed over his chest with a sad look on his face.

"Merlin?" Arthur asked but Merlin just sighed, facing the river. The sun was now illuminating the sky and its rays fell gently on the water surface, making it shine. Merlin closed his eyes, letting the sun hit his face.

Arthur looked around confused, before looking at Merlin again.

"What is it, Merlin?" Arthur asked as he stared at Merlin funnily.

"Five minutes," Merlin said quietly and Arthur heard in his voice the same desperation Arthur had felt before, "Give me five minutes."

Arthur just nodded as if Merlin could see him. He looked to the side with a soft smirk. They were truly so alike sometimes. Arthur sighed and stood beside Merlin, closing his eyes too.

For five minutes he let Merlin rest there, enjoy the chilly breeze and the sound of the forest, the song of the river as it flowed, and the warm heat of the sun on their faces. After a few minutes, Arthur opened his eyes.

"You know, you didn't fool me," Arthur said gently after a moment, hating that it was on him to ruin the calm moment. Merlin glanced at him once before closing his eyes again.

"What do you mean?"

"What you wanted to tell me, it was about the vase and my father…but you wanted to say something else, what was it?"

Merlin cringed, "Am I that easy to read?"

"Two coins on the same side," Arthur shrugged and Merlin muttered under his breath a string of words that went along something like: 'Seriously, months of this and you can't learn a single saying?!'

"Two sides of the same coin," Merlin replied after a moment and finally he gave in, opening his eyes, shrugging meekly, "And you are right,"

"Spill," Arthur said solemnly, "What is it?"

Merlin sighed, "I'm just…"

"Merlin..."

"I'm….scared."

Arthur blinked. He would never cease to be amazed at how easily Merlin could speak his fears to people.

"Don't worry about your magic, I will find a place for you to keep practicing," Arthur offered, he had already thought about a few places, "And we will worry about my Father when we get there,"

"It's not that," Merlin said but he didn't elaborate and Arthur didn't ask further, Arthur mulled over his words for a moment, trying to decipher what was Merlin trying to say. Was he scared of failing? Of Morgana? Maybe he was scared because they had the vase now? Arya was probably fuming somewhere in her camp if she had found out.

"It's just… you said it before, didn't you?" Merlin said as he looked at his feet, kicking a rock, "I'll be back to be a manservant."

Arthur was shocked. "Merlin—"

"You will be a prince and everything will go back to normal—well, as normal as we can have, and I—we… I just— I wished, I just wish we could have a bit of more time? In Ealdor? I—Arthur," Merlin finally said annoyed with himself and his inability to talk properly, "I just don't want to be back to normal, I even dropped the sire! " He said dramatically, "I do it just to annoy you now, people will stare weirdly at me. Gaius will say 'Merlin! You are talking to the future King, mind your tongue' and the knights will raise their eyebrows at me, because, you know, we are not even supposed to be friends, and then your father—because he will eventually regain his memory, I promise—will have me hang because I will not talk to you properly!"

Merlin finished in a rush before turning towards Arthur in the middle of a panic attack, "Arthur, I'm going to be hanged—and don't laugh, this is serious!"

Arthur was doubled over himself, tears escaping his eyes.

"You were worried because you treat me normally?!" Arthur finally asked amused.

"Yes, you prat! Unlike you, I have a reputation to uphold!"

"Oh, being a lousy, clumsy, really good for nothing manservant. What a reputation, really hard to keep," Arthur laughed and Merlin huffed offended.

"I try my best,"

Arthur laughed harder and Merlin finally joined in against his will, "Fine, alright, maybe I was exaggerating. I just… It will be weird."

Arthur regained some composure as Merlin moved to gather their things, placing Arthur's old shirt inside his satchel before handing Arthur his sword, he was trying not to look at Arthur, as if trying to forget he had actually said that out loud.

"Then don't call me Sire,"

Merlin blinked, "what?"

"Problem solved,"Arthur shrugged as he sheathed his sword on his belt. "Don't call me Sire, stop coming to wake me up in the morning, stop cleaning the knight's boots. Just stop it."

Merlin narrowed his eyes, "Arthur?"

Had he lost his mind? Arthur just looked at him with his arms crossed.

"Merlin, stop being a lousy, clumsy, good for nothing manservant," Arthur said as if that was the explanation to all his life problems. Arthur stared at the river once again.

"And then what should I be?!" Merlin said almost in panic.

"My friend," Arthur said simply.

Merlin stared at him for a second before looking offended, "Alright, I thought we were friends already".

