When Merlin awoke, he found himself curled up by a fire, his blanket pulled tightly around him. Arthur sat at the other side of the fire, hand gripping his sword as he kept watch. It was still dark, with no hint of the sun. The only light source was coming from the fire itself. It was probably the reason why they had stopped, there was no use sending themselves and their horses stumbling through the woods in the pitch black.

Merlin listened carefully for a couple minutes, but heard nothing but small animals and the crackling of the fire. When he was sure he hadn't heard anything that could be hints of an oncoming threat, he whispered a spell under his breath, as quietly as he could. Then he waited.

Slowly but surely, it started to take effect. First Arthur just yawned, then he laid down on the ground next to the fire. Soon he was sleeping soundly and quietly. Merlin sat up, satisfied with his work. Arthur would never consent to Merlin taking watch in his state, but he knew that the King had not slept since this afternoon and was probably exhausted. Arthur wasn't invincible, and they would be arriving in Camelot shortly by the looks of it. The area around him was definitely Camelot, and the forest they weren't camping in held an essence of home, but in the darkness it was impossible to tell where they were exactly.

Next to Merlin was a water skin, probably something Arthur had lain out for him for when he woke. He drank from it gratefully, then tried to stand. He wobbled slightly, but quickly righted himself and walked over to Arthur and dropped the blanket onto him. He thought about taking his hand, just to see what would happen, but decided against it in fear that it would wake the King. Instead he went over to the horses in search of food. He took that and the medical supplies back the fire with him.

He carefully looked himself over and readjust some of his wrappings. His wrist and ribs hurt the most, and he knew that Gaius should check those first before attending any other matters. After he finished, he amused himself by conjuring images in the fire and practicing spells. He even tried his hand at a healing spell, but it ended up causing blisters to form over the top of his hand, which he then had to treat and wrap so Arthur wouldn't see. Thankfully, it was on the hand that was attached to his broken wrist so he could just say he wrapped it differently if was prompted.

When light finally started to fill the sky, Merlin went back to Arthur's side and jostled him lightly. Arthur bolted awake, looking around and assessed for dangers. "Morning." Merlin said, returning to his spot.

Arthur watched him somewhat wearily. "You look better." he commented.

Merlin nodded. "I feel it."

Arthur looked around again, then glanced at the blanket. He picked it up and ran it through his fingers. "I fell asleep," he said, sounding confused "I shouldn't have done that."

Merlin shrugged. "You needed it, and we both survived the night."

"How long have you been awake?"

"A couple hours."

Arthur nodded. "We'll leave soon. Are you well enough to ride by yourself?" he asked.

Merlin fiddled with a piece of grass that he had been idly tying knots in. "I think so, I can walk on my own. Could we start off slow?"

Arthur scoffed. "Of course Merlin. Did you think I was going to make you do a hard ride?"

Merlin smiled, "It wouldn't surprise me. You're a downright prat in the morning."

Arthur made a mock-angry face. "What did you call me?"

Merlin just laughed and pushed himself to his feet. Arthur jumped up to his own feet when he saw Merlin start to rise to try to help him, but Merlin just wake him off. Arthur rolled his eyes and went to water the horses. In the dim light, Merlin could see everything much more clearly. They were only about an hour's ride from the city.

Arthur had to help Merlin into the saddle, and once he was there, riding proved a little more difficult than he had originally hoped. Even though they started slowly, Merlin still had to ask for them to stop after only a little bit. When Arthur offered to have him ride with them again, Merlin refused. It would look odd if they both returned on the same horse, just more questions to answer. Arthur agreed and they continued.

"What will we tell people when we return to Camelot?" Merlin asked after a while.

Arthur was quiet for a moment. "Very few people knew that the land was plagued by a sorcerer, so I think it's best we not worry them with the news." Arthur said. "I suggest we say that we went to find those who could help."

Merlin nodded. "And what shall we say to those who know?"

Arthur looked at him. "Not the truth. It would ruin both yours and my own reputation." he looked pained as he said it.

Merlin nodded, feeling slightly sullen. "Then we could say he did this to me as payment." he said, raising his injured wrist lightly. "No one but you and I know the full truth. I don't want even Gaius to know if we don't have to tell him."

Arthur hesitated, then spoke. He had to keep slowing his horse's pace to match that of Merlin's. "I don't think people will believe that this man called us all that way just to beat my servant."

"Do you have a better idea?"

Arthur thought about it. "We can say he demanded a favour for the future. And he injured you to show me what would happen if I refused."

Merlin thought about it. "That is actually a good idea." he said, surprised.

Arthur laughed. "Don't look so stunned, Merlin. There's a reason I'm the King."

Merlin smiled. "Yes, there is a reason. Because you're a huge clotpole who steals the brilliant ideas of his servant and coins them as his own."

Arthur scowled at him. "I don't care how bad your ribs hurt, I will pull you from that horse and beat some manners into you."

Merlin laughed and rolled his eyes, knowing Arthur would never follow through on that threat.

It was quiet for a bit before Arthur spoke up. "Merlin, you are okay though, right? Besides the whole...injury thing." he said, gesturing to his ribs and wrist.

