Wow! So many reviews building up :D I never thought I'd get so many, especially on my first attempt. I can't believe how supportive everyone is here. Well, I promised a quick update, and here it is. Hope you enjoy :)

Disclaimer: I don't own Merlin

Chapter 7

Arthur was thoroughly confused. He had never before heard of a person being born with magic- it was something you learnt or developed as you grew older- something you studied for years to master. Surely it couldn't be possible for a person to simply be born with the ability to use it? But when he voiced his opinions to the younger man, Merlin just gave him a lopsided grin.

"Yeah well, I'm kind of an exception."

"In what way?"

Merlin looked embarrassed. He really wasn't used to talking about himself in this way. "I, um. Well... It's kind of hard to explain without sounding really big-headed."

"Why on earth would you be coming across as big-headed Merlin?

"I kind of have this destiny..." He paused, a blush rising in his cheeks.

"Go on."

"There's never been anyone like me before, and there probably never will be again. I'm sort of destined to become... well."

"Oh for God's sake Merlin, will you hurry it up already!"

"To become... the most powerful warlock of all time." The young warlock rushed this last sentence, and then instantly turned his eyes away. It was almost amusing for Arthur to watch- he had never seen Merlin act like this before. Then the reality of what had been said sunk in.

"The most powerful? In all time?" Still with his eyes averted from the Prince's face, Merlin nodded. Arthur burst out laughing. "You? That's hilarious! I mean, I could tell that you had quite some level of power, but that?" His laughter grew even more raucous as he saw the conflicted look on Merlin's face- it was like the boy hardly knew whether he should be embarrassed or offended by this absurd reaction to his confession. Finally, he stepped forward with a slightly annoyed look plastered across his face.

"You don't believe me do you?"

"Honestly Merlin," Arthur chuckled, "I don't know what to believe any more."

"Fine then. I'll show you. What do you want me to do?"

Arthur stopped laughing. "Wait- you're actually serious?"

"Yes."

"You're the most powerful sorcerer of all time?"

Merlin blushed again. "Apparently."

Arthur looked around the campsite, searching for anything which could be of use. He recalled what Merlin had said about using magic- how it had made him remember his own feelings when he fought- and an idea flashed inside his mind.

"You see those sticks over there?"

Merlin glanced over to where Arthur was gesturing. Sure enough, there were two sticks lying near the edge of the clearing, each once about 2 feet in length. "Yes."

"I want you to make them have a swordfight." Merlin snorted. Trust the Crown Prince of Camelot to come up with such a ridiculous example. Arthur couldn't resist a little dig. "What? Can't you do it."

"Oh please, I could do that sort of thing when I was still a child. I wouldn't even need to speak any words of the ancient language."

"Go on then. Show me." Arthur sent his servant a taunting grin. This would be fun. Merlin gave a quick pout before turning to face the sticks.

"Fine."

A few seconds later, the two pieces of wood floated up into the air. Arthur watched, amazed, as they began to go through a series of motions- beginning small and gradually working upwards until they were performing an intricate series of manoeuvres. It finally ended with one 'Sword' knocking the other from an imaginary grip, sending it flying out of the clearing before performing a small flourish of victory and dropping to the ground. All-in-all? It was a pretty fantastic fight. But Arthur wasn't about to let Merlin know that. He turned to the young man, viewing his triumphant smile.

"Is that all you've got?" The smile faded slightly, before returning in full force when the Prince spoke again. "What else can you do?

The rest of the day passed in the blink of an eye. The two of them laughed as Merlin performed various magical feats- a dragon made from the flames of the campfire; a withered flower coming back to life in his hand; two orbs of light chasing each-other round the camp in a game of tag. Through it all, Arthur kept glancing at Merlin. The young manservant seemed more free somehow. He was always a bit of a joker, and he had always seemed quite happy and content with his life, but now he looked as though he hadn't a care in the world. His eyes sparkled with joy as he cast spell after spell, finally able to use his magic as much as he wanted. Arthur couldn't help but wonder- how much must it have hurt this young man to have to keep such a huge secret for so long?

As the sun moved across the sky, and the time drew nearer for the Knights to return from their day of searching, Merlin magically cleared up the mess scattered around the camp and the two dropped into their more usual topics of conversation. It wouldn't do for Sir Leon and the rest to return only to be confronted by the sight of the cooking utensils dancing around merrily in the air.

When the Knights did return, they took one look at the Prince before rushing over to him, concern evident on their faces.

"Sire!" Exclaimed Sir Mordon, one of the older members of the group. "What happened?" Arthur only looked up in confusion.

"What do you mean?"

"Your head sire!" The Prince lifted his hand to his head. He had forgotten about his injury.

"Oh, this?" He quickly searched his mind to come up with a plausible excuse. "It's nothing. This idiot went to sleep and started tossing around all over the place. He hooked his leg under mine, and I tripped and hit my head. I'm fine though, nothing to worry about." It wasn't a total lie.

The Knights looked enquiringly at the clumsy young servant, who grinned sheepishly.

"It's true. I'm truly sorry. It's nothing major though. Gaius has shown me how to treat minor wounds just in case." He turned to the Prince, slipping back into servant mode. "I would, however, suggest that you don't sleep tonight sire. You can never be sure with head wounds, and Gaius would kill me if I let you sleep when you had a concussion."

Sir Leon turned to face Arthur.

"That's all very well sire, but surely we should get it seen to? Maybe we should return to Camelot early?"

"No no." Arthur shook his head. He still had some things to talk through with Merlin, and he'd never be able to back in the city or on the ride back. Who knew when they would next have an opportunity like this one. "We were going to head back the day after tomorrow anyway. I can easily last until then. I feel fine. I'll stay awake tonight like Merlin suggested, and leave the search to you again tomorrow Leon."

The older Knight nodded, his expression still dubious. "If you're sure sire." Arthur gave a brisk nod.

"I am. Now, who fancies some food? I see you've brought back a few rabbits. I'm sure Merlin will cook us up a fine meal. Won't you Merlin?" The young man sighed in reply.

"Yes sire."

Well, there you have it. Once again, please review. It's highly exciting reading them all :)

I agree with a few of you reviewers. I'm still missing a bit of Arthur ranting. Hmmm... Ideas for next chapter forming in my mind...