Arthur sighed as if the words he was about to say took a physical effort.

"I'm giving you a promotion, you idiot," Arthur finally said out loud as he shook his head and motioned with his hands, "You are no longer my manservant, I give you the title of being my friend. You can still annoy me in the mornings and come to hunts with me. You can call me Arthur in the hallways. You are still forced to go to knight's training but other than that… you can be just you. You are now a rightful citizen of Camelot, free to do as you wish. If you want you can still help Gaius and I'll pay you for that. He never did. I know. So I'm paying you now to help him."

"Arthur," Merlin gasped, a bit terrified, "What?"

Arthur just smiled, "Merlin, from this day forward you can be whoever you want and do whatever you want. I'm giving you the chance to do whatever you want to do and be whatever you want to be. No titles. Just… Arthur and Merlin, I'm not King yet and you are not court magician—"

"Court Sorcerer,"

"Court sorcerer," Arthur corrected himself, "There, it took you almost five years but…. promotion granted." Arthur clapped his hands once, "Merlin, welcome to court, you have been upgraded to personal advisor."

Merlin gaped, "What?! But— Gaius is your personal advisor!"

Arthur placed a hand on Merlin's shoulder who looked like if Arthur had told him the most difficult equation to have ever existed.

"Merlin, one day, I hope it's a long way down the road, but Gaius will be gone and my father will be gone, and guess who is next in line on both sides?"

"Camelot will need a king," Merlin replied, slowly comprehending and accepting Arthur's words.

"And the king a counselor," Arthur finished patting Merlin's back twice.

Merlin looked on the verge of crying.

"I swear, Merlin, if you say something annoying, or sappy, or—"

"Can I wear a cape?"

"Wha—What? Are you even listening, Merlin?"

"I am. Can I wear a cape?"

Arthur's blue eyes grew in amusement before he chuckled. He shook his head.

"Capes? You are worried about capes?" Arthur asked more to himself than Merlin, but he could see Merlin's gratitude and happiness written all over his face. "It's going to be blue. I have decided." Arthur relented, "My first official decree as king will be that one."

They were both quiet for a few moments before Merlin sniffled and nodded, Arthur gave him a minute to compose himself and accept what had just happened before turning toward the path that led to their knights, and eventually to Camelot.

"Let's go home, brother of mine," Arthur looked at Merlin and clapped his arm, a smile on his face, a true smile Merlin had not seen in days, "We have a kingdom to rule."

Merlin, for once, didn't joke, taking into account the great effort that had cost Arthur to just utter these words and nodded, eyes glassy. Arthur turned and Merlin stared a moment at Arthur's back as he began walking with purpose in his step. Every inch of the prince he was showing from his feet to his head.

Merlin hurried to walk side by side, not behind him, not with his shoulders hunched over himself. He was not a manservant anymore. He had not been for a while but now... now it was official.

"And we are also buying you new clothes," Arthur said after a moment, eyeing Merlin's worn clothes, "A sword and a new jacket. I need to talk to Gwaine but I think I'm assigning him to be your guard. Not your guard, that's ridiculous, you don't need a guard but together you could improve your magical training and he could help with your sword training. I'll be busy around the castle and it will look suspicious if we disappear again. While you both are at it Lancelot and I could work on a plan to take the throne, peacefully, well as peacefully as we can," Arthur groaned as he massaged his head, "On top of that I need to send a note to Arya, remind me of that because I have no idea how, I need to let her know someone gave us the vase before she thinks we stole it—"

Arthur kept talking about all the plans in his head but Merlin was half-listening.

He could have cried.

Things were not going back to normal. Things had changed.

And Merlin was fine with that.

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

"The prince is back!" A girl was yelling in the flower market that Gwen was at. Several murmurs followed the statement, "He is entering the town!"

She ran off down an alley as the rest of the kids with her followed, soon Gwen along with several other people were running too.

Arthur had returned! The joy she felt was combined with all the other emotions that his name now made her feel. Arthur was back. And suddenly her smile evaporated. She stopped dead in her tracks as he let the other people pass her by, she looked in the direction of her hut, where Elyan was sleeping, he had returned late at night the day before and he had been still asleep when she had left that morning.

She hugged herself. She had never felt so torn to see Arthur in her life. She stood there, in the now almost desolated street and for the first time in her life, she didn't go to greet the prince.

She needed to talk with Elyan first.

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

Gaius was at the front doors of the castle. He had heard the news before Arthur even arrived at the castle and had quickly pushed Uther inside his chambers, giving him a thousand papers he needed to fill and sign before forcing Lancelot to keep watch.

