AU: I know its short, I'm sorry but it jsut had to end there I can update soon though, depending on the reviews...
When they finally decided to camp the knight of Aria did most of Merlin's chores for him, much to the camelotians astonishment, Gwaine's bemusement, and Merlin's embarrassment. Sir Owen got the firewood before Merlin could and Sir Thomas made a stew.
As the group sat around the fire eating Richard straightened up, and coughed, drawing everyone's attention to him.
"There is something you should know." Richard said, addressing the Knights of Camelot. "I didn't want to tell you all this while we were in Camelot but once I tell you, you are free to abandon this quest and return to your King." The knights all nodded and Richard continued, "In Aria magic is not illegal" the knights, except Gwaine and Percival (not having grown up in Camelot) tensed. "It is in fact embraced. Our prince was using magic was born with it, it was a great source of joy and celebration when the boy started using it within two hours of being born."
Gwaine looked at Merlin in shock, who blushed a bright red and seemed to shrink into himself. The other knights of Camelot looked stunned as well, after a moment Percival nodded.
"I'm fine with that, after my family was killed I grew up with the druids." Everyone looked at him with varying expressions from ones of shock and disbelief to ones of surprised but pleased, and he just shrugged.
"Well, I don't mind magic, I'm actually ok with it always thought old Uther was a bit prejudiced for some reason but I never knew why." he said, his brow furrowing but then he just shrugged and looked expectantly to the other two knights of Camelot. Leon had scowled at the comment about Uther but said nothing to challenge it.
"I don't like it." Elyan said slowly, Sir Richard nodded his head solemnly "but I gave my word. I don't back down on my word." He finished and all eyes turned to Leon who seemed surprisingly ok with the turn of events.
"I don't hat emagic," he said, to everyone's astonishment. Merlin thought that Leon of all people, having lived his entire life under Uther's rule, would despise Magic. "I am wary of it but I do not hate it, When the druids healed me I realized that magic can indeed be used for good." He finished, nodding.
There was silence for a few moments before, surprisingly, Percival broke the silence.
"Speaking of your prince," he began and Richard tensed, he had been ordered by his prince but what was he supposed to say? "I thought you said he was in Camelot and you were looking for him?"
"I did," Richard began slowly "but, while we were in Camelot we found no trace of him, we also sent out knights to other kingdoms, it is possible one of the others found him." Percival nodded, accepting the explanation. Merlin sighed in relief and briefly wondered of Richard was telling the truth. Had other knight gone out to look for him? It seemed likely, he would have to ask later.
-Merlin-Merlin-Merlin-Merlin-Merlin
Later that night as they set up the camp the Knights of Aria stationed themselves around Merlin protectively but in such a way that the knights of Camelot didn't notice. Gwaine, being the only one both groups trusted, took first watch later he would wake Richard, Richard would wake Percival and finally Percival would wake Thomas.
Everyone quickly settled down and during Percival's watch Merlin stood up and Percival turned.
"I have to pee." he said, motioning into the woods behind him, Percival nodded. While Merlin was away Percival decided it was time for Sir Thomas to take watch. He made his way over and shook him awake. Sir Thomas immediatly looked to where Merlin was supposed to be and, seeing the spot empty the mans eyes widened in alarm. With amazing speed he kicked Percival's leg out from under him making Percival, who had had his back to the man as he went to go back to sleep, land flat on his back. Thomas quickly jumped on Percival and, keeping him down, held a dagger to his throat.
Then, in a low, dangerous voice Thomas growled "Where. Is. My. Prince?"