Merlin hesitated, then nodded. He did feel oddly at peace with everything that had happened. Everything had been calculated in advance, everything explained and orderly. It didn't really feel as if it had actually happened. It felt like a dream. "I knew what was to come when I came with you and had already accepted it. My only regret is having brought you into this."

Arthur just shook his head. "You had no way of knowing."

Merlin still felt guilty. It was his destiny to protect the king and he hadn't been able to protect him from this. From then on, they rode in silence.

They arrived at Camelot later than expected. When they arrived at the palace, they were greeted by Gwaine and Percival, while Elyan turned to go and assumedly tell Gwen they had arrived. Arthur instructed Percival to help Merlin from his horse and escort him to Gaius, then report back to him as soon as he left Merlin in his care. Gwaine followed Arthur, looking back curiously as Percival went over to Merlin, but followed his King right after Arthur had told the stable boy what to do with the horses and their things.

Percy gave Merlin an easy smile. "Got yourself into some trouble on the way?"

Merlin couldn't help but smile back. "You have no idea."

Percy looked him over, then called for one of the stable boys to grab a stool. Merlin instructed him to be careful of the worst of it, then Percy helped him slide off the saddle onto the stool. Merlin grabbed the supplies, using that as an excuse to lean against the horse and get his baring again. He didn't want Percy to know just how badly he was hurt.

Together they walked to Gaius' and his room, exchanging few words and walking in amiable silence. Percy never prodded, which was always nice. Merlin would have preferred it if Arthur had been the one to accompany him, but he knew the King had other things to attend to other than walking him to the physician's room. Besides, he would see him shortly when he came to discuss the spell that had been placed over them.

Merlin had the most trouble with the stairs. He even had to ask Percy to stop for a moment before continuing up. Percy took the supplies from Merlin and offered him his arm, which Merlin took.

Gaius was in his chambers, working busily over something but stopped when he heard the door open. He smiled and walked over to Merlin, arms outstretched for a hug. Percy laughed. "Careful Gaius, Merlin's a little bent out of shape from some trouble on the road."

Gaius stopped and looked him over. "Indeed you are." he said, his careful eyes taking in everything. "Thank you Percival, I can take it from here."

Percy bowed his head slightly and gave a quick wave to Merlin before going off to report to Arthur as he was told.

Gaius took Merlin into his arms gently, then held him back and looked at him. "I take it you faced more problems than we originally feared?"

Merlin nodded.

Gaius sighed and ushered Merlin to the table. He sat Merlin down and got him some food and water. Merlin was grateful just to be in this room and with Gaius. The normal cluttering of objects and well lit room reassure the boy. The food also helped. By the time he and Arthur had started back up again this morning, they found they had very little of it left, leaving them hungry.

Merlin pulled his shirt off and Gaius went to work checking all his wrappings and wounds. While he worked, Merlin told him off all that had happened, leaving out what had gone on in the bedroom and their other romantic happenings. Merlin had tried hiding the price Blythe would ask from the older man, but he suspected Gaius had found out about it anyways. If he did know, he didn't say anything, and for that Merlin was grateful.

By the time he had finished his story, Gaius had long since finished fixing him up. Merlin had taken something for the pain and he felt stronger with food in his stomach. Gaius got up and moved to stand in front of one of his many bookshelves, looking thoughtful. He pulled out couple of things and brought them back over to Merlin. "I have never heard of such a spell. Are you sure you understand it properly?" he asked, raising an eyebrow.

Merlin nodded. "I'm certain of it. I did learn that he was part fae, so it must have been one of their spells. It was nothing I understood." Merlin said, flipping open a book and looking through it.

Gaius looked intrigued. "Interesting. So what we read was true?"

Merlin nodded. "Most of it, I've never heard of him giving a gift to anyone before."

"And you said that if he hadn't cast this spell over you, Morgana would have?" he asked.

"That's what Blythe said. Does that mean anything to you?"

"Unfortunately not, I cannot think of why or how that would have come to pass. But Morgana does march on Camelot at this very moment."

That made Merlin jerk up. "What?" he said.

"We received word yesterday that she was bringing an army this way. She must have heard about Camelot's lack of provisions and made her move."

Merlin thought over Gaius' words. "Does Arthur know?"

"I'm sure he's being told now."

"And is there a way to remove this spell?" Merlin asked. In truth, he wasn't sure what he wanted the answer to be.

Gaius thought for a moment. "Not for you or I. If there existed a way, only the fae would know of it, and they wouldn't give it up to you easily."

A silence stretched out between them, until someone knocked at the door. Gaius rose to get it, but Merlin pulled on his sleeve urgently. "Don't tell him that the fae might offer a solution. He will then pursue that lead and now is not the time. We can tell him later, after Morgana has been defeated."

Gaius hesitated then nodded. "That sounds best." the old man hurried over to the door and opened it for the King.

"Hello Gaius." he said courteously. Arthur strode in and looked around, finding Merlin and walking over to him, followed by Gaius.

"Good afternoon Sire." Gaius said.