He only had to wait a few minutes before four men in horses crossed the gates. When Arthur dismounted the rest of his knights and Sorcerer followed. Gaius came near and hugged Merlin, Merlin hugged him back just as fiercely.

"Oh, my boy, I'm so glad you are back, what took you so long?" Gaius said giving Merlin space and Merlin sighed, "How is your mother, did you… solve it?" Meaning clear in his words.

"I'll explain everything later," Merlin said as he moved to take the reins of the horses and take them back to the stables, however, Arthur placed a hand on his shoulder and shook his head.

"Promoted, remember?"

"Promoted?" Gwaine chorused as he got near, "I want to be promoted. What did I miss besides Arthur going back to blond? Such a shame honestly, just imagine all the ladies that would have thrown themselves at you."

"If you don't want me to force Merlin to turn your head red, I'll advise you to shut up," Arthur whispered and Gwaine stepped away, hands raised. Merlin chuckled as Gwaine murmured under his breath that he would certainly look great even if he had red hair, these awesome looks can never die, thank you.

Arthur called for a guard and gave him the orders to take the horses to their stables to be attended. Gwaine and Owen exchanged a look. Gaius raised his brow as high as it could go. What exactly had they missed?

Merlin just beamed.

"Now, Owen, go back to your sister, let her know you are alright, thank you for your services," Arthur said as he placed a hand on Owen's shoulder, "I'll see you tomorrow, and take care of that arm, maybe you should have Gaius take a look for you before you go."

"It's almost as good as new," Owen offered before nodding towards Arthur and Gwaine, and then very uncharacteristically for him, hugged Merlin goodbye.

Arthur raised his brows, he didn't know Owen and Merlin were that close but then again almost the whole trip in the morning Owen and Merlin had been talking in hushed tones. He narrowed his eyes.

"Well, I guess I'll uh… just… go to the tavern, then?" Gwaine said, obviously Arthur wouldn't want him in this meeting he planned to have.

"Tavern? No time for that, Sir Gwaine," Arthur said as Owen finally bowed to all of them and left. It was the middle of the day and so a lot of people had seen him cross town and were now coming to meet his prince, "I need to talk to my people but meanwhile go with Merlin and Gaius to his chambers. We need a plan."

Gwaine was already excited and he wasn't sure what for, he smirked, "I'm in."

"It's probably going to be a stupid plan," Merlin sighed.

"I'm still in."

Merlin shook his head and began walking away along with Gwaine, leaving Arthur to deal with his princely duties as he thought of a plan himself. There were many things that needed to be said. Many holes in this story that needed to be solved before moving forward. The vase in his satchel had never weighed as much as in that moment.

A few guards were still hanging close to the party and before Arthur walked to his people— that were respectfully waiting for him— he turned towards one of them, the guard looked confused at being called when Merlin was still within hearing shot.

"Find Sir Lancelot," Arthur said as a final order, "It doesn't matter what duty he is fulfilling and place Sir Leon in his position instead, tell him we have an exceptional meeting, he knows where to go."

"Of course, anything else sir?" The guard said, still looking a bit confused.

Arthur nodded, locking eyes with the crowd that awaited him, "Find Sir Elyan and tell him his prince is back."

A/N: GUYS. ITS FOUR IN THE MORNING. BUT I FINALLY WROTE THIS. THIS CHAPTER THAT HAD BEEN STUCK BETWEEN MY FINGERS AND MY BRAIN FOR WEEKS. IT'S FINALLY HERE. IM ALMOST CRYING.

I apologize profusely for the waiting. I hope some of you are still around here. After all, the only reason I write it's because of you guys, so if you, after months, are still sticking with this fic thank you so, so, so, so much. Leave a review to let me know how I did.

Finally, I'm unstuck! I know everything that will happen from now onwards.

Owen and Merlin did talk. Like five whole pages but it was too long. Maybe one day I'll upload it, for now, you can imagine as you wish. I'm skipping several little parts in order to get to the main parts of every chapter.

The last part is here. Officially we are entering the last ten chapters tops.

THANK YOU AGAIN. For your wonderful reviews! For the lovely guest that said needed this chapter like medicine, here it is! And for RuneFlight thank you so much for your kind words, longest review ever. I read all your reviews to get encouragement and you guys and your favorites kept me going. I can't thank you enough.

With lots, lots of love and hoping wherever you are you are doing beautifully.

-Juliet'lovestory-