Don't hate me, please don't, it just kinda happened I swear. Before you read this I need to warn you I WILL kill off characters if I feel like it, I know what you're thinking "oh but she wouldn't kill off _" oh but I will, even Merlin and Arthur are not safe their is only one character who will not die, no matter what and that is Gwaine, everyone else is free game to me. So please review they mean a lot, Also 91 Reviews so far yay! come on guys lets get this up to 100! Anyway, Enjoy and please don't hate me *laughs evilly*

Merlin: What do you mean you'll kill me and Arthur?! Why is Gwaine the only one that's safe?!

Me: *shrugs* Gwaine is amazing and awesome and I love him.

Gwaine: *grins cockily*

Arthur&Merlin: *glare at Gwaine and I*

Arthur sat in his chair at the Round Table, Guinevere on his left, in the end he had decided to have all of the knights come to the meeting instead of just the round table and the Council. The knights had respectfully not sat until the council members were seated. Still most of the knights remained standing. Arthur looked to the painfully empty four seats to his right where the original Knights of the Round Table sat. No one had dared sit in their seats and if one of the younger knights seemed to be wandering over to claim one a sharp glare from the King or a muttered word from an older knight stopped him. Once everyone was there, taking a deep breath, not entirely sure how to tell them the news, he began.

"As I am sure you are all aware," Arthur said, drawing all eyes to him and silencing any conversation "two weeks ago a small party arrived from the kingdom of Aria and requested my assistance in winning back their kingdom." Confused nods, "I recently learned however that Aria is a kingdom that embraces magic." everyone in the room tensed at the words "and I believe that it was a trap to get me to Aria, perhaps for revenge, perhaps to hold me hostage for ransom I'm not sure" he continued, anger flaring in his eyes as well as in the knights throughout the room. Gaius looked extremely pale but Arthur dismissed it. "Although I was unable to aid them myself, my most trusted knights Sirs Leon, Percival, Elyan, and Gwaine went with them. I fear that Aria may try to take them as hostage or simply kill them." He said darkly, Gwen gasped beside him as tears filled her eyes and the council members looked pale, the knights simply looked furious. "I have called you all here because I plan to go and retrieve my knights, no matter the cost. I also feel this is an act of war, if I am correct in my thoughts." He finished, sitting back in his chair slightly. Arguing immediately broke out between the council members, Gaius remained silent, still and pale as death.

"Sire," Gaius said softly and silence fell so everyone could hear what the physician had to say. "I do not believe that Aria wishes any harm to the knights, I believe they were truthful in what they said." Arthur stared at him for a few minutes, contemplating what he said.

"Perhaps you are right Gaius," the old man seemed to sag in relief, until Arthur continued "however, I can not take the chance that you are wrong. In three days I am going to travel to Aria to retrieve my knights, whatever knight wishes to come to help me rescue our brothers-in-arms are welcome to join me." The knights in the room immediately straightened, Arthur looked each of them in the eye, each nodding their agreement to come.

"What is your plan once you reach Aria sire?" Geoffrey asked, the librarian looking worried. "Surely you can not hope to win against a kingdom of magic with the knights alone, not that I doubt the knights ability but against so many you can not hope to win." Arthur nodded.

"You are right of course, I plan to send a message to Aria, demanding the safe return of my knights, should they refuse or the knights are harmed I will send word back to Camelot and the armies of Camelot will march on Aria."

VVVVVLine break passing throughVVVVVVVVV'scuse meVVVVVVVVVpardon meVVVVVVsorry, almost through

Merlin's grin was so wide Richard wondered if it was hurting him. Twenty minutes ago they had finally crossed into Aria and upon Richard's announcement of the fact the young man's face had lit up and was staying that way. Thomas had outright laughed at the expression on the young king's face, his eyes alight with joy that they had succesfully returned home with the long lost prince, now king.

As they rode Merlin told the others of how, exactly, Percival had found out Merlin's secret and the entire group began laughing, much to Thomas's embarrassment. Thomas had quickly changed the subject by asking what exactly the others had been talking about when they mentioned the old man in the woods. The Camelot knights had quickly shut up at that, a red tint coming to their cheeks. This only furthered the others curiosity, Merlin had pretended to be reluctant to tell the story but after they pestered him some he gleefully told the story of how he had defeated the best knights in the realm while disguised as an old man. At the end of the story the Knights of Aria were howling with laughter as the Knights of Camelot either blushed or glared at Merlin angrily.

The Knights of Aria tensed after a time, watching the surrounding woods cautiously, the Knights of Camelot did the same and Merlin looked to Richard in confusion.

"Your Uncle's men have been rumored to attack travelers on this road." The older knight quickly explained and the Merlin's face darkened in anger.

"Surely they wouldn't attack such a large group? Especially when we are all knights, save Merlin that is." Leon asked, glancing apologetically at Merlin who shrugged. Richard shook his head.

"With Merlin with us they may risk it," He said, still scanning the woods "also, do not under estimate my kings skill with a sword, before he had to flee he was quite skilled." Merlin blushed slightly and the Knights of Camelot stared at Richard as if he had hit his head.

"Merlin?!" Gwaine asked, laughing "Merlin couldn't even lift a sword, let alone wield one!" the other Knights of Camelot nodded in agreement while Merlin glared at Gwaine, his eyes flashing gold, though Gwaine was to busy laughing to notice. The rest of the group watched in various degrees of amusement as the rowdy knight's hair turned a bright pink. When Gwaine had finished laughing he looked at the others, who were barely holding back their laughter, in confusion.

"Wha-" He began but he narrowed his eyes when they landed on a smirking Merlin. "Merlin?" He asked slowly, "What did you do?" Merlin simply continued to smirk as the others finally let their laughter loose, even Leon and Elyan were laughing. Percival roared in laughter before taking pity on his friend and motioning to his hair. Gwaine grabbed one of the locks and stared at it in shock and horror, making everyone laugh even harder.

"Merlin, change it back!" Gwaine whined. Merlin opened his mouth to reply but froze and whirled around toward the trees. Everyone else quickly sobered and drew their swords, eyes scanning the woods.

"Sire?" Richard asked, worried. Merlin shook his head.

"I thought I heard something. I must have imagined it." even as he said it men began pouring out of the woods, swords drawn, some shouting spells, their eyes glowing gold.

Merlin POV

Merlin had been about to reply to the rowdy knight when he suddenly felt his magic perk up, he froze and quickly scanned the woods. He saw nothing but his magic was still warning him about something, itching to be released. The second after he tried to reassure himself and the others his magic flared as men began pouring out of the woods. The men bore his uncle's crest, Merlin's fury rose and his magic practically screamed to be released. Before he could even think of what to do one of the sorcerers shouted a spell that Merlin knew was meant to kill, he watched in horror as it flew at Richard, who was beside him, sword drawn and ready to protect his king with his life. The spell hit Richard and Merlin roared in anger and fear, his magic finally breaking free to reek havoc.