"How are you, Merlin?" Arthur said when he reached him. Gaius stood next to the King, both of them looking down at Merlin. Arthur's eyes searched Merlin's body, moving from his bruises and cuts to the wrappings. Feeling self conscious, Merlin slipped his shirt back on, hiding his blush at the King's scrutinises. "Much better." Merlin mumbled.

Gaius turned to the King, blind to what was going on. "You've heard the news of Morgana?"

Arthur's face darkened as he nodded. "Just another problem to add to the list." he said. "I assume Merlin has told you of what Blythe has done to us?"

Gaius nodded. "He has, sire."

"And?"

"May I ask a few questions? Merlin has told me how he feels it, but I would like to know what you are feeling under the spell."

Arthur nodded and took a seat across from Merlin. He looked up at Gaius. "None of this leaves this room." he said sternly.

Gaius nodded. "Of course sire."

Arthur looked at Merlin, then back to Gaius. "When I touch Merlin's skin with my own, my mind connects with his. I don't know how or why, but I'm still me, feeling what I feel, but I can also feel the things that Merlin does. Some things more strongly than others. And I can't always control them. Last night Merlin had this...dream that was I pulled into and couldn't escape until it ended. It was..." he struggled for a word. "Frightening to have so little control." he said, giving Merlin a side ling glance. There was something in that look that Merlin couldn't understand. He didn't remember dreaming at all last night.

Gaius looked over at him as well. "I see. Merlin, have you also been subject to a lack of control in some situations?"

Merlin nodded. "When Arthur was feeling... worried over me, I could see things from his point of view." he said, looking over at Arthur, who was looking anywhere but at him.

Gaius looked transfixed by the information. "Strange. I would like to see this in action if you would permit it."

Arthur looked over to Merlin, who nodded and held out his good hand to him. Arthur leaned over and grasped it tightly. Immediately Merlin was subjected to Arthur's feelings and thoughts. He could feel Arthur searching his face, but Merlin looked only at their hands. Arthur's nervousness and stress washed over Merlin as he could see flicks of faces gathered around the round table, all looking at him and telling him the news of his sister.

He wondered what Arthur found within his mind when he looked.

Pain. Came Arthur's reply to his thought. Merlin tried to let go, but Arthur held on tightly. Arthur sent a soothing feeling towards Merlin, helping him to relax. It was so interesting what they could do to and for each other.

Gaius nodded as he watched their silent exchange. "Interesting," he said. "I don't see a thing. Thank you."

Arthur nodded and released Merlin's hand, somewhat begrudgingly. Merlin was glad when he did. He pulled it to his chest and held it there with his injured one.

Arthur watched him with guarded eyes, then turned back to Gaius. "Have you heard of this before?"

Gaius shook his head. "Unfortunately not, Sire." he said "But I shall search my books and see if there is anything to be done." he gestured to the hundreds of books piled around him.

Arthur nodded. "I thank you, Gaius. Anything that could help, just send for me and I shall find you as soon as I am able."

Gaius bowed slightly, then turned to Merlin. "You should get some rest." he said "I will help you to your room."

Arthur stood. "No need Gaius, I'll do that."

Gaius nodded. "Thank you Sire."

Merlin stood and walked by himself, with Arthur following close behind. Arthur laughed when he saw the mess that was Merlin's bedroom. Merlin frowned at him. "I hardly have time to clean up my own thing after I finish with your chores."

Arthur just smiled. "You will have plenty of time for that now."

Merlin's jaw dropped. "Are you letting me go?" he said, distraught.

The smile slipped immediately from Arthur's face. "Of course not. I mean, unless you want to leave. I just thought-I... I said I'd give you a week off." he said, looking confused.

All the tension left Merlin's body. "Oh, right."

Arthur looked at him and touched his shoulder lightly. Merlin was slightly uncomfortable with the proximity, no longer sure what he wanted. "Merlin," Arthur said, "I told you, you can chose to stay or go. I will not blame you if you want to leave."

Merlin shook his head. "I want to stay in your service. I will take my week off after Morgana is dealt with. You wouldn't survive this without my wit and humour." he said, smiling slightly.

Arthur laughed. "In that case, you should definitely take it off now."

"Not a chance." Merlin said.

"I am your King, Merlin." Arthur said.

"Sorry. Not a chance, Sire."

Arthur swatted at him, but Merlin ducked.

"Come back as soon as you're healed." Arthur said.

Merlin nodded. Arthur hovered there, looking like he wanted to say more. Instead, he reached out and took hold of Merlin's hand. In that touch, Merlin could feel all that Arthur didn't say. The confusion, the gratefulness, the worry and then anxiety at the oncoming war against Morgana. Merlin looked up at him and nodded. No words were needed.

With that, Arthur slipped his hand from Merlin's and turned, leaving him to rest. Merlin closed the door behind him, then crawled into his bed and slipped under the covers. It didn't take him long to slip into a dreamless sleep.

AN. I've sorted out and wrote down exactly what I want from this story and where I will be taking it. There will be around 10 chapters, no less but maybe one more. Depends on just how sexy I decide to make the next chapter. ;D