They lit candles all around the feasting table. Arthur was suspicious as usual but he didn't know why. Perhaps the way the queen kept watching him, or that Gwaine was overly flirty with ever woman whose skirt brushed to close. No it was most likely the way Merlin fit in so well with the fairy folk. Arthur was watching Merlin discussing spells with a child who claimed to be fifty years old, as he sat at the table awaiting dinner. Many of the folk were beginning to arrive when the queen appeared at his side. "I had lost all hope until you defied me this afternoon."
"All hope?" He asked, not really paying her attention.
"That we would be isolated here forever, condemned until Camelot fell." Her smile was almost friendly, "You have proven to be honorable, Arthur. When the kingdom is yours so will be our allegiance. If you wish it, of course."
"You are still beings of magic. You'll have to forgive me my reluctance."
"I shall. But it is offered none the less." She put a hand on Arthur's shoulder and he looked at her. A sweet smile crossed her face, "The bond you two share is precious… And beautiful to behold for one who can see it." Arthur looked back to Merlin who was changing a leaf into a rock with glee. "It is as you feared, I can see into the hearts of mortals. One mention of your bond and you immediately try to hide. The Dragonlord's magic keeps his heart from my sight, but it doesn't take fairy eyes to see it."
"He is as easily read as a book sometimes."
"I needed to see your response to my challenge. I just wanted to know what kind of king you'll be. And if today was any indication, you'll be one I'd ally with easily."
"Then why must I leave one here? We've all got lives to go back too."
"I must look out for my people. You would do the same to insure your kingdom's security as well." He nodded. Merlin looked his way with a grin. The queen moved away and Merlin walked over to him sitting in the chair next to him.
"Dinner will be soon." Merlin said. Arthur nodded, "What's bothering you?"
"One of us will be left behind tomorrow; I won't be able to convince her to revoke that part of the deal. Escaping is near impossible and also a bad idea. She'll see it as threat to her people and when she does catch us again, she wouldn't let anyone go home."
"What makes you think that?"
Arthur smirked, "Cause it is something I would do."
Merlin shook his head, "Of course." Arthur sighed and ran his fingers through his hair. "It can't be you, Arthur. You stuck around a bunch of magic users? You'd go mad."
"I've survived around you long enough." Merlin bit his lip nervously, as if it bothered him to talk about his magic. "Well, don't think you're staying here. You're still my servant, and now that I know why my meals are always warm by the time you get them to me I intend to bring you back." Merlin ducked his head to hide the grin. "Gwen can't stay; Morgana would kill me. Gwaine is… Not of my kingdom and Lanval never took orders well to begin with. So… Who stays?" But just then the trumpets blew and all rose as the queen sat at the head of the table.
"My subjects and honored guests! On this, the last day of spring, I wish you all the best in the coming season, may the crops grow tall and the harvest be bountiful and that the buds of spring bloom more beautifully then any summer before." She raised her goblet and smiled, "To a new beginning!"
The crowd cheered and they drank. Gwaine and Lanval laughed and joked with the fairy folk around them. They seemed to be taking a shine to the fairy people, perhaps because of their generosity with wine. Gwen was quiet and apologetic, unsure how to act around them. But Merlin, he was a natural, as if speaking with them were his first language. It was like something he remembered Gaius saying; Magic draws in magic after all.
After the feast they were given two tents of their own and a fire just outside them. Merlin slept soundly, as did Gwen in her tent. But Arthur sat awake. Gwaine sat close to Arthur, "Can't sleep?"
"The morning after next we must decide the fate of one of us. Of course I can't sleep."
"Me neither. But… I was thinking. You plan to take him back with you to Camelot?"
Arthur knew exactly who he meant. "That's what I came out here to do."
"I was thinking. You said it yourself, he isn't safe there. You know what Uther will do if he finds out-"
"Only if he finds out. He's been careful so far." Arthur didn't understand where this line of conversation was going.
"Yeah, because he's been lucky. If anyone but you had been around when he had that potion in his system-!" He stopped to calm down a moment. But in that moment Arthur understood. Bringing Merlin back with him would put him in danger. The only way for Merlin to be truly safe was for him to stay away from Camelot… And from Arthur. Disaster seemed to follow him wherever he went.
"I don't know if I can do that. I hear you, believe me I do, but I don't think I can leave him here. He's my... He's my best friend, Gwaine."
"I know you care about him-"
He wrung his hands nervously. "I just-… I needed to see him. I knew it would probably come to him leaving but… I don't know."
Gwaine studied Arthur, but nodded. "He'd be safer here."
Arthur closed his eyes. That hurt. It hurt to hear that leaving Merlin behind, with these people, would be best. They were kin of a kind after all. Merlin once said he didn't fit in anymore in Ealdor. The same was becoming true for Camelot.
"I know you don't like it sire but-"
Just then Lanval stumbled back to camp, "What a party! Have you ever seen anything like this place, beautiful women, good wine, they don't use money! It's brilliant, sire!"
Arthur shook his head, grinning despite his heart breaking, "You're right. It is brilliant. Get to bed."
"Yes, your highness." He crawled into the tent and slept opposite of Merlin. Arthur stretched and heard his back pop in a few places.
Gwaine chuckled, "Go to bed. I hear you haven't slept in an age." Arthur glared. "Excuse me; I believe you should get some rest, my lord."
"I believe I shall." He stood and pushed back the tent flap. There wasn't much space in the tents. The floor was just covered in bedding and a few pillows were tossed about. No matter where he laid he would be uncomfortably close to the two sleeping men. Once Gwaine went to bed there would be absolutely no room. Arthur laid between the two of them doing his best to keep his distance. He faced Merlin, studying the back of his servants head. The thought of Merlin risking himself everyday weighed heavily on him. Merlin muttered something in his sleep and turned to lay on his back, his hands behind his head. Arthur watched Merlin's profile in the limited light. He looked so carefree. Lanval kicked him hard as he turned. Arthur looked over his shoulder but his glare was met only with a loud snore. He couldn't bare the thought of Merlin staying but... But he saw no better choice. His heart ached.
Gwaine lifted the flap then, "Move over a bit… Please… My lord?" Arthur sighed and moved enough to give Gwaine space between him and Lanval, bringing him a good bit closer to Merlin. As the camp fire light began to fade, he let took a deep breath and exhaustion took him. He watched Merlin's chest rise and fall with even breaths. For the first time since the young warlock's departure from Camelot, the prince slept.